No Seminars
No Seminars
Chemistry Seminar
Dr. Wesley Pearson’s Farewell Lecture
7:00 pm in RNS 150, followed by dessert reception (this will count as a seminar)
No Seminars
MSCS Colloquium: Estimating Velocity for Processive Motor Proteins with Random Detachment
John Hughes, Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota, Biostatistics
Processive motor proteins are ATP-powered biological nanomachines that drive many forms of movement in living organisms. The existence of eukaryotic organisms depends on these tiny motors because the passive process of diffusion is not sufficient to transport unwieldy payloads within the cell in a timely fashion. A motor protein overcomes these difficulties by hydrolyzing ATP in order to tow a cargo rapidly and in a directed path along a suitable substrate. Knowledge of these motors
could lead to important biomedical applications, e.g., anti-tumor technologies; treatments for neurodegenerative diseases; devices for blood testing and genetic screening; and treatments for diseases caused by motor protein defects.
We show that, for a wide range of models, standard t-distribution based inference about the velocity of processive motor proteins is sub-optimal. We develop a method that gives more precise inference regarding motor velocity in a one-sample case and significantly increases power to detect differences in velocity between two groups. These results should be of interest to experimentalists who wish to engineer motors possessing specific functional characteristics.
3:30pm, RNS 310
Biology Seminar: RNS 410 4:00 PM
Big Magnets, Metabolism and Small Mice
(or Metabolic Dysfunction in Huntington’s Disease Mouse Brain)
Janet M Dubinsky, PhD
Increasing evidence suggests that brain metabolic function is compromised in Huntington’s Disease. Defects in glycolytic and mitochondrial function are both implicated. However in vivo evidence is scarce. We used the magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) technique on mouse models of HD to examine brain metabolites as biomarkers for disease progression and to probe ATP generation and oxygen consumption. What we find depends upon when, where and how we look.
No Seminar:
No Seminar:
Science Conversation Seminar: The Evolution of Beauty: From Warblers to Warhol
Richard Prum, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University
Abstract: Sexual ornaments are biological features that evolve through sensory/cognitive mating preferences of other organisms. Most biologists propose that such mating displays evolve through forms of natural selection for honest indicators of mate quality. I propose that adaptive mate choice mechanisms are intellectually insufficient to explain the complexity and diversity of sexual ornaments. I expand on Darwin’s original view of mate choice as a mechanism of aesthetic evolution. A fundamental feature of mate choice is the coevolution of mating displays and aesthetic mating preferences. Broadly, the coevolution of ornaments and their evaluations provides a framework for a “post-human” aesthetic philosophy that spans all biology and human culture. The goal of this aesthetic research program is not a reductive science of art, but rather a shared, intellectual tool box for the interconnected investigation of aesthetic phenomena across human and non-human species.
3:30 pm, RNS 150; reception to follow outside of the classroom
This seminar is free and open to the public
No Seminar:
Physics Seminar: Grad School Panel
Two recent alums who are studying at the U of MN will be joined by a senior physics major. They will talk about their experiences and answer questions about grad school.
Elliot Schmidt ’12, Lauren Snyder ’12 & Lucas Sletten ’15
7:30 pm, RNS 208
Joint Neuroscience and MSCS Seminar:
Breaking the Speech Code: A Neuroinformatic Approach
Chris Boven, UIUC
Neurophysiologists have long relied on a standard set of visualization and statistical techniques for the analysis of neural spike trains. With the rise of so-called machine learning algorithms and the availability of more powerful hardware, new approaches tothis problem are being explored which have the potential to enhance our understanding of speech and the auditory system.
3:30 pm, RNS 310
Mathematical Biology Senior Showcase:
6:30 pm, RNS 2nd Floor Atrium – Poster session and dessert. Senior Mathematical Biology concentrators that will be presenting are: Emily Berry, Ben Liska, Elaine Rood, Martha Sudermann, Amy Waananen and Julia Wolter.
