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News forum
General news and announcements

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Graduate Internships and Full Time Positions Applying Math and Computation to Biology, Pharmaceutical Development, and Manufacturing
'); document.write('published on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:38:54 GMT
'); document.write('by Miranda Teboh-Ewungkem.
Graduate Internships and Full Time Positions Applying Math and Computation to Biology, Pharmaceutical Development, and Manufacturing

The Applied Computer Science and Math Department at Merck Research Labs has posted full time and internship positions of possible interest to graduate students and graduate alumni in Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Computational Biology, Operations Research, and related fields.

Computational science and mathematics research positions in Merck Research Laboratories include work in the areas of simulation, mathematical modeling, optimization, pattern recognition, parameter estimation, discrete algorithms, software engineering, computational biology, knowledge representation, and related areas. Project areas include data mining, modeling of disease/physiology and biochemical kinetics, operations research, EEG signal analysis, bionetwork reverse engineering and modeling, computational immunology modeling in vaccine and biologics design, RNAi sequence analysis, high-content and high-throughput screening data analysis, PET/MRI/Ultrasound image analysis, and algorithm implementation & testing.

Full Time and Intern positions require participation in a PhD degree program in Mathematics, Computer Science, Chemical/Biological Engineering, Operations Research, or related areas, and knowledge of C/C++, Java, matlab, R, and/or Mathematica. Experience in one or more of the following areas is required: discrete and numerical algorithms, optimization, machine learning and automated pattern recognition, computational biology, mathematical analysis and modeling, differential equations, mathematical programming, stochastic processes, scientific software engineering, parallel algorithms, complexity theory, bioinformatics, signal and/or image processing, and knowledge representation. Desired (but not required) is knowledge and/or experience encompassing chemistry, biology, genetics, biochemistry, or pharmacology.

Interested students should apply online by taking these 3 steps:
1) creating a profile online at http://www.merck.com/careers including both cover letter and resume. Candidates should also feel free to include unofficial transcripts, as the positions are filled on a competitive basis.

2) Clicking on the link for either
Graduate ACSM Summer Internship 2010 (Position IT 000114) https://merck.taleo.net/careersection/merck_university_recruiting_career_section/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=471388

Or
for full time Research Associate (position INF003860)
https://merck.taleo.net/careersection/merck_university_recruiting_career_section/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=426896

3) applying to that posting using their profile.

For any questions or issues with this process current students can contact Susan Serrao, susan_serrao@merck.com, and those who have graduated at least 6 months ago can contact Fran Murphy at francis_murphy@merck.com
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Rice University - PhD in Finance
'); document.write('published on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:34:39 GMT
'); document.write('by Miranda Teboh-Ewungkem.
You might be interested:

Dear mathematics department faculty member,

I am writing to ask your assistance in identifying math majors who might be interested in applying their talents to the study of finance. Rice University is launching its first PhD program in finance, accepting applications now for matriculation in Fall 2010. Our goal is to place students as assistant professors of finance at top research universities (the starting salaries for such positions are in excess of $200,000). Because our program is new, we are offering a highly competitive stipend to students ($35,000 per year) in addition to the usual waiver of all tuition fees. An undergraduate math major, especially when combined with some economics, is excellent preparation for the study of finance. We would be grateful if you would advise any especially talented students of this opportunity. The application deadline is January 15.

In case you are unaware, Rice is a small school (5,000 students of which 40% are graduate students) consistently ranked among the top 20 U.S. universities for undergraduate education. It has a beautiful campus in a pastoral setting only minutes from downtown Houston, which is the 4th largest city in the U.S.

More about the finance group at Rice can be found here: http://business.rice.edu/FinanceArea.aspx?id=1429, and more about the finance PhD at Rice can be found here: http://business.rice..edu/PhD_Finance_Area.aspx.

Thanks for your time and assistance.

Sincerely,

Kerry Back

J. Howard Creekmore Professor of Finance

Rice University
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W.I.T.S Talk: What I did This Summer!
'); document.write('published on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 06:24:45 GMT
'); document.write('by Xing Yan.
Hi dear Math Club Members:

Hope your first month went well. This coming Wednesday, Oct 7 at noon, Math Club is going to present you in Pardee 217 with W.I.T.S Talk: What I did This Summer.

Three students will talk about their mathematics-related activities during the summer. There will be interesting MATHY content as well as introduction of different math research opportunities for you to consider. Come join the FUN and FREE PIZZA!

Below is a list of the speakers and their topics:
Dan Begley-Groth (Kaufman Foundation)
Entrepreneurship and Growth
Determining what makes a new establishment successful, and how stimulate economic growth in MSAs (Metropolitan Statistical Areas).

Peter McGrath (Lafayette REU)
Matroids, Symmetry, and the 4th dimension:
the root system H_4 and the 600 cell

Jorge Sawyer (Lafayette Excel)
Perfect Parallelepipeds
My favorite 6 three digit numbers.

Peace,
Xing
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More Putnam Exam info
'); document.write('published on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:25:16 GMT
'); document.write('by Derek Smith.

Over 20 students have already signed up for the Putnam Exam on the sheet in Pardee 218.

A few of you wrote to ask, \"What is the Putnam Exam?\" Good question! It\'s a 6-hour mathematics exam given on the first Saturday in December, with a morning session from 10am to 1pm and an afternoon session from 3pm to 6pm. When you\'re not working on the problems, you eat lots of food to keep you well-nourished (or jumpy, if you only eat the donuts). It\'s a challenging exam to say the least, but that means that you can set your expectations quite low if it\'s your first (or second, or third) time taking it.

