When
Where
Join CoS Alum of the Year Duncan Buell for an Insider’s Guide to Using Mathematics in the Real World.
If you think mathematics is just about proving theorems, think again. Dr. Duncan Buell (BS Math/Physics ’71), this year’s College of Science Alumnus of the Year, has spent his career tackling real-world problems—from cryptographic breakthroughs at the NSA-funded IDA Supercomputing Research Center to analyzing intelligence reports for national security.
In this engaging talk, Dr. Buell will share lessons from his time at IDA, offer practical advice on applying mathematics beyond academia, and explain why mastering computational tools is essential for today’s data-driven world. He’ll discuss how strong mathematical foundations set apart those who can truly interpret data from those who just push buttons, why retooling every five years is both thrilling and exhausting, and how collaboration with non-mathematicians is key to success. With fascinating anecdotes from high-stakes projects and hard-earned wisdom on preparing for a career using mathematics, this is a talk you won’t want to miss!
Location: ENR2 (1064 E Lowell St, Tucson, AZ 85719) - Room N595
Date and Time: Wednesday, February 26th 3-4pm