Abstract: This presentation will introduce the field of topological graph theory. Along the way, YOU will get to work on some elementary problems and present your insights, so that YOU will acquire a sense of how mathematicians approach topological graph theory questions.
Biography: sarah-marie belcastro is a free-range mathematician, currently Director of MathILy and Research Affiliate at SmithCollege. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and did her undergraduate work at Haverford College. sarah-marie’s primary research area is topological graph theory; she is also interested in the mathematics of knitting, dance, infectious disease modeling, and changing the world. She enjoys connecting people to each other, connecting ideas to each other, and connecting people to ideas. sarah-marie has written the introductory textbook Discrete Mathematics with Ducks and co-edited the volumes Making Mathematics with Needlework and Crafting by Concepts.
Presenter’s personal website: http://www.toroidalsnark.net/