More information about the exam, including problems from previous years, is available at

http://www.unl.edu/amc/a-activities/a7-problems/putnamindex.shtml

Cheers,
Derek
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Putnam Exam Registration
'); document.write('published on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 02:17:23 GMT
'); document.write('by Derek Smith.

This year, the Putnam math competition will take place on Saturday, December 5, starting at 10:00am. Registration for the exam takes place this week: just send a quick reply email to me (smithder@lafayette.edu), or sign up on the sheet I\'ll post in the common room, Pardee 218.
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Game Hour Updates
'); document.write('published on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:49:03 GMT
'); document.write('by Xing Yan.
Dear All,

Due to popular demand, we have decided to move the bridge to the weekend back to 3:10pm every Friday. Now our weekly event is like this:
Friday 3:10-4pm: Bridge to the Weekend, where you learn and play bridge
Friday 4pm-whenever: Game Hour, where you hang out with people and do whatever game you like, plus delicious munchies!

Please come and enjoy yourself!
Xing $\"smile\"$
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2nd Problem Group meeting tomorrow
'); document.write('published on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:11:46 GMT
'); document.write('by Derek Smith.

Hi everyone,

The Problem Group meets tomorrow over the lunch hour in Pardee 216 to discuss the problems on the first problem set, which has been posted to the Math Club Moodle site. See you then!
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First MAAD talk of the year next Wednesday!
'); document.write('published on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:33:01 GMT
'); document.write('by Lorenzo Traldi.
The first Mathematical Adventures and Diversions talk of the year will be at noon on Wednesday, September 23 in Pardee 217. You are cordially invited to have some lunch and discuss generalized dice games and voting.

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First Problem Group meeting tomorrow!
'); document.write('published on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:14:34 GMT
'); document.write('by Derek Smith.

Tomorrow at noon in Pardee 218, drop by for the first meeting of the Lafayette Problem Group this fall. We plan to meet weekly to work on math problems of all types, both for fun and with an eye to various math competitions like the LVAIC and Putnam competitions that will take place later this year.

Bring your own lunch - we\'ll supply the first problem set. See you tomorrow! (If you can\'t make tomorrow\'s meeting but are interested in attending future meetings, send an email to smithder@lafayette.edu.)

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\"Geek and Greet\" Picnic tomorrow
'); document.write('published on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:13:02 GMT
'); document.write('by Jennifer Grab.
Greetings Math Club,
There is going to be a \"Geek and Greet\" Picnic (aka the Nerd Picnic) in Hugel lobby tomorrow (Wednesday) from 4-6 PM. This event is sponsored by the Physics Club, Math Club, SGN, Anime Club, and Robotics Club. This is a great way to meet even more of your fellow students--we especially welcome freshmen! Free snacks and interesting conversation will be available.
Hope to see you there!
Jen G.
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Math GRE prep sessions next fall
'); document.write('published on Wed, 13 May 2009 17:15:54 GMT
'); document.write('by Derek Smith.

If you are thinking about applying to mathematics graduate schools in the next year or two, you should know that there is a Math Subject GRE Exam. You should take this exam in the fall of the year in which you send out your applications. This exam is separate from the General GRE Exam, which you should also take at an earlier date.

As in the past few years, the Math Department will offer weekly Math Subject GRE Preparation Sessions during the first half of the fall semester. If you think you might be interested, please respond to Derek (smithder@lafayette.edu).

Have a great summer!

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MAAD Talk by Jim Stoholski on Wednesday, May 6th
'); document.write('published on Mon, 04 May 2009 20:08:57 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.
Analyzing Baseball Strategy Through MCMC Simulations

An Honors Defense and MAAD Talk by Jim Stoholski \'09

"A peculiar trend is emerging in professional baseball. Coaches make millions of dollars a year and detract from their team?s ability to win. How can such a claim be made? Baseball can be reduced to the probabilistic model of a Markov chain and by implementing Markov Chain ? Monte Carlo simulations, we can address many questions. When should a team sacrifice bunt? How adept at stealing bases must a runner be in order for stealing second base to help their team? This statistical analysis will address these questions and more! Pizza is provided, but will not be simulated with a Markov model."

Wednesday, May 6th at 12:20PM in Pardee 217

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MAAD Talk by Hayley Rosado on Tuesday, May 5th
'); document.write('published on Sat, 02 May 2009 17:40:55 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.
Origami in Mathematics: The Single Straight Cut Problem

A talk by Hayley Rosado

An old fable about Betsy Ross describes how, upon being asked to sew the first American flag, she asked to make the state stars five pointed, since it was easy to fold up the fabric and cut out the star in a single cut. Harry Houdini used to perform a similar trick in his magic shows where he would fold a piece of paper, make a single straight cut, and separate the paper into surprising, recognizable shapes. Though Ross and Houdini stuck mainly to simple polygons, a much wider variety of shapes is possible. This talk will describe exactly which figures and shapes can be folded and cut out with a single straight cut, and at least one algorithm for doing so.

The talk will take place in Pardee 217 on Tuesday, May 5th at 12:20PM. As usual, there will be lunch served.

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CS 415: Special Topics in Information Theory and Coding
'); document.write('published on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:44:14 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.
Professor Xia from the Department of Computer Science is offering a special topic course next semester in information theory and coding. Anyone who\'s interested can get in touch with Professor Xia by email: xiag@lafayette.edu
No CS experience is required for this course.

