October Science Cafe: Some Mathematical Characters, Crackpots and Crazies - Dr. Charles Groetsch

Our next Science Cafe will be this upcoming Tuesday, October 23, at 7pm at the Pittsford Plaza Barnes and Noble.

Dr. Charles Groetsch, the Traubert Chair of Mathematics and Computer Science at the Citadel in Charleston, SC, will speak on the topic of

"Some Mathematical Characters, Crackpots and Crazies" 

 
Are mathematicians different than other people? Are they crazier or just eccentric? Is there a mathematical personality? Is mathematics hazardous? Are mathematicians a danger to society? No answers to any of these questions are offered in this talk. My purpose is to illustrate, in the lives of some famous (and infamous) mathematicians, instances where breathtaking talent and creativity co-existed with astonishing wackiness, doleful tragedy, or dangerous fanaticism. 

From the SIAM website: "His main teaching interest is the integration of mathematics, history and physical science in the classroom. He is the author of several books, some of which have been published in Japanese and Chinese language editions, and numerous research papers in this area."

On November 27, Dr. Mark Monmonier of Department of Geography and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University will speak about his new book, "Lake Effect: Tales of large Lakes, Arctic Winds and Recurrent Snows", and we will have a book signing immediately afterwards.

As always, refreshments will be provided courtesy of a NASA grant, and ASL interpretation available for our deaf and hard of hearing guests. We hope to see everyone there.