Skip to content
Texas A&M University
Mathematics

Maxson Lecture Series

Fall 2019

 

Date:September 25, 2019
Time:4:00pm
Location:BLOC 117
Speaker:David A. Cox, Amherst College
Title:Maxson Lecture #1: Moment Maps of Toric Varieties, Linear Precision, and Maximum Likelihood Degree One
Abstract:I will begin with a question about the moment maps of toric varieties (from symplectic geometry). To get some preliminary insight, I will relate this question to the concept of strict linear precision (from geometric modeling). However, the best result so far uses a result of June Huh on maximum likelihood degree one (from algebraic statistics). I will also discuss the more general notion of rational linear precision and pose some open problems. This is joint work with Patrick Clarke of Drexel University.

Date:September 26, 2019
Time:4:00pm
Location:BLOC 117
Speaker:David A. Cox, Amherst College
Title:Maxson Lecture #2: Geometric Modeling, Rees Algebras, and Rational Normal Scrolls
Abstract:In the first part of the lecture, I will consider a parametrized quartic curve in the projective plane from three perspectives: • Geometric modeling, where we find the implicit equation using moving curves. • The Rees algebra, where we consider its defining equations. • Curves on rational normal scrolls, where we get insight into the Rees algebra. The goal is to link the algebra and geometry. The second part of the lecture will focus on the role of singularities and end with an unsolved problem about sextic plane curves with 10 double points. This is join work with Teresa Cortadellas and Carlos D’Andrea of the University of Barcelona.