IPFW Chapter of Sigma Xi

IPFW Chapter Events and Photos Archive

Archive of Events
Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer Edward B. Saff, Vanderbilt University, The Poppy-Seed Bagel Theorem: An easily digestible result on minimum energy points. March 25, 2008. Abstract: For a surface A in 3-space, such as a sphere or torus (a.k.a. bagel), we analyze the behavior of optimal (and near optimal) N-point configurations on A that minimize the so-called Riesz s-energy over all N-point subsets of A, where s > 0 is a parameter. (The case s = 1 corresponds to the familiar Coulomb potential while large s corresponds (in the limit) to best-packing.) For large N and suitable s we show that such configurations are uniformly distributed with respect to surface area on A. Applications to problems in chemistry, physics and biology will be discussed. Many graphical illustrations will help make this introductory talk accessible to students as well as to the general science faculty. Cream cheese is optional!	$Saff torus image$
Brown Bag Talk: Adam Coffman, Geometry and Soap Bubbles. March 6, 2008.
News Releases on undergraduate research in archaeology, Dec. 12, 2006, and Jan. 19, 2007.
News Release on 2006 Distinguished Lecturer, Mark Voit, on cosmology, March 31, 2006.
News Release on 2004 Distinguished Lecturer, Irwin L. Goldman, on horticulture, Nov. 1, 2004.
News Release on 2003 Distinguished Lecturer, Milford Wolpoff, on anthropology, March 12, 2003.

Archive of Events

Edward B. Saff, Vanderbilt University, The Poppy-Seed Bagel Theorem: An easily digestible result on
minimum energy points. March 25, 2008.

Abstract: For a surface A in 3-space, such as a sphere or torus (a.k.a. bagel), we analyze the behavior of optimal (and near optimal) N-point configurations on A that minimize the so-called Riesz s-energy over all N-point subsets of A, where s > 0 is a parameter. (The case s = 1 corresponds to the familiar Coulomb potential while large s corresponds (in the limit) to best-packing.) For large N and suitable s we show that such configurations are uniformly distributed with respect to surface area on A. Applications to problems in chemistry, physics and biology will be discussed. Many graphical illustrations will help make this introductory talk accessible to students as well as to the general science faculty. Cream cheese is optional!

$Saff torus image$

Brown Bag Talk: Adam Coffman, Geometry and Soap Bubbles. March 6, 2008.

News Releases on undergraduate research in archaeology, Dec. 12, 2006, and Jan. 19, 2007.

News Release on 2006 Distinguished Lecturer, Mark Voit, on cosmology, March 31, 2006.

News Release on 2004 Distinguished Lecturer, Irwin L. Goldman, on horticulture, Nov. 1, 2004.

News Release on 2003 Distinguished Lecturer, Milford Wolpoff, on anthropology, March 12, 2003.

Photos

IPFW Information Fair, Aug. 25, 2008


Annual IPFW Chapter dinner, 2008
Congratulations to Dr. Michelle Drouin, receiving the IPFW Sigma Xi Teacher of the Year award.

Congratulations to winners of the 2008 IPFW Sigma Xi Student Research Competition - First Place for Brian Putman, Department of Biology (Faculty mentor, Dr. Bruce Kingsbury) - Second place for Misty Wolfe, Department of Anthropology (Faculty mentor, Dr. Harold Odden) - Third place for Kristine Palmer, Department of Biology (Faculty mentor, Dr. Robert Visalli)




Presentation by Prof. Drouin, Dept. of Psychology, What's a Table? The challenges and triumphs of engaging students in critical thinking activities.

Reception following talk by E. Saff , March 25, 2008.

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