SCHEDULE AND TIMELINE

March 26, 2008

Deadline for submitting abstracts.


April 16, 2008 

Undergraduate Research Symposium, McGinley Center Ballroom

1:00 - 3:00 pm         Poster Setup

3:00 - 5:00 pm         Research Poster Session

5:00 - 6:00 pm         Keynote Address, Flom Auditorium, Walsh Library

Keynote Speaker:  Clint Sprott, Ph.D., Professor of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison 

Title:  Self-Organization - Nature's Intelligent Design

Abstract:  Complex patterns are common thoughout nature, from the distribution of the galaxies in the Universe to the organization of neurons in the human brain.  It is generally assumed that such complex structure must have a complex cause, but it may be that simple mathematical and computer models can produce such patterns.  This talk will provide examples of self-organization in nature and will describe six simple models that can replicate the features of these patterns.  The models typically produce fractal spatial structure and chaotic temporal dynamics characterized by power laws and unpredictability, even when the models are simple and purely deterministic.  The work has application to fields as diverse as physics, ecology, political science, economics, sociology, and art.

6:00 - 6:30 pm         Awards Ceremony, Flom Auditorium, Walsh Library