7:00 pm, RNS 290 – Speaker: Claudia Neuhauser, University of Minnesota
The Role of Big and Small Data in the Life and Health Sciences: Big and small data are ubiquitous in the life and health sciences: We use genomics data to diagnose and treat diseases, sensor data to measure physiological variables, satellite data to track land use changes.To generate the data, we develop novel technologies. The data are probed with a variety of computational tools. Mathematical models are used to uncover mechanisms and make predictions. Mathematics and statistics provide the foundation for the models and tools. They are also a way of thinking. We will discuss a number of application areas to illustrate how mathematics and statistics play an important role in gaining a greater understanding in these various applications. Furthermore, we will discuss the importance of communicating the knowledge extracted from the data and will introduce some principles from design to facilitate communication.
Physics Colloquium: Guiding Cracks with Geometry
Noah Mitchell ’12, Ph.D. Candidate at University of Chicago, Department of Physics
2:00 pm, RNS 210
MSCS Game Night: St. Olaf and Carleton faculty and staff with join together for a fun, challenging epic game night!
7 – 10 pm, RMS 6th Floor Lounge
Chemistry Distinction Seminars:
Dain Brademan ’15
The Differentiation of Cotton, Silk, and Wool Cloth Fibers via Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry
Zach Rolfs ‘15
Fiber Analysis Via Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry
William Wertjes ’15
Pending title.
6:30 p.m. in RNS 310 Refreshments will be served
MSCS Seminar: Raina Robeva – Sweet Briar College
Boolean Approximations of Differential Equations Models that Capture Bistability
Boolean Notwork (BN) and Finite Dynamical System (FDS) models of complex biological interactions have recently emerged as viable companions to differential equations (DE) models. Unlike DE models, FDS models do not require detailed knowledge and information about the reaction kinetics of the system. This makes them better suited in the modeling of large biological networks where many important details about the individual interactions and reactions may be unknown. FDS models provide “coarse-grained” approximations of the system’s dynamics and are qualitative in nature. Thus, it is not immediately clear whether such models are capable of capturing the multi-stability behavior exhibited by many biological systems, a feature that would generally depend on the specific values of the model parameters. The talk will present some background on FDS models, then use the lactose (lac) operon in E. coli as a model system to introduce BN approximations of delayed DE models. The focus will be on the ability of BN models to capture the well-known bi-stability behavior of the lac operon.
3:00pm, RNS 204
Seniors applying for distinction in biology will be presenting their research. Stop by and check out their work. Refreshments provided.
4:00 PM Regents 4th Floor Atrium
Alexander S. Phearman ‘15, Synthesis of IrIII(NNN-pincer) Complexes for Alkane Dehydrogenation
Thomas Bearrood ‘15, Synthesis of a Mechanophore for Triggering Self-immolative Polymer Depolymerization
6:30 p.m., in RNS 310 refreshments will be served
Matthew Wright, Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania, (candidate for MSCS teaching position)
Euler characteristic is much more than a number associated with polyhedra — it is a marvelous mathematical tool that can help solve a wide variety of problems. For example, Euler characteristic can help classify polyhedra and determine the number of pentagons on a soccer ball. Yet Euler characteristic has many diverse applications in the world of data analysis. Euler characteristic is the basis for an integration theory that can solve applied problems that arise in sensor networks and image processing. I will give an introduction to Euler characteristic and demonstrate various applications. This talk will also highlight connections to current research and open problems that are accessible to students.
3:00pm in RNS 310
Biology Seminar/St. Olaf Molecular Science Club (StOMolS) is hosting Dr. John Wagner of the University of Minnesota to discuss his research: 7:00 PM in RNS 150
John E. Wagner, M.D., is a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Director of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, and Co-Director of the Center for Translational Medicine at the University of Minnesota. He holds two endowed chairs—Children’s Cancer Research Fund/Hageboeck Family Chair in Childhood Cancer Research, and the University of Minnesota McKnight-Presidential Chair.
