Speaker: Dr. Gabriel Dorfsman-Hopkins Title: Art of Mathematics and Mathematics of Art Abstract: Mathematical understanding is built in many ways, and among these, illustration has been a companion and tool since the very beginning. Conversely, mathematical ideas have shined light on new avenues of artistic exploration for over a thousand years! In the modern era, there has been an explosion of tools for computer graphics, animation, digital fabrication, 3D printing and more, opening new doors and techniques for anyone trying to explore the intersection of mathematical and artistic ideas. In this talk I want to share my own walk along the boundary of the mathematical and the artistic, showcasing projects which give physical form to the abstract. Some of these create interactive installations to communicate mathematical ideas broadly, while others gave sparks of inspiration to prove new theorems—and often both! This talk should serve as an invitation for students who would like to explore this area with me—including through summer research—as well as a plug for the forthcoming makerspace I am co-founding with Dr. Angstadt. This talk includes joint work with students (Daniel Rostamloo and Shuchang Xu), artists (Merle Maynard and Afroditi Psarra), and folks in industry (Bernat Espigule).
The Q-Club, which is short for "Quantitative Club," is the departmental student organization, boasting over fifty members. Students speak on their research or share their internship and summer program experiences. All are welcome to attend; any questions please contact the club advisor, Lisa Torrey.