Spring 2025
Time & Location: All talks are in Gibson Hall ___ on Wednesday at 4:00 PM unless otherwise noted.
Organizer: John Argentino
Wednesday, March 19
Topic: Faculty Talk
Tai Ha - Tulane University
Abstract: TBA
Location: Gibson Hall 310
Time: 4:15
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Wednesday, March 26
Topic: Faculty Talk
Daniel Bernstein - Tulane University
Abstract: TBA
Location: Gibson 310
Time: 4:15
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Wednesday, April 9
Topic: The Surprising Utility of Noise in Understanding Chaos
Samuel Punshon-Smith - Tulane University
Abstract: Many physical and mathematical systems exhibit chaotic behavior, characterized by extreme sensitivity to initial conditions and seemingly unpredictable dynamics. Proving the existence of chaos, often quantified by positive Lyapunov exponents, can be notoriously difficult for purely deterministic models. This talk will explore how introducing noise, or stochasticity, into dynamical systems can paradoxically make the analysis more tractable. We will discuss key concepts from dynamical systems and ergodic theory, illustrating how random perturbations can help establish chaotic properties and provide insights into the long-term behavior of complex systems, with examples potentially drawn from areas like fluid dynamics.
Location: Gibson 310
Time: 4:15
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