Dr. Wagner’s research is focused on the development of novel molecular and cellular therapeutics for treating life-threatening malignant and non-malignant diseases for which conventional treatments are unsatisfactory. Current projects in the setting of umbilical cord blood transplantation include: ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, isolation and expansion of regulatory T cell populations, isolation and expansion of thymic progenitor cells and use of engineered T cells to target residual leukemia. Dr. Wagner is recognized for pioneering the use of double umbilical cord blood transplantation in adults, use of embryo selection to insure an HLA matched, healthy child (‘savior sibling’) for couples at high risk for a genetic disease, and use of stem cell populations to repair the skin in severely affected children with epidermolysis bullosa. The University of Minnesota has performed nearly 1100 umbilical cord blood transplants to date.
MSCS Presentation – Feedback-Mediated Dynamics in the Kidney: Mathematical Modeling Analysis
Hwayeon Ryu, PhD. Duke University, (candidate for MSCS teaching position)
The glomerular filtration rate in the kidney is controlled, in part, by the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) system, which is a negative feedback loop that mediates oscillations in tubular fluid flow and in fluid NaCl concentration at the nephron level. In this loop, there are two parameters, TGF gain and delay, which are important in better understanding of the stability of the feedback system. In this talk, I will begin with a biological motivation of why mathematical modeling is useful in biology and continue with an introduction of the kidney and nephron. Then I will present the mathematical tools used to identify the
systematic dependence of the stability of the TGF system on the above-mentioned two parameters, TGF delay and gain.
3:00pm in RNS 310
Kirsten Overdahl ’15: LC-MS Detection of Abused Drugs in Packaging Residues
Research Abstract presented to PittCon 2015 Conference
Sarah Elder ’15: Human Scent Differentiation by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
Katherine Nash ’15: Tetrahymena thermophile Proteomics Using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
RNS 390, 6:30 p.m. refreshments will be served
Amie Wilkinson from the University of Chicago
Amie has won several awards for her work in dynamical systems and ergodic theory. This is a great chance for students the meet a famous mathematician and to take in a couple lectures. There will be three opportunities to meet or listen to her speak:
Dessert Party
2:00 – 3:00 Women in MSCS are invited to a social hour in CMC 206 at Carleton
Prof. Wilkinson works in dynamical systems:
Can a butterfly flapping its wings in Minnesota cause a hurricane in Florida? The so-called “butterfly effect” is an example of a deterministic system that is sensitive to small changes, and is part of the mathematical field known as dynamical systems.
If you plan on attending, please RSVP to Prof. Purin (purin@stolaf.edu) by Tuesday, April 21.
A dynamical way of thinking
2:00 – 3:00 student social hour in CMC 206 at Carleton
3:30 Bouliou 104 at Carleton College
Abstract: The modern mathematical field of Dynamical Systems encompasses a wide range of subdisciplines and techniques. As its scope spreads into more and more areas of mathematics, one is led to redefine Dynamical Systems as a mode of thought, an approach to problem solving. I’ll illustrate how a dynamical way of thinking can be applied in a variety of contexts, and how it informs our current perspective.
What are the odds?
7:00 Viking Theater at St. Olaf College
8:00 – Reception to follow talk
Abstract: How do we think about the chances of rare events occurring, and are unlikely events really all that unlikely? This talk will explore two complementary themes: 1) the emergence of apparent structure and order from completely random processes; and 2) how unrandom, deterministic processes can produce seemingly random output.
Seniors applying for distinction in biology will be presenting their research. Stop by and check out their work. Refreshments provided.
