Department of Mathematics, WUSTL - Talks List, Fall 2009

A list of lectures, seminars, colloquia, and other events hosted by
the Department of Mathematics at Washington University in St. Louis  

Past schedules:August|September|October|

FALL 2009 Seminars Schedule

Mondays

Analysis Seminar

Time: 4:00-5:00pm *
Location: Cupples I, Room 199

Host: Prof. Richard Rochberg

Tuesdays

Combinatorics Seminar

Time: 2:00-3:00pm *
Location: Cupples I, Room 199

Host: Russ Woodroofe

 

Graduate Organized Talks Seminar

Time: 4:00-5:00pm *
Location: Cupples I, Room 199

Host: Raphiel Murden

Wednesdays

Graduate Students Talk

Time: 3:00-4:00pm *
Location: Cupples I, Room 199

Host: Prof. Guido Weiss

 

Algebraic Geometry Seminar

Time: 4:00-5:30pm *
Location: Cupples I, Room 215

Host: Prof. Mohan Kumar

Thursdays

Geometry and Topology Seminar

Time: 3:00-4:00pm *
Location: Cupples I, Room 111

Host: Prof. Xiang Tang

Fridays

Wavelet Seminar

Time: 3:30-4:30pm *
Location: Cupples I, Room 199

Host: Prof. Guido Weiss

* Times may vary, please consult the schedule below for details:

NOVEMBER 2009

Monday, November 2

Analysis Seminar

Time: 4:00-5:00pm
Location: Cupples I, Room 199
Host: Prof. Richard Rochberg

Speaker: Professor Marcus Carlsson
Department of Mathematics, Purdue University
Title: Approximation of functions by sums of (few) exponentials and AAK-theory for Hankel operators
Abstract: An algorithm from 2004 by G. Beylkin and L. Monzon aimed at achieving the first part of the title, is shown to be a consequence of the Adamyan Arov Krein theorem on finite rank approximations of Hankel operators, (at least for certain cases). The algorithm does however work in greater generality than the current theory supports. I will introduce various operators that in one way or another deserves the name Hankel operator, present new results about these as well as open problems.

Tuesday, November 3

Combinatorics Seminar

Time: 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Cupples I, Room 199
Host: Russ Woodroofe

Speaker: Professor John Shareshian
Department of Mathematics, Washington University in St. Louis
Title: Intervals in subgroup lattices of finite groups
Abstract: Continuation of last week's seminar.

Tuesday, November 3

Graduate Organized Talks Seminar

Time: 4:00-5:00pm
Location: Cupples I, Room 199
Host: Raphiel Murden

Speaker: Ben Manning
Department of Mathematics, Washington University in St. Louis
Title: TBA
Abstract: Some stuff about wavelets. If there is time, I might prove a theorem.

Wednesday, November 4

Colloquium

Time: Tea: 4:00-4:30pm
Talk: 4:30-5:30pm
Location: Cupples I, Room 199
Host: Prof. Roya Beheshti-Zavareh

Speaker: Professor Dragos Oprea
Department of Mathematics, University of California, San Diego
Title: Generalized theta functions
Abstract: For any compact Riemann surface, we can associate an algebraic torus, the Jacobian, together with a theta divisor given by the zero locus of an explicit function, the theta function. In higher rank and over an arbitrary base, one obtains theta divisors and generalized theta functions over moduli spaces of vector bundles. I will explain recent results concerning the spaces of generalized theta functions.

Friday, November 6

Wavelet Seminar

Time: 3:30-4:30pm
Location: Cupples I, Room 199
Host: Prof. Guido Weiss

Speaker: Professor Hrvoje Sikic
Department of Mathematics, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Title: Systems of translates
Abstract: The study of systems of translates comes naturally within the general wavelet framework. It provides, among other things, an interesting connection between harmonic and functional analysis. Working with several people from the (world wide) St.Louis group we have solved some and encountered some more interesting problems.

Monday, November 9

Analysis Seminar

Time: 4:00-5:00pm
Location: Cupples I, Room 199
Host: Prof. Richard Rochberg

Speaker: Professor Jeremy Chapman
Department of Mathematics, University of Missouri, Columbia
Title: K-point configurations in vector spaces over finite fields
Abstract: Click here

Tuesday, November 10

Graduate Organized Talks Seminar

Time: 4:00-5:00pm
Location: Cupples I, Room 199
Host: Raphiel Murden

Speaker: Jeffrey Langford
Department of Mathematics, Washington University in St. Louis
Title: Theorems of Talenti-Type
Abstract: We begin by considering a PDE with arbitrary geometry and then perform a symmetrization process to consider a "symmetrized" PDE.  Depending on which symmetrization we've used, we'll get different relationships between the solutions.  Sobolev Spaces, weak solutions to Elliptic PDE, and Symmetrization will all be discussed.

