Established on May 10, 1972
by the late Dr. Murray Abramson
then chair of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department
Abigail Adams
Nicholas J. Almeder
Mackenzie Anderson
Austin Araujo
Morgan Brown
Justin Carpender
Elizabeth Cedarstrom
Emily Cloutier
Hayden Davis
Olivia Dean
Siobhan M. DeLorey
Luke Donovan
Kate Elizabeth Faria
Catherine Ferris
Kent Loc
Zacharia Longinidis
Julianne Maia
Melissa Mejia
Jade Monte
Alanna Nucci
Alexandra Karen Riendeau
Kelsey A. Shurtleff
Julia Thomas
Hailey Thornton
Sarah Varney
Carolina Velasquez
Sarah Weber
Historic Documents
1987 Departmental Memo
1988 Departmental Memo
Click to view Guest Book
Related Links
Current Advisor
Dr. Andrew Miller, 2020 - present
Previous Advisors
Dr. Shelley Stahl, 2018-2020
Dr. John Pike, 2017-2019
Dr. Laura K. Gross, 2010-2015, 2017-2019
Dr. Annela Kelly, 2013-2014, 2016
Dr. Jacqueline Anderson, 2013-2014
Dr. Ward Heilman, 2004-2010
Prof. Thomas Moore, 1980-2003
Dr. Murray Abramson, 1972-1979
Π Μ Ε
Sunday, April 25, 2021, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Zoom
Introduced by
Dr. Andrew Miller
Presided over by
Colleen Daly ('20)
Paige Hoffses ('20)
Presented by
Dr. Kelsey Houston-Edwards
Abstract
Several years ago, I was hired to teach a summer school about paradoxes. As I was preparing for the course, I began to realize that I don't really know what defines a paradox. Mathematicians frequently use the word “paradox” to describe a result which is counterintuitive or a statement which seems both true and false. But these definitions are more about perception than logic. In this talk, we’ll explore a few famous paradoxes and try to classify them using mathematics and psychology.
Biography
Kelsey is a talented mathematician and expositor who is currently working as a freelance math and science writer. She receieved her B.A. in philosophy and mathematics at Reed College and her PhD in mathematics at Cornell University, completing her dissertation under the supervision of Laurent Saloff-Coste. Her research has explored topics such as fair division, discrete heat kernel estimates, and the application of geometric and functional techniques to the study of quasi-stationary distributions of Markov chains. In addition, Kelsey is an accomplished popularizer of math and science, having contributed several articles in publications such as Scientific American and Quanta Magazine. She was an AAAS-AMS Mass Media Fellow, a science journalist at NOVA Next, and the writer and host of over 40 episodes of the popular PBS YouTube show, Infinite Series.
Links
Dr. Murray Abramson, a faculty member from 1966 to 1987. He had chaired the Mathematics and Computer Science Department for years when he passed away in 1987. He held a bachelor's degree from Brooklyn College, a master's from Syracuse University, and a doctorate from Columbia University.
"Quiet and gentle, he was beloved by his students and fellow faculty members. He served the college on the tenure and curriculum committees for many years and was especially interested in the foreign student exchange program. Possessed of an ever-curious mind, he read widely and enjoyed auditing college courses in the areas of art and music." -- from his Memorial and Diorama Presentation held at the Clement C. Maxwell Library on February 6, 1988.
Publications
A Development of the rational number System, a programmed text, by Murray Abramson. Boston: Holbrook Press, 1970
First and second level examination of the tenth annual Olympiad High School Prize Competition, by Murray Abramson and Hugo D'Alarat, 1974.
Instructor's manual for a development of the rational number system, 1970
Language of sets - teachers manual. Performance data & Interpretation: Donald A . Cook. Lesson plans: Murray Abramson, 1963
Programming instruction in a development of the rational number system, doctoral dissertation, 1968
(Source: University Archives)
Gettysburg Diorama
A very realistic portrayal of the third and final day of the Battle of Gettysburg, this diorama was made by Dr. Paul Abramson in memory of his brother Dr. Murray Abramson. The 13,000 tiny figures representing Lee's army of 75,000 men and Meade's amy of 97,000 are meticulously painted by hand and the land features carefully and faithfully put in place.
The diorama is currently located near the balcony of the third floor of the Maxwell Library. Please visit the library's Archives/Special Collections for more information.
BSU Campus Community Guides are a service of Maxwell Library. For more information about the Community Guides or to request a site, please contact Maxwell Library Digital Services.
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