CS 415: Special Topics in Information Theory and Coding

Fall 2009

Meeting Time: TR 11:00-12:15
Prerequisite: Math 263 or permission by the instructor
Instructor: Ge Frank Xia

Course Description

In 1948, Claude E. Shannon published his groundbreaking paper "A Mathematical Theory of Communication" that established the now broad and deep discipline of information theory. In the beginning of the paper, Shannon asserted that:

"The fundamental problem of communication is that of reproducing at one point, either exactly or approximately, a message selected at another point."

With it came some intriguing questions: What is information, how to efficiently represent information, how to reliably communicate over a noise channel, and how to quantify these concepts. Interesting questions like these will be explored in this special-topics course, which is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of information theory and the basic techniques of coding. The topics covered include:
Entropy, communications over noisy channels, Shannon\'s theorem, data compression and error correcting codes.

Course Goals

The primary goal of this course is to introduce science and engineering students to the fundamental concepts of information theory and the basic techniques of coding. By completing the course, the students should achieve the following objectives:

? To understand the fundamental principles of information theory
? To understand the basic coding techniques and be able to analyze them
? To be able to apply the knowledge to problems in communication and information processing

Grading

The grades will be based on a combination of homework assignments, projects, and exams. A sample of the distribution of the course grade is shown below:

? Homework Assignments -- 30%
? Midterm exams -- 40%
? Final exam -- 30%
The final letter grades will be assigned based on criteria specified
in the Student Handbook.

Textbook

To be decided. The possible choices include:

? David J. C. MacKay (2002). Information Theory, Inference, and Learning Algorithms. Cambridge University Press.
? Thomas M. Cover and Joy A. Thomas (2006). Elements of Information Theory. 2 Ed, Wiley, 2006.

A Tentative Schedule

1. Introduction to information theory and selected topics in linear
algebra and probability (2 weeks)
2. Stochastic process, entropy, and inference (2 weeks)
3. The Source Coding Theorem (1-2 weeks)
4. Basic data compression codes (2 weeks)
5. Communication over a Noisy Channel (1-2 weeks)
6. The Noisy-Channel Coding Theorem (2 weeks)
7. Basic Error-Correcting Codes (2 weeks)
8. Examples of Applications in Science and Engineering (1-2 week)

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Model Rocket Contest
'); document.write('published on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:23:29 GMT
'); document.write('by Jennifer Grab.
Come to the Physics Club Model Rocket Contest!!!
Saturday May 2nd from 11:30AM - 3:30PM

Join us for our second rocket launch this year, this time with cooler prizes, warmer weather, and more fun! Build your own rocket or just come and watch. There will be a cookout afterward.

Prizes are awarded to the individuals or teams with the best rockets as determined by a group vote. Rockets are judged based on creativity, appearance, and how well they fly (height, recovery system, time, straightness). The prizes include a ferrofluid (liquid magnet), RC helicopter, and radiometer.

Size B and C rocket engines and wadding are provided. We also have supplies available, including body tubes, nosecones, and instructions, in the Reading Room. If you do not have a key to this room, send an email to grabj@lafayettte.edu or call 570 499 2175. We also have a machine shop available in the physics department if you need it.

Meet in front of Hugel around 11:30, and we will drive over to Metzger Field (transportation provided).

Visit the facebook event at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=72151234462&ref=nf
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First Place $500: Reminder for the Individual Barge Exam
'); document.write('published on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:36:08 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.

This is a reminder that the Individual Barge Exam is this weekend! Here?s the relevant information.

Who? Anyone in the freshman or sophomore class. (Sorry. No juniors or senior allowed!)

When? This Saturday, April 25 from 9:00AM until noon

Where? Pardee 201

Why? Where else can you work on cool problems, get a free lunch, *and* win up to $500?

There?s no need to register beforehand. Just drop in!

Questions? Contact Professor Ethan Berkove or Professor Qin Lu

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Upcoming Events
'); document.write('published on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:57:48 GMT
'); document.write('by Jennifer Grab.
Bridge to the Weekend is this Friday at 3:00 in the Math common room (Pardee 218). Professor Yuster will be discussing bridge strategy, conventions, and techniques. All experience levels, including beginners, are welcome. If you\'d like to learn to play bridge or are looking to improve your bridge playing skills, this is the place to be. We have also started our own Moodle page so if you would like to be enrolled in this "course" then please email Xing Yan at yanx@lafayette.edu.

Math Club Game Hour will be this Friday at 4:00 in the Math common room (Pardee 218). Free snacks and soda will be available. As usual, there will be several tables of bridge going, but if you do not like bridge, the club has a large cabinet packed full of games. If you have a game in mind, chances are we have it.

Get your own Lafayette Math Club Tee shirt - The shirts are only $10, and you can get them by doing one of the following:
1. Showing up at Gary Gordon\'s office with $10 when he\'s there, or
2. Coming to game hour with $10. They\'ll be on sale every Friday at 4:00 in the math lounge.

Bridge Tournament will be next Friday, April 14 during Game Hour. Sign up sheets are posted in Pardee 218. For more information contact Xing Yan (yanx@lafayette.edu).

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MAAD Talk this Friday
'); document.write('published on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:51:31 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.

