From malaria to ChatGPT: the birth and strange life of the random walk

Event Date:
2025-05-27T13:00:00
2025-05-27T14:00:00
Event Location:
GEOG 100
Speaker:
Dr. Jordan Ellenberg, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Related Upcoming Events:
Other Talks
Intended Audience:
Everyone
Local Contact:

This event is also part of the Hugh C. Morris Lecture Series, which brings distinguished speakers to the PIMS network thanks to the generous endowment from Dr. Hugh Morris, former Chair of the PIMS Board of Directors.

We hope you and your colleagues can join us for this special occasion. 

Event Information:

The UBC Department of Mathematics is pleased to announce the Niven & Hugh Morris Lecture, taking place tomorrow (May 27, 2025), in GEOG 100 at UBC. 

Abstract:

This engaging public talk will explore the fascinating history and surprising applications of random walks - from mosquito control in the early 20th century to their role in modern artificial intelligence. Dr. Ellenberg is an acclaimed mathematician, author, and speaker known for making complex ideas accessible and inspiring.

The Niven Lecture is an annual event that celebrates graduating mathematics students and welcomes their families and the broader community. It honours UBC alumnus Ivan Niven, a renowned number theorist and beloved expositor whose legacy continues to impact generations of learners.

Bio:

Learn More:

Add to Calendar 2025-05-27T13:00:00 2025-05-27T14:00:00 From malaria to ChatGPT: the birth and strange life of the random walk Event Information: The UBC Department of Mathematics is pleased to announce the Niven & Hugh Morris Lecture, taking place tomorrow (May 27, 2025), in GEOG 100 at UBC.  Abstract: This engaging public talk will explore the fascinating history and surprising applications of random walks - from mosquito control in the early 20th century to their role in modern artificial intelligence. Dr. Ellenberg is an acclaimed mathematician, author, and speaker known for making complex ideas accessible and inspiring. The Niven Lecture is an annual event that celebrates graduating mathematics students and welcomes their families and the broader community. It honours UBC alumnus Ivan Niven, a renowned number theorist and beloved expositor whose legacy continues to impact generations of learners. Bio: Learn More: About Dr. Ellenberg: https://people.math.wisc.edu/~ellenberg/    and  Event Location: GEOG 100