4:00 PM Regents 4th Floor Atrium
Alexander S. Phearman ‘15, Synthesis of IrIII(NNN-pincer) Complexes for Alkane Dehydrogenation
Thomas Bearrood ‘15, Synthesis of a Mechanophore for Triggering Self-immolative Polymer Depolymerization
6:30 p.m., in RNS 310 refreshments will be served
Matthew Wright, Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania, (candidate for MSCS teaching position)
Euler characteristic is much more than a number associated with polyhedra — it is a marvelous mathematical tool that can help solve a wide variety of problems. For example, Euler characteristic can help classify polyhedra and determine the number of pentagons on a soccer ball. Yet Euler characteristic has many diverse applications in the world of data analysis. Euler characteristic is the basis for an integration theory that can solve applied problems that arise in sensor networks and image processing. I will give an introduction to Euler characteristic and demonstrate various applications. This talk will also highlight connections to current research and open problems that are accessible to students.
3:00pm in RNS 310
Biology Seminar/St. Olaf Molecular Science Club (StOMolS) is hosting Dr. John Wagner of the University of Minnesota to discuss his research: 7:00 PM in RNS 150
John E. Wagner, M.D., is a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Director of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, and Co-Director of the Center for Translational Medicine at the University of Minnesota. He holds two endowed chairs—Children’s Cancer Research Fund/Hageboeck Family Chair in Childhood Cancer Research, and the University of Minnesota McKnight-Presidential Chair.
Dr. Wagner’s research is focused on the development of novel molecular and cellular therapeutics for treating life-threatening malignant and non-malignant diseases for which conventional treatments are unsatisfactory. Current projects in the setting of umbilical cord blood transplantation include: ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, isolation and expansion of regulatory T cell populations, isolation and expansion of thymic progenitor cells and use of engineered T cells to target residual leukemia. Dr. Wagner is recognized for pioneering the use of double umbilical cord blood transplantation in adults, use of embryo selection to insure an HLA matched, healthy child (‘savior sibling’) for couples at high risk for a genetic disease, and use of stem cell populations to repair the skin in severely affected children with epidermolysis bullosa. The University of Minnesota has performed nearly 1100 umbilical cord blood transplants to date.
MSCS Presentation – Feedback-Mediated Dynamics in the Kidney: Mathematical Modeling Analysis
Hwayeon Ryu, PhD. Duke University, (candidate for MSCS teaching position)
The glomerular filtration rate in the kidney is controlled, in part, by the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) system, which is a negative feedback loop that mediates oscillations in tubular fluid flow and in fluid NaCl concentration at the nephron level. In this loop, there are two parameters, TGF gain and delay, which are important in better understanding of the stability of the feedback system. In this talk, I will begin with a biological motivation of why mathematical modeling is useful in biology and continue with an introduction of the kidney and nephron. Then I will present the mathematical tools used to identify the
systematic dependence of the stability of the TGF system on the above-mentioned two parameters, TGF delay and gain.
3:00pm in RNS 310
Kirsten Overdahl ’15: LC-MS Detection of Abused Drugs in Packaging Residues
Research Abstract presented to PittCon 2015 Conference
Sarah Elder ’15: Human Scent Differentiation by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
Katherine Nash ’15: Tetrahymena thermophile Proteomics Using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
RNS 390, 6:30 p.m. refreshments will be served
Amie Wilkinson from the University of Chicago
Amie has won several awards for her work in dynamical systems and ergodic theory. This is a great chance for students the meet a famous mathematician and to take in a couple lectures. There will be three opportunities to meet or listen to her speak:
Dessert Party
2:00 – 3:00 Women in MSCS are invited to a social hour in CMC 206 at Carleton
Prof. Wilkinson works in dynamical systems:
Can a butterfly flapping its wings in Minnesota cause a hurricane in Florida? The so-called “butterfly effect” is an example of a deterministic system that is sensitive to small changes, and is part of the mathematical field known as dynamical systems.
If you plan on attending, please RSVP to Prof. Purin (purin@stolaf.edu) by Tuesday, April 21.
