The Sonoma State University Department of Mathematics and Statistics presents James Peirce, University of Wisconsin LaCrosse.                                                                                                        

This will be an informal discussion on the mathematical model of a parasite that has caused recent deaths of California sea otters.You may wonder why a mathematician from Wisconsin is concerned about the California sea otter. During this talk I will explain how a mathematically curious mind (like the one you are developing as a math major) can naturally lead to the discovery of new scientific questions that can aid in local conservation efforts. My presentation will focus on the biological system and its mathematical model, data collected by high school and university students, and the (unanswered) mathematical questions that are currently being investigated. Series supported by Instructionally-Related Activities Funds. For more information about this series, go to www.sonoma.edu/math