2017-18 J.C. Eaves Lecture
Speaker: Francis Su of the Department of Mathematics, Harvey Mudd College
Time and date: 5-6 pm, Thursday, 29 March 2018.
Location: White Hall Classroom Building, Room 110
Title: Mathematics for Human Flourishing
Abstract: Why does the practice of mathematics often fall short of our ideals and hopes? How can deeply human themes motivate our students to do and study mathematics? I have been advancing the message that mathematics help people flourish, no matter what they choose to do with their lives or careers. I will explain why I believe this is an important message, especially for educators, and describe some of the reactions I've received.
The J.C. Eaves Lecture is supported by the Dr. J.C. Eaves Undergraduate Excellence Fund in Mathematics.
About Dr. Francis Edward Su
Francis Edward Su is the Benediktsson-Karwa Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College. He received his B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin, and his Ph.D. from Harvard University. His research is in geometric and topological combinatorics, motivated by applications in the social sciences. He has held visiting appointments at Cornell University, MSRI, and Caltech. His work has been supported by multiple NSF research grants and he has co-authored numerous papers with undergraduates.
Su also has a passion for teaching and popularizing mathematics. From the Mathematical Association of America, he received the 2001 Hasse Prize for expository writing, and the 2004 Alder Award and the 2013 Haimo Award for distinguished teaching. He has delivered many invited lectures at national and Section meetings, including the 2006 Leitzel Lecture. He authors the popular Math Fun Facts website and iPhone app.
About the J.C. Eaves Speakers Series
The J.C. Eaves Undergraduate Excellence Fund brings speakers to campus to participate in the undergraduate mathematics program. The Fund is supported by a generous gift from James C. Eaves, Jr. and Mary Eaves, the son and daughter-in-law of J.C. Eaves. J.C. Eaves was a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics and Astronomy at the University of Kentucky and served as Chair of the Department from 1953 to 1963.
The previous speakers in the J.C. Eaves Speakers Series are:
- Ken Ono, Emory University, 2016-17
- Frank Wilczek, MIT, 2015-16
- Mihai Stoicu, Williams College, 2015-16
The photograph of J.C. Eaves from 1965 is provided courtesy of the University of Kentucky Libraries Special Collections Research Center. The original may be found at ExploreUK.
