Women in Mathematics Colloquium features mollusks

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics Women in Mathematics Colloquium will feature Dr. Judy Holdener of Kenyon College with “The Spiraling Art of Mollusks.”

Are mollusks artists? Anyone observing the spiraling seashells, mollusks sometimes produce, might believe they are. In this talk, Dr. Holdener will reproduce the art of mollusks using a fairly elementary mathematical model of seashell form. The model is based on the observation that most shells grow isometrically, meaning they retain the same shape as they enlarge. With the help of the computer algebra system MAPLE, she will then employ iterative models to render the surface patterns commonly found on seashells. In doing so, she will not only apply mathematics to obtain the beauty found in nature, she will illustrate the beautiful nature of applied mathematics.

The event is scheduled for 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, in Salvi Lecture Hall with a reception for Dr. Holdener beginning at 4 p.m.

This colloquium is supported by a National Science Foundation grant to encourage women to study mathematics.

For more information, contact Dr. Kevin Dennis at kdennis@smumn.edu or Ext. 6650.