Mathematical Adventures and Diversions

(MAAD)

Friday, April 17

Noon, Pardee 227

Fortune and a Trip to the Beach

A talk by

Professor Jakayla Robbins

University of Kentucky

Voronoi diagrams can be found in many interesting places including the pattern on a giraffe\'s skin and algorithms used by your GPS. They also have applications in chemistry, computer graphics, robot motion planning, business, climatology and many other areas. We will introduce Voronoi diagrams and demonstrate Fortune\'s Algorithm for finding 2-dimensional Voronoi diagrams. This algorithm computes the Voronoi diagram as a beachline sweeps across the region. We will also discuss a few of the applications mentioned above, and we will provide you with web links to several fun applets that will allow you to experiment with Voronoi diagrams. Time permitting, we will break into teams and play the Voronoi game.

This talk only assumes knowledge of triangles, circles, and parabolas.

Free lunch.

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message from Tau Beta Pi
'); document.write('published on Sat, 11 Apr 2009 16:46:50 GMT
'); document.write('by Jennifer Grab.

Dear Engineering and Science Students,

You are cordially invited by Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society to attend an Engineering Futures Session on Saturday, April 18th 2009.

Engineering Futures is a workshop where you learn important skills that you may not be taught in the classroom. We will be sponsoring an Analytical Problem Solving session in AEC Room 200 from 9am to about 12pm. This session includes many fun activities and games and is a favorite among Tau Beta Pi members.

We realize that\'s pretty early for a Saturday, but if enough people attend, you may also get a free breakfast too!

Please RSVP by emailing Tau Beta Pi President Ashley Cramer at cramera@lafayette.edu .

Sincerely,

Stephanie Mason

Corresponding Secretary Tau Beta Pi PA Epsilon masons@lafayette.edu
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Math Tee Shirts are Here!
'); document.write('published on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 04:21:53 GMT
'); document.write('by Gary Gordon.
Get your own Lafayette Math Club Tee shirt - designed by contest winner Jan Grab. The shirts are only $10, and you can get them by doing one of the following:

1. Showing up at Gary Gordon\'s office with $10 when he\'s there, or

2. Coming to game hour with $10. They\'ll be on sale every Friday at 4:00 in the math lounge.

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Math Course Advising Event
'); document.write('published on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:53:51 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.
Here\'s a question: What math courses should you take next semester?

Since none of you know the answer to that (really, you don\'t), we will be organizing a "Which math course should I take party?" at 4PM on Thursday, April 9th in Pardee 218 (Math Common Room). There will be good food from Easton Baking Company.

Professors will be talking about the courses they are offering next semester and what/why you should/should not take a particular course. So come over and see your confusion wither away in the most delicious manner.

The event is being co-sponsored by PME, the Actuarial Club, the Math Club and the Math Department.

Best - Teevrat and Shiliang
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Wednesday\'s MAAD Talk
'); document.write('published on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:07:56 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.

Mathematical Adventures and Diversions

(MAAD)

Wednesday, April 8

Noon, Pardee 217

The Hat Game and

Hamming Codes

A talk by

Nicholas Zoller

In the Hat Game a team of 3 players sits in a circle. Each player wears a red or blue hat. Although each player can see his teammates? hat colors, he cannot see his own. At a certain moment, each player guesses his hat color or decides to pass. If at least one player guesses and all of the guesses are correct, then the team wins. After playing this game a few times, you can figure out a strategy that will guarantee a win with probability ½. However, there is a more sophisticated strategy that guarantees a win with probability ¾. Can you find it?

Hamming codes answer an important question in computer science: How can we transmit bits (i.e. zeros and ones) effectively? Since binary data transmission is not flawless, we need a system that will at least detect any errors that occur in a received message. Ideally, we want a system that will tell us how to fix those errors. Hamming codes are an example of such an error-correcting system.

The Hamming codes also give us winning strategies for the Hat Game. In this talk we shall see how these winning strategies arise by exploring the connections between these two seemingly unrelated ideas.

MAAD is a series of talks on mathematical topics and applications that are often not encountered in mathematics courses. Sponsored by the Department of Mathematics, these talks are open to the College community and assume no special mathematical preparation on the part of the audience.

Lunch will be provided free of charge.

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Tomorrow\'s Events
'); document.write('published on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:05:46 GMT
'); document.write('by Jennifer Grab.
Bridge to the Weekend is this Friday at 3:00 in the Math common room (Pardee 218). Professor Yuster will be discussing bridge strategy, conventions, and techniques. All experience levels, including beginners, are welcome. If you\'d like to learn to play bridge or are looking to improve your bridge playing skills, this is the place to be. We have also started our own Moodle page so if you would like to be enrolled in this "course" then please email Xing Yan at yanx@lafayette.edu.

Math Club Game Hour will be this Friday at 4:00 in the Math common room (Pardee 218). Free snacks and soda will be available. The game of the week is UNO. As usual, there will be several tables of bridge going, but if you do not like bridge, the club has a large cabinet packed full of games. If you have a game in mind, chances are we have it.
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T-Shirt Contest Winner Announcement
'); document.write('published on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:56:16 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.
Jen Grab has been selected as the winner of the math club t-shirt contest this year!!! Congrats to Jen! We will get our t-shirts in about two weeks. $\"smile\"$ $\"Jen\'s$

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Bridge and Game Hour this week!
'); document.write('published on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 02:11:52 GMT
'); document.write('by Jennifer Grab.

Bridge to the Weekend is this Friday at 3:00 in the Math common room (Pardee 218). Professor Yuster will be discussing bridge strategy, conventions, and techniques. All experience levels, including beginners, are welcome. If you\'d like to learn to play bridge or are looking to improve your bridge playing skills, this is the place to be. We have also started our own Moodle page so if you would like to be enrolled in this "course" then please email Xing Yan at yanx@lafayette.edu.