A dynamical way of thinking
2:00 – 3:00 student social hour in CMC 206 at Carleton
3:30 Bouliou 104 at Carleton College
Abstract: The modern mathematical field of Dynamical Systems encompasses a wide range of subdisciplines and techniques. As its scope spreads into more and more areas of mathematics, one is led to redefine Dynamical Systems as a mode of thought, an approach to problem solving. I’ll illustrate how a dynamical way of thinking can be applied in a variety of contexts, and how it informs our current perspective.
What are the odds?
7:00 Viking Theater at St. Olaf College
8:00 – Reception to follow talk
Abstract: How do we think about the chances of rare events occurring, and are unlikely events really all that unlikely? This talk will explore two complementary themes: 1) the emergence of apparent structure and order from completely random processes; and 2) how unrandom, deterministic processes can produce seemingly random output.
Seniors applying for distinction in biology will be presenting their research. Stop by and check out their work. Refreshments provided.
4:00 PM Regents 4th Floor Atrium
Alexander S. Phearman ‘15, Synthesis of IrIII(NNN-pincer) Complexes for Alkane Dehydrogenation
Thomas Bearrood ‘15, Synthesis of a Mechanophore for Triggering Self-immolative Polymer Depolymerization
6:30 p.m., in RNS 310 refreshments will be served
Matthew Wright, Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania, (candidate for MSCS teaching position)
Euler characteristic is much more than a number associated with polyhedra — it is a marvelous mathematical tool that can help solve a wide variety of problems. For example, Euler characteristic can help classify polyhedra and determine the number of pentagons on a soccer ball. Yet Euler characteristic has many diverse applications in the world of data analysis. Euler characteristic is the basis for an integration theory that can solve applied problems that arise in sensor networks and image processing. I will give an introduction to Euler characteristic and demonstrate various applications. This talk will also highlight connections to current research and open problems that are accessible to students.
3:00pm in RNS 310
Biology Seminar/St. Olaf Molecular Science Club (StOMolS) is hosting Dr. John Wagner of the University of Minnesota to discuss his research: 7:00 PM in RNS 150
John E. Wagner, M.D., is a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Director of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, and Co-Director of the Center for Translational Medicine at the University of Minnesota. He holds two endowed chairs—Children’s Cancer Research Fund/Hageboeck Family Chair in Childhood Cancer Research, and the University of Minnesota McKnight-Presidential Chair.
Dr. Wagner’s research is focused on the development of novel molecular and cellular therapeutics for treating life-threatening malignant and non-malignant diseases for which conventional treatments are unsatisfactory. Current projects in the setting of umbilical cord blood transplantation include: ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, isolation and expansion of regulatory T cell populations, isolation and expansion of thymic progenitor cells and use of engineered T cells to target residual leukemia. Dr. Wagner is recognized for pioneering the use of double umbilical cord blood transplantation in adults, use of embryo selection to insure an HLA matched, healthy child (‘savior sibling’) for couples at high risk for a genetic disease, and use of stem cell populations to repair the skin in severely affected children with epidermolysis bullosa. The University of Minnesota has performed nearly 1100 umbilical cord blood transplants to date.
MSCS Presentation – Feedback-Mediated Dynamics in the Kidney: Mathematical Modeling Analysis
Hwayeon Ryu, PhD. Duke University, (candidate for MSCS teaching position)
The glomerular filtration rate in the kidney is controlled, in part, by the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) system, which is a negative feedback loop that mediates oscillations in tubular fluid flow and in fluid NaCl concentration at the nephron level. In this loop, there are two parameters, TGF gain and delay, which are important in better understanding of the stability of the feedback system. In this talk, I will begin with a biological motivation of why mathematical modeling is useful in biology and continue with an introduction of the kidney and nephron. Then I will present the mathematical tools used to identify the
systematic dependence of the stability of the TGF system on the above-mentioned two parameters, TGF delay and gain.
