Math Professor to Give Sub-Riemannian Geometry Lecture

The Department of Mathematical Sciences Colloquium Series hosts assistant professor Nate Eldredge of the University of Northern Colorado, who will present “Asteroids, Parallel Parking, and the Heisenberg Group: Sub-Riemannian Geometry and Hypoellipticity,” at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, in SCEN 322.

Eldredge will give an introduction to sub-Riemannian geometry, which can be thought of as a way to describe systems that move around subject to constraints. He will discuss familiar examples, such as the classic video game Asteroids and parallel parking a car, as well as less familiar ones, such as the Heisenberg group and its relationship to planimeters (mechanical devices for measuring area).

A reception takes place before each colloquium at 3 p.m. in SCEN 350.

The event is open to the public.