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updated August 11, 2009
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Math Scholars Learn About Number Theory & Inverse Problems
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Eight of the nation’s top college scholars learned the enjoyment of
studying such complex mathematical topics as computational number theory
and inverse problems this summer while participating in a Research
Experiences for Undergraduates program, organized by Rose-Hulman
Institute of Technology’s Department of Mathematics and supported by the
National Science Foundation.
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Problem Solvers: Participating in Rose-Hulman Institute of
Technology's Mathematics Research Experiences for Undergraduates
program were (front row, from left) Katrina Glaeser, Brooke
Phillips, Theresa Anderson and Katherine Osenbach. In the back row
(from left) are Rose-Hulman Mathematics Professor Kurt Bryan, Joseph
Kramer, Court Hoang, Marc Mace, Andrew Hoffman and Rose-Hulman
Mathematics Professor Joshua Holden. |
From June 6 to July 31, students joined Rose-Hulman mathematics
professors Kurt Bryan and Joshua Holden in discovering secrets hidden in
problems from number theory and inverse problems.
The group included Theresa Anderson of the University of
Wisconsin-Madison, Katrina Glaeser of the University of
California-Berkeley, Court Hoang of Pomona College (Calif.), Andrew
Hoffman of Wabash College, Joseph Kramer-Miller of Oberlin College
(Ohio), Marc Mace of Abilene Christian University (Texas), Katherine
Osenbach of the University of Scranton, and Brooke Phillips of Murray
State University.
Areas of concentration featured during the REU program included
examining mathematical inverse problems related to nondestructive
evaluation, especially the imaging of interior voids or cracks and the
governing boundary conditions, using thermal and electrical impedance
imaging. These inverse problems have applications as varied as
nondestructive testing in aircraft, medical imaging, the testing of
soldered connections in circuit boards, and the structural assessment of
composite materials.
In the area of computational number theory, student teams studied if
there were patterns in the mathematical transformations used in
cryptographic algorithms that are used to protect online purchases and
secure sensitive national government computer documents. Any unexpected
characteristics of this functional graph might lead to new progress in
breaking the discrete logarithm problem.
“We like solving problems and intoxicated ourselves in math, thinking
about math problems 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” stated Anderson.
“It is neat to be in an environment where excelling in math is
considered cool and ordinary.”
The students made presentations on their projects at the Indiana REU
Conference at Indiana University on July 23, and could have research
papers published by professional journals –- enhancing their graduate
school opportunities.
More information about Rose-Hulman’s mathematics REU can be found at
www.rose-hulman.edu/mathREU/REUhome.php.
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