3:00pm in RNS 310
Kirsten Overdahl ’15: LC-MS Detection of Abused Drugs in Packaging Residues
Research Abstract presented to PittCon 2015 Conference
Sarah Elder ’15: Human Scent Differentiation by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
Katherine Nash ’15: Tetrahymena thermophile Proteomics Using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
RNS 390, 6:30 p.m. refreshments will be served
Amie Wilkinson from the University of Chicago
Amie has won several awards for her work in dynamical systems and ergodic theory. This is a great chance for students the meet a famous mathematician and to take in a couple lectures. There will be three opportunities to meet or listen to her speak:
Dessert Party
2:00 – 3:00 Women in MSCS are invited to a social hour in CMC 206 at Carleton
Prof. Wilkinson works in dynamical systems:
Can a butterfly flapping its wings in Minnesota cause a hurricane in Florida? The so-called “butterfly effect” is an example of a deterministic system that is sensitive to small changes, and is part of the mathematical field known as dynamical systems.
If you plan on attending, please RSVP to Prof. Purin (purin@stolaf.edu) by Tuesday, April 21.
A dynamical way of thinking
2:00 – 3:00 student social hour in CMC 206 at Carleton
3:30 Bouliou 104 at Carleton College
Abstract: The modern mathematical field of Dynamical Systems encompasses a wide range of subdisciplines and techniques. As its scope spreads into more and more areas of mathematics, one is led to redefine Dynamical Systems as a mode of thought, an approach to problem solving. I’ll illustrate how a dynamical way of thinking can be applied in a variety of contexts, and how it informs our current perspective.
What are the odds?
7:00 Viking Theater at St. Olaf College
8:00 – Reception to follow talk
Abstract: How do we think about the chances of rare events occurring, and are unlikely events really all that unlikely? This talk will explore two complementary themes: 1) the emergence of apparent structure and order from completely random processes; and 2) how unrandom, deterministic processes can produce seemingly random output.
Chemistry Seminar
Dr. James Johns, Department of Chemistry
University of Minnesota
“New Tools for New Materials: Towards ultrafast spectroscopy on the Lansdale”
RNS 310 3:00 seminar refreshments, seminar will begin at 3:15
No Seminars
No seminars
No Seminars
Biology Seminar: Understanding Range Collapse in Large African Carnivores
Andrew Jacobson, St. Olaf Biology major ‘05
Graduate student, University College London/Zoological Society of London
3:00 PM RNS 410
East Africa holds globally significant, yet declining, populations of lions Panthera leo, cheetahs Acinonyx jubatus and African wild dogs Lycaon pictus. These carnivores contribute to multi-billion dollar tourism operations, and as apex predators help regulate ecosystems; however, they are also responsible for significant human and livestock deaths. Despite their status as large carnivores, these species vary in their susceptibility and reaction to threats. Illegal killing and habitat loss via land conversion are two primary threats to large carnivores. Using recently released human population estimates and newly created data on land conversion, I investigate these carnivores’ susceptibility to their primary threats using two species distribution modeling approaches to ascertain which environmental factors explain current distribution. Results from this research will aid in determining appropriate management and conservation strategies. Identifying how species respond to land conversion and human population increases will enable land use planners to better designate zones where large carnivores can survive despite increasing human populations and land conversion.
MSCS Seminar: Matching Method for Nodal Solutions of Boundary Value Problems With Integral Boundary Conditions
Tom St. George, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Carroll University
In this talk, I will be discussing a result on existence of solutions, with certain zero counting properties, to boundary value problems involving double Riemann-Stieltjes integral boundary conditions. The proof of this result rely on the matching method. A result on nonexistence of solutions with certain zero counting properties will also be discussed.
3:35 PM RNS 204
No Seminars:
Psychology Seminar: Career Talk
Dr. St. Louis: Neurologist
6:00 p.m., Buntrock 144
Seminar: The “Perfect Problem”: Climate Change through an Educator’s Lens,
Craig Johnson, White House Champion of Change for Climate Education and Literacy
Craig Johnson engages students at Apple Valley’s School of Environmental Studies in authentic, interdisciplinary, and experiential learning relevant to climate change, ranging from field studies in Alaska to observing the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. He will talk about the synergies between his educational practice and the problem of climate change. Refreshments will be served.