Math Club Game Hour will be this Friday at 4:00 in the Math common room (Pardee 218). Free snacks and soda will be available. The game of the week is Scrabble. As usual, there will be several tables of bridge going, but if you do not like bridge, the club has a large cabinet packed full of games. If you have a game in mind, chances are we have it. Feel free to bring your own game, and people will play it with you.

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MAAD Talk this Wendesday, March 25
'); document.write('published on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 21:21:22 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.

Mathematical Adventures and Diversions

(MAAD)

Wednesday, March 25

Noon, Pardee 217

Slip-Sliding Away: the 15 Puzzle

A talk by

Professor Ethan Berkove

You?ve probably seen or played with a sliding-block puzzle. The puzzle consists of numbers or a picture printed on tiles. Once the tiles have been scrambled, the challenge is to rearrange them and restore the numbers or picture to order. If you think that this puzzle has been around for a while, you?re right?the original version of this puzzle, with the numbers 1 through 15 on the tiles, came out around 1880. If you?ve ever had trouble solving it, you?re in good company?no less an American literary figure than Ambrose Bierce wrote an entire article about his attempt at a solution.

In this talk we?ll go over the history of this granddaddy of sliding block puzzles. We?ll look at some of Bierce?s analysis, and try to determine which arrangements of 15 numbers can be reached just by ?slip-sliding away.?

MAAD is a series of talks on mathematical topics and applications that are often not encountered in mathematics courses. Sponsored by the Department of Mathematics, these talks are open to the College community and assume no special mathematical preparation on the part of the audience.

Lunch will be provided free of charge!

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Final Reminder for the T Shirt Contest and the the Crypto Event
'); document.write('published on Sun, 22 Mar 2009 18:59:49 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.
I. Design a T shirt for the Math Club and win a free shirt plus a cash prize. Please submit your design to Shiliang Cui (cuis@lafayette.edu) by midnight tomorrow, March 23.

II. As previously announced, the Math Club will be hosting a Cryptography Event this spring. We\'re going to be asking teams of students to break a series of codes in pursuit of cash prizes.

Prize for the winning team: $100; Second Prize: $60: Third Prize: $40.

The general rules are as follows:
1. A team consists of 3, 4 or 5 Lafayette students.
2. Teams will be required to break a series of 10 coded messages, with each message directing teams to the location of the next clue.
3. Winners will be determined by the total number of clues deciphered by each team by the conclusion of the competition, with ties broken by the total time required to decipher the messages that were successfully decoded.
4. The competition will begin on Tuesday March 24th and run through Tuesday March 31st.
For more information and/or to sign up a team, contact Professor Liebner in Pardee 210 or e-mail him at liebnerj@lafayette.edu.
The event will kick off on March 24th with a lunchtime talk by Professor Yuster. The topic will be the Enigma machine. Further details on the talk will be decoded later.

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MAAD: Wednesday, March 11, Noon
'); document.write('published on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 03:16:05 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.
Mathematical Adventures and Diversions
MAAD
Wednesday, March 11
Noon, Pardee 227

"Moore Graphs, Please!"

by Professor John Meier
In combinatorics a `graph\' consists of a set of vertices or nodes together with edges or arcs which connect some vertices to others. Graphs are a common mathematical tool for modeling simple relations, such as a graph whose vertices correspond to a group of people and whose arcs indicate friendship; or a graph whose vertices correspond to airports, with edges describing flights. This talk will start by building up everyone\'s understanding of some basic terminology, and then we will explore how local conditions influence the overall size of a given graph. Since there are a fair number of definitions and examples to absorb, after a while we\'ll get sick of all the math and start playing cards.

Lunch will be provided free of charge.

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Crypto Event
'); document.write('published on Sun, 08 Mar 2009 20:34:53 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.

It\'s code breaking time!

As previously announced, the Math Club will be hosting a Cryptography Event this spring. We\'re going to be asking teams of students to break a series of codes in pursuit of cash prizes. The general rules are as follows:

1. A team consists of 3, 4 or 5 Lafayette students.

2. Teams will be required to break a series of 10 coded messages, with each message directing teams to the location of the next clue.

3. Winners will be determined by the total number of clues deciphered by each team by the conclusion of the competition, with ties broken by the total time required to decipher the messages that were successfully decoded.

4. The competition will begin on Tuesday March 24th and run through Tuesday March 31st.

For more information and/or to sign up a team, contact Professor Liebner in Pardee 210 or e-mail him at liebnerj@lafayette.edu.

The event will kick off on March 24th with a lunchtime talk by Professor Yuster. The topic will be the Enigma machine. Further details on the talk will be decoded later.

Reminder / Deadline Extended:T Shirt Contest - Design a T shirt for the Math Club and win a free shirt plus a cash prize. Please submit your design to Shiliang Cui (cuis@lafayette.edu) by March 23. We have extended the deadline to after the Spring Break. $\"smile\"$

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Still wondering what to do this summer?
'); document.write('published on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 17:31:24 GMT
'); document.write('by Gary Gordon.
There is still time to apply for an REU - I\'ve attached the flyer to the math club moodle page. This announcement came from a person:

We will be hosting an REU program, pending final approval by the NSF, at Cal State San Bernardino this summer. Since the date is so late, we are requesting your assistance in putting the word out. Would you please inform strong undergraduates about our program? The deadline for applications is March 26, so there is still time to apply.

