SPRING 2009

May 5, 2009
15:00-16:00, JR 331

Professor Irene Gamba
Mathematics Department, University of Texas at Austin

Title: Analytical and Numerical Issues for Botlzmann Type Equations

Abstract: N/A

March 3, 2009
15:00-16:00, SH 310

Dr. Stefano Vidussi
Mathematics Department, UC Riverside

Title: Symplectic 4-Manifolds with Trivial Canonical Bundle

Abstract: Symplectic 4-manifolds appear as central ingredients in the study of 4-manifolds. In the last 25 years, there has been an enormous advance in our understanding of symplectic manifolds. However, except in few cases, it is still unknown whether the examples we know represent the whole world of symplectic 4-manifolds. In this talk I will show how, combining techniques from 3- and 4-dimensional topology it is possible to determine all symplectic 4-manifolds with trivial canonical bundle that admit a free circle action. (Joint work with Stefan Friedl).

February 16, 2009
16:00-17:30, SH 310

Dr. Arek Goetz
San Francisco State University

Title: University Calculus in the Age of Social Network, Broadband, and Budget Cuts

Abstract: I will report on my journey on building an internet based system for teaching calculus. Conceived in 2002 while tracking Callanques in South of France, and developed frequently while travelling, today the system is a stable platform for worldwide calculus. The centerpiece of the system are 25 video lectures as well as a learning 24/7 homework forum. The pre recorded video lectures are currently used in a short term CSU funded project: "Calculus in the New Millennium." In this CSU project colleagues (Hsu, Meredith) and I have the goal to teach at least as effectively and focus more on the group work instead of a traditional in class lecture. The custom made robotic video camera system (by Slawek Goetz) for tracking a mathematician in the lecture was used in recording calculus lectures, is now used by other faculty, one of whom, Ardila, is teaching the same class at SFSU, and in Bogota, Colombia. I will share with the audience the joys and major challenges of running a technologically and internet based mathematics course.

February 5, 2009
15:00-16:00, SH 310

Dr. Christian Haesemeyer
Mathematics Department, UCLA

Title: Algebraic and Geometric Invariants of Singularities

Abstract: A singularity of the zero set of some polynomial equations is a point where the Jacobian matrix of the equations doesn't have full rank. In this talk, I aim to discuss two kinds of invariants of singularities: those that come from a resolution, or smoothing, of the singularity, and those that can't be described in this fashion.