May 11, 2017

Mathematical biology expert to deliver lecture

by Tim Crosby

CARBONDALE, Ill. – An expert in mathematical biology will be the featured speaker at a math conference next week at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Professor Suzanne Lenhart, of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, will speak at the annual Langenhop Lecture Series and Mathematics Conference. Her presentation is set for 4 p.m. Monday, May 15, in the John C. Guyon Auditorium at Morris Library. The conference is set for Monday and Tuesday.

The Langenhop Lecture Series, which is free and open to the public, gives lay people the chance to hear complex mathematic theory explained in an understandable way, said Wesley Calvert, associate professor of mathematics at SIU. Lenhart will talk about her work in mathematical biology, including using math to improve CPR, math and science camps for girls, and several other areas of study.

The conference also will include other researchers from the United States, Canada, and elsewhere.  Almost 30 institutions from 13 states will be represented, including Washington University, the University of Chicago, Oak Ridge National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratories, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Murray State University, the Missouri University of Science and Technology and Auburn, among others.

Researchers will discuss topics including mathematical modeling of Ebola, Zika, cancer, HIV treatment, habitat change, salamander development and quantum computing, Calvert said.