Sarah J. Greenwald is Associate Professor of Mathematics and a Women's Studies core faculty member. She received her PhD in 1998 from the University of Pennsylvania and her BS from Union College in Schenectady, NY in 1991. Her scholarship areas include geometry, popular culture and mathematics, and women and minorities in mathematics. She is a 2005 MAA Alder Award winner for distinguished teaching and extraordinary influence beyond her own classroom. She co-created the educational website SimpsonsMath.com and has spoken about the effects of scientific popular culture representations on NPR's Science Friday.

Did you know that "The Simpsons" and "Futurama" contain hundreds of humorous mathematical and scientific references? These programs are an ideal source of fun ways to introduce important concepts and to reduce math anxiety. In fact, popular culture can reveal, reflect, and even shape how society views mathematics. While it can be a powerful way to engage the public, care must be taken because stereotypical representations of mathematicians can actually be discouraging. We'll explore the pedagogical value and related mathematical content of some favorite moments along with the motivations and backgrounds of the writers during an interactive talk. In the process we'll look at related, recent work in geometry and computational number theory, including some information about my own work. A calculator and writing utensil will be useful. The only prerequisites are an open mind. For more information, check out SimpsonsMath.com.


Sunday, November 12, 4:00pm
Maury Hall 209
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia


This talk is intended for a general audience. Admission is free.


Sponsored by:
Institute of Mathematical Science, University of Virginia
theims@virginia.edu

Maury Hall is building #25 on the map at:
http://www.virginia.edu/webmap/GMcCormickRoadArea.html
Those attending the talk can park at the Central Grounds Visitor Parking Garage, located under Newcomb Hall (Building #8 on above map). In addition, being a Sunday, parking restrictions are lifted for many campus parking lots--please check posted signs.


If you would like to be informed about future talks for a general audience sponsored by the IMS,
please email: theims@virginia.edu

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