Biology Distinction Candidate Presentations
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
Chemistry Distinction Seminars
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
Tuesday, April 21
MSCS Presentation – Euler Characteristic and Data Analysis
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
Wednesday, April 22
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
Thursday, April 23
Chemistry Distinction Seminars
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
MSCS Math Across the Cannon – A combined event with St. Olaf and Carleton College
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.
Friday, April 24
Monday, April 20
Biology Distinction Candidate Presentations
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
Chemistry Distinction Seminars
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
Tuesday, April 21
MSCS Presentation – Euler Characteristic and Data Analysis
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
Wednesday, April 22
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
Thursday, April 23
Chemistry Distinction Seminars
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
MSCS Math Across the Cannon – A combined event with St. Olaf and Carleton College
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.
Monday, April 20
Biology Distinction Candidate Presentations
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
Chemistry Distinction Seminars
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
Tuesday, April 21
MSCS Presentation – Euler Characteristic and Data Analysis
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
Wednesday, April 22
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
Thursday, April 23
Chemistry Distinction Seminars
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
MSCS Math Across the Cannon – A combined event with St. Olaf and Carleton College
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.
Friday, April 24
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