For more information, students can go to http://www.math.csusb.edu/reu/index.html, and I\'ve attached a flier about our program as well.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly--and thank you for your help in this matter!

Sincerely,
Rollie

Rolland Trapp
Professor of Mathematics
CSU, San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA 92407

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Announcements
'); document.write('published on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:39:51 GMT
'); document.write('by Jennifer Grab.
Problem Group will be meeting this Friday over lunch in Pardee 216. This week\'s problem set can be found on Moodle. Everyone is welcome so if you like problem solving, come join us!

Bridge to the Weekend is this Friday at 3:00 in the Math common room (Pardee 218). Professor Yuster will be discussing bridge strategy, conventions, and techniques. All experience levels, including beginners, are welcome. If you\'d like to learn to play bridge or are looking to improve your bridge playing skills, this is the place to be. We have also started our own Moodle page so if you would like to be enrolled in this "course" then please email Xing Yan at yanx@lafayette.edu.

Math Club Game Hour will be this Friday at 4:00 in the Math common room (Pardee 218). Free snacks and soda will be available. The game of the week is Apples to Apples. This unique card game is as much a game of creativity and silliness as it is a game of strategy. As usual, there will be several tables of bridge going, but if you do not like bridge, the club has a large cabinet packed full of games. If you have a game in mind, chances are we have it. Also feel free to bring your own game, and people will play it with you.

Reminder: T shirt contest Design a T shirt for the Math Club and win a free shirt plus a cash prize. Submit your design to Shiliang Cui (cuis@lafayette.edu) by March 13.
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T-Shirt Design Contest Reminder
'); document.write('published on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:38:23 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.
Submit your design to me by Friday, March 13. The winner will get a free T-shirt and cash award. $\"smile\"$ ~Shiliang (cuis@lafayette.edu)

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Bridge Moodle Site
'); document.write('published on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 01:12:31 GMT
'); document.write('by Xing Yan.
Dear Math Club members,
Good news! The bridge to the weekend has now its own moodle site. There will be bridge exercise, written up solutions, and many other resources on the site. Anyone who wants to be enrolled in this course can email me at yanx@lafayette.edu.

Reminder: The Bridge to the weekend is happening tomorrow beginning from 3:15 to the start of Game Hour! See you there $\"smile\"$

Best,
Xing

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New Problem Group Set Posted
'); document.write('published on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 20:39:15 GMT
'); document.write('by Derek Smith.

The set of problems that the Problem Group will discuss tomorrow has been posted. Join the fun over the lunch hour in Pardee 216!
'); document.write('
Announcments
'); document.write('published on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 04:02:16 GMT
'); document.write('by Jennifer Grab.
Problem Group will be meeting this Friday over lunch in Pardee 216. Everyone is welcome so if you like problem solving, come join us!

Bridge to the Weekend is this Friday at 3:00 in the Math common room (Pardee 218). Professor Yuster will be discussing bridge strategy, conventions, and techniques. All experience levels, including beginners, are welcome. If you\'d like to learn to play bridge or are looking to improve your bridge playing skills, this is the place to be.

Math Club Game Hour will be this Friday at 4:00 in the Math common room (Pardee 218). Free snacks and soda will be available. The game of the week is Chess. Beginners and experienced players are welcome. As usual, there will be several games of bridge going, but if you do not like bridge, the club has a large cabinet packed full of games. If you have a game in mind, chances are we have it. Also feel free to bring your own game, and people will play it with you.

Reminder: T shirt contest Design a T shirt for the Math Club and win a free shirt. Submit your design to Shiliang Cui (cuis@lafayette.edu) by March 13.
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MAAD Talk Tomorrow
'); document.write('published on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:59:11 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.
This is just a reminder that there will be a MAAD talk tomorrow (Wednesday, February 18) at noon in Pardee 217. Professor Cliff Reiter will give a talk on "Best Analogs for Replacing Missing Image Data". Lunch will be provided free of charge.
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The Problem Group now meets on Fridays over the lunch hour
'); document.write('published on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:56:16 GMT
'); document.write('by Derek Smith.

Thursdays over the lunch hour wasn\'t a good time for many students, so we\'re changing the meeting time to Fridays over the lunch hour in Pardee 216, starting this Friday.

Everyone is welcome to join in!
'); document.write('
MAAD Talk
'); document.write('published on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 23:01:10 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.

Mathematical Adventures and Diversions

MAAD

Wednesday, February 18

Noon, Pardee 217

Best Analogs for Replacing Missing Image Data

A talk by

Professor Cliff Reiter

Image data can be missing for a variety of reasons. Perhaps there was a drop of water on the lens; perhaps multiple images were blended and didn?t overlap perfectly, perhaps there are power lines that intrude and

should be removed. Should you join a monastery and devote

your life to Photoshop^TM clone tool? Is it possible to automatically fill in the missing data with realistic looking, but fabricated image data? Come see what a ?best analogs? algorithm can do and enjoy some hiking and fractal forecasting along the way.

MAAD is a series of talks on mathematical topics and applications that are often not encountered in mathematics courses. Sponsored by the Department of Mathematics, these talks are open to the College community and assume no special mathematical preparation on the part of the audience.

Lunch will be provided free of charge.

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Crypto Event!
'); document.write('published on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:01:26 GMT
'); document.write('by Jeffrey Liebner.
Like breaking codes? Like writing codes? Like watching "National Treasure" with Nicholas Cage? Have we got an event for you!

