Life Sciences Seminar: Non-Associative Algebras & Genetic Inheritance
Life Sciences Seminar
Non-Associative Algebras & Genetic Inheritance
Dr. Mary Lynn Reed
School Head and Professor
School of Mathematical Sciences, RIT
In this talk we present a surprising link between abstract algebra and population genetics. We will explore the way non-associative algebras can be used to model aspects of genetic inheritance.
Abstract:
Abstract algebra is the study of algebraic structures, such as groups, rings, fields, algebras, and vector spaces. These general structures are known to have application to many disciplines but the connection to the life sciences may be the least explored. In this talk we present a surprising link between abstract algebra and population genetics. We will explore the way non-associative algebras can be used to model a variety of different aspects of genetic inheritance. Our emphasis will be on how higher mathematics, even traditionally ‘pure mathematics,’ is useful to science.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Mary Lynn Reed holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Illinois, a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Maryland. She spent nearly twenty years as a mathematician and leader at the National Security Agency, and she’s had a variety of other mathematical jobs, including: research staff member at the Institute for Defense Analyses, actuarial analyst at Milliman USA, staff scientist at HNC Software, and instructional positions at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science and the University of Maryland Baltimore Country. Dr. Reed’s research interests always walk the line between investigating abstract structures and trying to solve practical problems.
Intended Audience:
Beginners, undergraduates, graduates. Those with interest in the topic.
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Event Snapshot
When and Where
Who
Open to the Public
Interpreter Requested?
No