From nuclear physics to video games, three members of the Mathematics Development Advisory Board will give talks on how their mathematics degree have impacted their career. Pizza will be provided.
Matthew Deady, Professor Emeritus of Physics, Bard College
Talk Title: Math as a Master Key
Abstract: In my career as an experimental nuclear physicist and as a small college teacher, it was often necessary for me to figure out how to do something I was not specifically trained for. From designing equipment and algorithms for particle detection to developing new courses for a growing science program, it was often my UIUC math training that gave me the tools to address the challenges.
Kelly Yancey, Research Staff Member at the Institute for Defense Analyses - Center for Computing Sciences
Title: Ergodic Theory to the Rescue!
Abstract: During this talk I will introduce ergodic theory - the research area that I worked on during my time at UIUC while I was a Ph.D. student. Then I will discuss how this knowledge of ergodic theory helped me solve my first real-world problem during a summer internship at IDA/CCS.
Roger Wolfson, Independent software engineer, formerly at Bungie and Microsoft
Talk Title: Alpha Lupi: A Math Guy in the Games World
Abstract: Most professionals reach Peak Math in college, letting their skills fade with time. I’ll share a few fun results from trying instead to keep it a part of my life, taken from two decades making games.