The Math Club is planning a Cryptography Event this spring which would require teams of students to break a series of codes in pursuit of the final goal. Right now we\'re looking for students who would be willing to help with the logistics of the event including possibly writing the codes themselves. If you are willing to help (note that helping with the logistics of the event does not preclude you from participating as well, as long as you do not write any of the codes), please let Prof. Liebner (that is, me) know as soon as possible (e-mail liebnerj@lafayette.edu) so we can this event going. Thanks.

DBTL ZDO VBDCA JYN JMHJY NINMLJYPBZ NTAN PA AJXJPAJPRA
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Upcoming Events - Game Hour and Bridge
'); document.write('published on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:03:30 GMT
'); document.write('by Jennifer Grab.
Bridge to the Weekend begins this Friday at 3:00 in the Math common room (Pardee 218). Professor Yuster will be discussing bridge strategy, conventions, and techniques. All experience levels, including beginners, are welcome. If you\'d like to learn to play bridge or are looking to improve your bridge playing skills, this is the place to be.

Math Club Game Hour will be this Friday at 4:00 in the Math common room (Pardee 218). The game of the week is Poker and we will be learning and teaching each other various versions of this well-known card game ("fake" money only). As usual, there will be several games of bridge going, but if you do not like bridge, the club has a large cabinet packed full of games. If you have a game in mind, chances are we have it. Also feel free to bring your own game, and people will play it with you.

'); document.write('
Tee Shirt Contest!!!
'); document.write('published on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:37:11 GMT
'); document.write('by Gary Gordon.
Hey - stop everything you are doing! The Math Club is sponsoring a tee shirt contest:

1. Come up with a clever design for the Lafayette College Math Club, later to be proudly displayed on a tee shirt.

2. Submit your design to Shiliang Cui

cuis@lafayette.edu

by March 13.

3. Sabotage everyone else\'s entry to maximize your chance of winning.

First prize - at least one free tee shirt, and a gift certificate for a free bridge lesson from Prof. Yuster.

Second prize: Two free lessons.

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Summer Opportunities for Math Students
'); document.write('published on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 15:26:38 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.
On Wednesday, February 11, a discussion about summer
opportunities for math students will be held in Pardee 218
from noon until 1pm. Rachel Moeller from Career Services
will join math faculty to provide information and answer your
questions about opportunities for this coming summer.

A light lunch will be provided.
'); document.write('
Course for next fall
'); document.write('published on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:09:23 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.
The following message is from Prof. Traldi (traldil@lafayette.edu): $\"smile\"$

Next Fall Professor Shieber and I will be offering the Infinite Sets class again, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 till 10:45. Anyone who\'s interested can get in touch with Prof. Shieber or me by email.

Infinite Sets (Prof. Shieber and Prof. Traldi)

Prerequisite: Philosophy 150 or an advanced course in mathematics

The mathematical theory of infinite sets includes an analysis of the variety of different sizes of infinite sets and the effect of different choices of axioms on this variety. In addition to the mathematical theory, we will discuss its philosophical roots and consequences. The mathematical content is quite beautiful, in addition to being a mathematical theory with philosophical consequences. The theory has implications for philosophical questions concerning the meaning of mathematical expressions, the nature of mathematical objects, and the extent of mathematical knowledge, among other topics. For instance, if we consider a theory which includes all finite sets then the theory must include infinitely many different finite sets: for any x there are infinitely many different sets of the form {{...{x}...}}. It follows that if a set theory includes only finite sets then the theory itself cannot be considered a set: it is not finite. Notice moreover that the sets {x,{x},...,{...{x}...}} all have different numbers of elements, so that even the collection of different sizes of sets cannot be considered a set.

A more difficult argument shows that any theory of infinite sets has the same property: the collection of all sets described by that theory cannot be described as a set within that theory, and (more subtly) the collection of different sizes of sets cannot be a set in that set theory. It follows that there are more different sizes of infinite sets than there are elements of any one set. That is, there are more than infinitely many different sizes of infinity. Wow. Talk about biggie-sizing!

Students will have the opportunity to improve their mathematical writing through the completion and revision of problem sets in which they will demonstrate their grasp of the mathematical concepts discussed in the course. The coursework also involves a final paper, which may be on a topic of either mathematical or philosophical interest. (Note that the "or" here is the nonexclusive "or" of formal logic.) Interested students can, given an appropriate choice of a final paper topic, earn philosophy credit for the course.

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Employment Opportunities
'); document.write('published on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 01:28:10 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.
$\"smile\"$ The following message is from Marcela, the President of the Actuary Club:

Hi Shiliang,

I got this message from a recruiter. I know Prof. Fisher has sent out an e-mail already, but perhaps you can send another one through the Math Club Moodle page.

******************************
******************************************************************************************

QUAD 656 is looking for entry-level actuaries. My client is a life insurance company in the Philadelphia suburbs, recently voted one of the Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania, gorgeous offices.

Offers 100% company-paid benefits (medical, dental, vision), and an excellent training program.

Candidates MUST have the following:

-- Recent grad (Dec. 2008, Jan. 2009) or upcoming May 2009 grad

-- A GPA of 3.2 or above

-- Passed at least one SOA/CAS exam

Only job-seekers who are US Citizens or US Permanent
Residents (green card holders) can apply. Please no people who need eventual
sponsorship, are on OPT, H-1B, etc.

