Life and Math Podcast

The "Math" part of our interview with Dr. Linowitz, a number theorist and differential geometer at Oberlin College. Dr. Linowitz grew up (mathematically, that is) in algebraic number theory. These days he works in inverse spectral geometry. We talk about how this field developed from a single, famous theoretical math problem, the "can you hear the shape of a drum problem". We learn that the "hearing" part of the problem refers to the spectrum (i.e. the eigenvalues) of a particular differential operator, the Laplace operator.

Because the Laplace operator exists on many Riemannian manifolds, this famous problem can be generalized to that setting. Dr. Linowitz specializes in special classes of manifolds which are negatively curved, hyperbolic manifolds.

We hear how algebraic number theory enters the picture, as many of these hyperbolic manifolds can be created using techniques from number theory. Dr. Linowitz shares an excellent example of how expertise in one field (here it's algebraic number theory) can be used to prove results in another (inverse spectral geometry).

Dr. Linowitz's gave a great interview and has a gift for explaining things lucidly. I highly recommend hearing what he has to say.

The "Life" part of our interview with Dr. Linowitz, a number theorist and differential geometer at Oberlin College. Dr. Linowitz has an atypical and interesting path for a professional mathematician. Among his twists and turns he shares how he left college shortly after enrolling and ended up joining the army, how he narrowly missed ending up in the Iraq invasion to go back to school, and how in school he dove into math because an advisor told him he shouldn't take so many math courses! Eventually he ended up graduating from Ivy League institutions for undergraduate and grad school. He describes where he was and what he was thinking at those different junctures.

Dr. Linowitz's gave a great interview and is a good example that sometimes going off the beaten path can work out quite well in the end. I hope you enjoy!

This is the second half of an interview with Nick Gurski, a mathematician specializing in algebra, and specifically in category theory. We continue talking about n-categories and the homotopy hypothesis. We learn some of Dr. Gurski's path into math, including how he realized there was actually something fascinating to study in math while taking multivariable calculus as an undergraduate. We hear some of this unsolicited life advice on learning how to engage in critical self-reflection.

A fascinating introduction to a part of math many students do not know exists. See the accompanying "What are categories, functors, and natural transformations" - part of our "What are...?" video series at lifeandmath.com - for those who feel over their head listening to this.

This is the first half of an interview with Nick Gurski, a mathematician specializing in algebra, and specifically in category theory. We dive quickly into the thick of what category theory is, beginning with its origins in algebraic topology. We run through how certain problems from other fields can be solved using category theory, using algebraic geometry as an example. We close this half talking about the homotopy hypothesis, one of Dr. Gurski's problems of interest, and higher category theory.

This is the second half of an interview with Mark Meckes, a mathematician specializing in analysis and probability. We talk about a couple of his research projects, and then delve into some of his backstory. Perspectives on things like whether to go to graduate school and a discussion of the "passion myth" come up.

This is the first half of an interview with Mark Meckes, a mathematician specializing in analysis and probability. We talk about random matrix theory, his research, and his path to becoming a mathematician. Second part coming shortly.