7:00 pm in RNS 210
No Seminars:
No Seminars:
Seminar: Experience and sensory input interact to affect mating behavior in female rats
Professor Sarah Meertz, Carlton College, Assistant Professor of Psychology
4:00 PM RNS 410
The study of naturally rewarding behaviors, such as mating, can inform our understanding of the neural circuits underlying motivation and reward. However, the specific sensory inputs and the role of sexual experience on the display of mating behavior in female rats is not well understood. This talk discusses experiments that explored the effect of disrupting sensory transmission, repeated sexual experience, and the combination of experience and sensory disruption on the display of mating behavior in female rats. Together, these studies suggest that the sensory input during repeated mating encounters affects the pattern of paced mating behavior that develops with sexual experience.
Speaker:DavidBanks, Professor of the Practice of Statistics at Duke University. He specializes in data and text mining, Bayesian risk analysis, and public policy. He also serves on the Human Rights Data Analysis Group.
No Seminar:
No Seminar:
NO Seminar:
Chemistry Seminar: No More Nucleophiles: Direct, Selective Cross Coupling of Electrophiles
Daniel J. Weix, Associate Professor of Chemistry, University of Rochester
3:00 p.m. refreshments, 3:15 seminar will begin in Time, Room
MSCS Pi Day!
In celebration of Pi Day (which is officially on March 14), Pi Mu Epsilon will be providing pies during community time and will last until the π runs out!
10:10am, RMS Cliff Lounge
Seminar:
Title: Diversity and flexibility of visual processing in the retina
DANIEL KERSCHENSTEINER, M.D.
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Washington University School of Medicine
Vision begins in the retina. Photoreceptors translate changes in photon flux into changes in glutamate release, the language of neurons. This signal is then processed by a diverse array of neural circuits, which parse information into spike trains of ~20 retinal ganglion cell types (RGCs). RGCs are the only output neurons of the eye and the sole source of visual information for the brain. Research in my lab is trying to decipher what RGC spike trains tell the brain about the visual world and how circuits in the retina detect the features encoded in RGC spike trains.
I will discuss three studies from my lab, which highlight the remarkable diversity of computations in the retinal circuits and reveal unexpected flexibility in their output in different lighting conditions.
RNS 410 4:00pm
MSCS Colloquium: Celebrating Women’s History Month
A showing of the documentary “Top Secret Rosies: The Female Computers of World War II”
In 1942, when computers were human and women were underestimated, a group of female mathematicians were recruited to complete secret research for the US Army. This documentary shares the little known story of the women and technology that helped win the war and usher in the modern computer age.
3:30 p.m., RNS 310 (cookies and welcome at 3:15p.m.)
No Seminar:
Physics Seminar: C3PO: Customizable Computer Coaches for Physics Online
Evan Frodermann, ’02, University of Minnesota
2:00 pm RNS 210
Chemistry Seminar: Natural Biomarkers for Monitoring Bioenergetics in Living Cells
Dr. Ahmed A. Heikal, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Swenson College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota-Duluth
Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) is a key cofactor in energy metabolism pathways and a myriad of oxidation-reduction reactions in living cells. NADH is naturally fluorescent and its emission is rather sensitive to protein binding. As a result, NADH autofluorescence would allow for noninvasive and ultimately quantitative monitoring of energy metabolism in living cells. In this seminar, I will highlight our efforts in establishing NADH as a natural biomarker for cellular energy metabolism, mitochondrial anomalies and related health problems. Macromolecular crowding effects on enzyme binding reactions with NADH will also be discussed using a combination of both fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy methods. http://www.pharmacy.umn.edu/faculty/heikal_ahmed/index.htm
3:00 p.m. refreshments, seminar to begin at 3:15 p.m., RNS 310
Psychology Speaker
Derek Peterson, Founder and CEO of the Institute for Community & Adolescent Resiliency. ICAR-US offers education, materials, and support to individuals (adults and youth), schools, agencies, communities, and statewide organizations in their youth development related work. And specializes in three areas:
6:30 p.m., Buntrock 143
No Seminars
Seminar: Equatorial Biology / The Peruvian Medical Experience
Equatorial Biology – A group of 19 students and Alyson Center explored the biodiversity of Ecuador during the interim Equatorial Biology course.
