All Tied Up

Knots have appeared everywhere, from art, literature and religion to seafaring. Adams will discuss their past history as well as their future, with emphasis on the role they play in mathematics and the applications of that role to DNA and synthetic chemistry.Event: "Why Knot?" a lecture by mathematician, knot expert and all-around eccentric Colin Adams.

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Thursday, March 25

Description: Knots have appeared everywhere, from art, literature and religion to seafaring. Adams will discuss their past history as well as their future, with emphasis on the role they play in mathematics and the applications of that role to DNA and synthetic chemistry. No background assumed. Reception to follow.

Speaker Bio: Colin Conrad Adams is the Francis Christopher Oakley Third Century Professor of Mathematics at Williams College. He's an expert in hyperbolic 3-manifolds and knot theory as well as an award-winning teacher and educator. His books include The Knot Book: An elementary introduction to the mathematical theory of knots, How to Ace Calculus: the Streetwise Guide, and Why Knot?: An Introduction to the Mathematical Theory of Knots.

He also writes "Mathematically Bent", a column of math humor for the Mathematical Intelligencer, and has been known to give lectures in the persona of Mel Slugbate, a sleazy real-estate agent specializing in selling property in hyperbolic space.

Location: Thompson Conference Center 1.110

Contact: Alan Reid at (512) 471-3153

Sponsor: Department of Mathematicss (with a grant from the National Science Foundation)

Admission: Free