Mappings between abstract and physical spaces
Edmund Harriss (University of Arkansas)
Abstract: I work as a mathematician and artist, and within the Illustrating Mathematics group, at the heart of this work lie ideas about translation and mapping between physical and abstract spaces, in different ways to just modelling. In particular thinking about ideas in art and mathematical illustration where physical spaces are being used to understand the abstract world (rather than science that normally goes the other way). Images, models and experiences can reveal aspects of the abstract that we do not yet understand and thus drive research. I will introduce some ideas about this and then open the question of how category theory might be useful to understanding the mapping and conversion that is happening between the abstract and the physical and thus how it can be validated and potentially checked for errors.
The talk will be moderated by Namista Tabassum who joined our comp math group recently. Namista is an interdisciplinary researcher and business advisor who has worked with diverse organizations in Canada and Bangladesh, notably leading research projects and facilitating social impact events. Her interest in mathematics and science communication stems from her belief in compassionate mathematics, bridging her passion for art and logic to make complex concepts accessible and engaging.
Computer scienceMathematics
Audience: researchers in the topic
Series comments: The name "Relatorium" combines "relator" with the Latin root "-ium," meaning "a place for activities" (as in "auditorium" or "gymnasium"). This seminar series is a platform to relate ideas, interact with math, and connect with each other.
In this series, we explore math beyond what we usually hear in standard talks. These sessions fall somewhere between a technical talk and a podcast: moderately formal, yet conversational. The philosophy behind the series is that math is best learned by active participation rather than passive listening. Our aim is to “engage and involve,” inviting everyone to think actively with the speaker. The concepts are accessible, exploratory, and intended to spark questions and discussions.
The idea of relatability has strong ties to compassion — creating space for shared understanding and exploration - which is the spirit of this seminar! This is a pilot project, so we’re here to improvise, learn, and evolve as we go!
| Organizers: | Priyaa Varshinee*, Tim Hosgood*, Niels Voorneveld |
| *contact for this listing |