Thursday, November 12

Geometry and Topology Seminar

Time: 3:00-4:00pm
Location: Cupples I, Room 111
Host: Prof. Xiang Tang

Speaker: Philip Huling
Department of Mathematics, Saint-Louis University
Title: Rigidity of Hyperbolic 3-Orbifolds
Abstract: We define a hyperbolic $n$-orbifold to be the quotient of hyperbolic $n$-space, ${\mathbb H}^n$, by a discrete subgroup, $\Gamma$, of $\text{Isom}({\mathbb H}^n)$. If $\Gamma$ is cofinite in $\text{Isom} ({\mathbb H}^3)$, then the size of its deformation space (up to conjugation) is well known. However, we may view $\Gamma$ as being a subset of $\text {Isom}({\mathbb H}^4)$ to investigate how this inclusion into a higher dimension allows for more deformations in the group. We find the dimension of the deformation space of a large class of cofinite Coxeter groups and then develop tools to analyze the deformation space of groups commensurable with them. Specifically, we are able to describe the deformation spaces of those Bianchi groups which have a finite index Coxeter subgroup.

Thursday, November 19

Colloquium

Time: Tea: 4:00-4:30pm
Talk: 4:30-5:30pm
Location: Cupples I, Room 199
Host: Prof. Nan Lin

Speaker: Professor Yuhong Yang
School of Statistics, University of Minnesota
Title: Combining Quantile Regression Estimators
Abstract: Model selection for quantile regression is often a challenging problem. In addition to the well-known general difficulty of model selection uncertainty, when quantiles at multiple probability levels are of interest, typically a single candidate does not serve all of them well simultaneously. In this talk we propose methods to combine quantile estimators. Oracle inequalities show that at each given probability level, the combined estimators automatically perform nearly as well as the best candidate. Simulation and real examples show that the proposed model combination approach often leads to a substantial gain in accuracy under global measures of performance. (The talk is based on joint work with Kejia Shan.)

Monday, November 23

Analysis Seminar

Time: 4:00-5:00pm
Location: Cupples I, Room 199
Host: Prof. Richard Rochberg

Speaker: Jeff Langford
Department of Mathematics, Washington University in St. Louis
Title: TBA
Abstract: TBA

DECEMBER 2009

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Colloquium

Time: Tea: 4:00-4:30pm
Talk: 4:30-5:30pm
Location: Cupples I, Room 199
Hosts: Prof. David Wright

Speaker: Professor Arno van den Essen
Department of Mathematics, University of Nijmegen
Title: A Journey through Magic Squares
Abstract: Magic squares are one of the oldest mathematical objects. Found in various cultures, they have been studied by mathematicians and laymen for over five thousand years. In this lecture we will take a journey through the extensive history of these squares: We will discuss normal magic squares, pan magic squares, prime magic squares, alpha-magic squares, and Benjamin Franklin's magic squares. We will give special attention to a method for constructing Franklin's squares that led to a magic square craze in the Netherlands in 2007. The lecture is aimed at a general mathematical audience. All students are encouraged to attend.

SPRING 2010 Seminars Schedule

APRIL 2010

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Colloquium

Time: Tea: 4:00-4:30pm
Talk: 4:30-5:30pm
Location: Cupples I, Room 199
Hosts: Prof. Quo-Shin Chi

Speaker: Professor Yng-Ing Lee
Department of Mathematics, National Taiwan University
Title: TBA
Abstract: TBA

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Colloquium

Time: 4:00-5:00pm
Location: TBA
Hosts: Profs. David Wright, Ken Kelton, Ram Cowsik

Speaker: Professor Srinivasa Varadhan
Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University
Title: TBA
Abstract: TBA

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Colloquium

Time: Tea: 4:00-4:30pm
Talk: 4:30-5:30pm
Location: Cupples I, Room 199
Host: Prof. Al Baernstein

Speaker: Professor Terry Sheil-Small
Department of Mathematics, University of York, England
Title: TBA
Abstract: TBA

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Loeb Undergraduate Lecture in Mathematics

Time: Tea: 4:00-4:30pm
Talk: 4:30-5:30pm
Location: TBA
Host: Prof. Ronald Freiwald

Speaker: Professor Martin Golubitsky
Department of Mathematics and Director of the Mathematical Biosciences Institute, Ohio State University
Title: Symmetries and Animal Gaits
Abstract: Many gaits of four-legged animals can be described by spatio- temporal symmetries. For example, when a horse paces it moves both left legs in unison and then both right legs and so on. The motion is described by two symmetries: Interchange front and back legs, and swap left and right legs with a half-period phase shift. Biologists postulate the existence of a central pattern generator (CPG) in the neuronal system that sends periodic signals to the legs. CPGs can be thought of as electrical circuits that produce periodic signals and can be modeled by coupled systems of differential equations with symmetries based on leg permutation. In this lecture we discuss animal gaits; describe how periodic solutions with prescribed spatio- temporal symmetry can be formed in symmetric systems; construct a CPG architecture that naturally produces quadrupedal gait rhythms; and make several testable predictions about gaits.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Roever Colloquium

Time: Tea: 4:00-4:30pm
Talk: 4:30-5:30pm
Location: Cupples I, Room 199
Host: Prof. Quo-Shin Chi

Speaker: Professor Simon Brendle
Department of Mathematics, Stanford University
Title: TBA
Abstract: TBA

Friday, April 30, 2010

Roever Seminar

Time: 3:00-4:00pm
Location: Cupples I, Room 199
Host: Prof. Quo-Shin Chi

Speaker: Professor Simon Brendle
Department of Mathematics, Stanford University
Title: TBA
Abstract: TBA

 

 

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Last Updated 11/05/09


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