Dr. Becky Sanft, assistant professor, University of North Carolina Asheville
January 31, 2020
3-4 p.m.
Walker Hall, Room 103A
This talk is free and open to the public.
Mathematical modeling is an iterative process that can be used to help us understand complex biological systems, make predictions and control systems to obtain particular outcomes. This process is inherently collaborative and often requires a breadth of tools, including formulating mathematical equations to model the system, using computational methods to solve the model and applying statistical techniques to calibrate and validate the model. In this talk, Sanft will first provide an overview of how model growth in elastic tissues and how these models are used to understand the mechanical response of arteries. Then she will discuss how she approachs teaching the principles of mathematical modeling in interdisciplinary classes through the use of case studies and wet labs.
Sanft received her Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the University of Arizona. She then worked at Bryn Mawr College as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Postdoctoral Fellow. During this time, she developed courses in mathematical modeling and worked with biology faculty to incorporate more quantitative training throughout their curriculum. Following this appointment, Sanft was an assistant professor of Mathematics at St. Olaf College where she led a team of faculty in mathematics and biology to develop a concentration in Mathematical Biology. She is currently an assistant professor at University of North Carolina Asheville. Her research interests are at the interface of mathematics, biology and mechanics, with an emphasis on modeling growth in soft tissues.
This event is sponsored by the Department of Mathematical Sciences. Please contact Quinn Morris morrisqa@appstate.edu or Travis Weiland weilandtj@appstate.edu or visit our department colloquium website https://mathsci.appstate.edu/activities-outreach/department-colloquia for more information.
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About the Department of Mathematical Sciences
The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers undergraduate degrees in actuarial science and mathematics, with concentrations in business, computation, life sciences, physical sciences, secondary teaching and statistics, plus a general, self-designed concentration. The department also offers the Master of Arts in mathematics, with concentrations in college teaching and secondary teaching. Learn more at https://mathsci.appstate.edu.
Dr. Becky Sanft, assistant professor, University of North Carolina Asheville. Photo from https://www.unca.edu/person/becky-sanft.
Dr. Becky Sanft, assistant professor, University of North Carolina Asheville. Photo from https://www.unca.edu/person/becky-sanft.