If interested contact:

John Ambrose
jambrose@quadteam.com
Senior Consultant, Permanent Staffing
QUAD656
656 E. Swedesford Road
Suite 112
Wayne, PA 19087
610-687-6441 Ext: 226
Direct Line: (484) 204-0039

www.quad656.com

*****************************************************************************************************************************

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Math Club Game Hour
'); document.write('published on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:01:45 GMT
'); document.write('by Jennifer Grab.
Greetings Math Club,
There will be Game Hour this Friday at 4:00 PM in the Math Department Common Room. Feel free to bring friends, games, etc. Snacks and soda will be provided. Game of the week will start again next week.
Hope to see you there!
Jen G.

'); document.write('
Career Launch Week
'); document.write('published on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:08:07 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.
$\"Career$

'); document.write('
A message from the Econ Club
'); document.write('published on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:34:23 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.
Hi all,

Welcome back ! Hope you all had a great winter break. This Friday 1/30/2009, there will be representatives from M&T bank coming to our college to give a presentation on the banking industry and how it is affected by the current financial crisis. They will also be talking about job opportunities at M&T Bank.

Venue: Kirby 106 (Government and Law)
Time: 12-1PM

Food will be provided!

We hope to see you there! Spread the words to all your friends

Econ Club

Econ Club

presents

M&T Bank

Meet M&T representatives

Learn about the banking industry

Internships

Jobs

Venue: Kirby 106 (Government and Law)
Time: 1/30/2009 12-1PM

Food provided!

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Welcome back!
'); document.write('published on Sun, 25 Jan 2009 19:33:03 GMT
'); document.write('by Derek Smith.

Here are two upcoming Math Club events:

(1) The Problem Group will meet weekly this spring over the lunch hour in Pardee 216 on Thursdays, starting this Thursday. The focus of the meetings will be to work as a group on problems published in various math journals. Everyone is welcome to participate!

(2) Over the lunch hour on Wednesday, February 11, Rachel Moeller from Career Services will join math faculty in a discussion of summer programs for math students.

Enjoy the semester ahead!

Derek

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Student/Alumni Networking Nights
'); document.write('published on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:30:08 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.
Hi Shiliang,

We would really appreciate it if you would share the following information with the members of the Math Club.

Thanks very much!

Maureen

Although networking is not necessarily everyone?s favorite thing to do, it is an important life-long skill to learn. So why not consider practicing this skill while gaining some insights from Lafayette alumni?

Take advantage of attending the January Networking Nights to chat with alumni representing a variety of career fields to ask questions about what they do, how they got there and advice they have for you. Alumni attend these programs ready and willing to talk with you. They?ve been where you are and they want to share their experiences with you. Don?t miss out . . . you can do this!!

Please sign up to attend one or both of the January Networking Nights described below.

Student/Alumni Networking Nights

Cosponsored by Career Service and Alumni Affairs

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Park Hyatt Philadelphia

Broad & Walnut Streets

Thursday, January 15, 2009

The Harvard Club of NY

35 West 44^th Street (btw 5^th & 6^th)

ALL STUDENTS WELCOME

These events bring Lafayette students together with alumni from the New York or Philadelphia metropolitan area who represent a variety of industries and professions.

Prior to the alumni and student reception, Career Services will offer ?Tips to Enhance Your Networking Confidence?. This workshop will assist you with refining networking skills including making an approach, asking questions to engage in conversation, and techniques for leaving a positive impression.

6:00pm ? 7:00pm: ?Tips to Enhance Your Networking Confidence?

(Attend this workshop to make the most of your evening. Attendance is NOT required.)

7:00pm ? 9:00pm: Alumni and Student Reception

Don?t miss this great opportunity to ask questions, gain career insights, and make connections!

Students must provide their own transportation

Dress: Business attire

Light refreshments will be served

Register in person at Career Services (201 Hogg Hall)

BEFORE LEAVING CAMPUS FOR WINTER BREAK

$20 refundable deposit is required at the time of registration.
(Deposits are given back to students who attend the event)
'); document.write('
Math Bowl Tomorrow (Wed., Dec 3): 201 Pardee from 12:00 - 1:00
'); document.write('published on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:44:49 GMT
'); document.write('by Shiliang Cui.
Math Bowl Tomorrow!

(Wed., Dec 3)

201 Pardee from 12:00 - 1:00

Come and Watch !!!

Free Food

It?s like team jeopardy, but with math questions
Exciting PRIZES for the winning team

Sample toss-up questions:

1. Name a mathematician at Lafayette who?s name can be rearranged to spell SETS ON FIRE.

2. What shape are the faucets in the bathrooms of Pardee?

3. What is the sum of the first 4 primes?

4. Who is smarter ? Reiter or Yuster?(Don?t answer this one!)

Here?s how we run the show: There are 2-4 teams with 4 people on each team. Like college bowl tournaments, there will be a buzzer system that lets you buzz in to answer the question. Toss-up questions will be worth 10 points, bonuses are worth more. Your team gets a crack at a bonus if they answered the toss-up correctly.

Basically, there will be 1-2 prelim rounds to get the top student team which will then compete against a team of Professors! Here?s your chance at payback for all those awful exams!!

SIGN UP TODAY!!

The sign-up sheet is in the Common Room (Pardee 218).

Sponsored by the Math Department, the Math Club and Pi Mu Epsilon.

'); document.write('

Cosponsored by Career Service and Alumni Affairs

ALL STUDENTS WELCOME

Students must provide their own transportation

Dress: Business attire

Light refreshments will be served

(Wed., Dec 3)

201 Pardee from 12:00 - 1:00

Free Food

Exciting PRIZES for the winning team