The Peruvian Medical Experience – Considering a career in healthcare? So the 18 Oles who traveled to Peru this interim in search of service and learning.
Come hear about their experiences!
4:00 P.M. RNS 410
MSCS Colloquium: Ever wonder what mathematics is good for after college?
This colloquium is being given by the students of this January’s Mathematics Practicum. The problems are real world problems from three different real world sponsors. The students will present their problems (from Target, Inc., Tiger Risk, Inc. and the Town of Bridgewater), say something about the mathematical and statistical techniques they used, and be available for questions about the Math Practicum course itself. After all, it will be offered again next January, and you might want to take it yourself!
3:15pm snack 3:30pm Colloquium, RNS 310
Women in MSCS: Alumnae Panel Discussion and Dessert
Come meet St. Olaf graduates who majored in mathematics, statistics, or computer science. These women are coming back to campus to share their experiences and advice about their careers. Find out about the many ways they are using their MSCS skills in their current work. Get advice about classes, internships, and everything else! Dessert will be offered!
7:00p.m., RMS 6th floor lounge
None
Chemistry Seminar: Exploring Ligand Scaffolds for the Isolation of Stable Alkane Sigma Complexes
Dr. Jessica Demott, Texas A & M
3:00 p.m refreshments, 3:15 p.m. seminar will begin, RNS 310
None
The 23rd Annual Konhauser ProblemFest Mathematics Competition
The is an annual competition for the Pizza Trophy, pitting teams from St. Olaf against teams from Carleton, Macalester, and St. Thomas. This is a really fun contest and is done in teams of up to three.
8:30 a.m. check-in, RNS 150
9:00 a.m. – 12pm, Event, lunch provided afterwards
Seminar: Biology in South India
Detecting leprosy, observing chital, finding coliforms, spotting a tiger, combating anemia, diabetes, and much much more…
Presented by: Angela Amoako, Eva Carlson, Tiffany Eisenbach, Lisa Koetke, Dylan Leonard, Charles Ligget, Kristen Rudberg, Ruth Wittington.
Monday February 16th
4pm in RNS 410
cookies at 3:45
Every Fall term, students from St. Olaf travel to South India to explore aspects of environmental and human health through lectures, excursions, and especially two significant research projects with local organizations active in these areas. Highlights of this semester will be presented including some of these challenging applied research projects and their outcomes. The photographs will transport us to India and its vast cultural and biodiversity.
Interested in the Program ? Please come and hear first-hand from the students. Further information provided by Anne Walter and Mike Swift, Program Advisors after the seminar.
No Seminar:
No Seminar:
No Seminar:
Chemistry Seminar: National Labs and Nanoscience: My rebellious year
Emily Rabe ’14
“So do you want to do industry or academia?” Starting out as a chemistry major, I thought those were my only options, until I heard about the mystical third choice of national labs. Deciding to be a bit of a rebel, I pursued that hidden third option at Argonne National Laboratory and found it to be an interesting mix of industry and academia. Continuing my rebellious streak, I abandoned the traditional branches of chemistry and joined an interdisciplinary group focusing on nanoscience for energy applications. My projects range from magnetic nanotube production and characterization to surface treatment of silica nanoparticles. I take part in the whole process: synthesis, characterization, and materials testing. I see a lot of different fields and work with a lot of different people, but remained convinced that chemists are awesome, and everybody benefits when we’re around.
3:00 p.m. refreshments and 3:15 p.m. seminar will begin RNS 310