High Rolling: USU's Science Unwrapped Explores Randomness and Chance on Friday, March 22
USU mathematician Erin Beckman is featured presenter for free, family-friendly event focused on probability theory.
By Mary-Ann Muffoletto |
USU mathematician Erin Beckman is featured speaker for Science Unwrapped Friday, March 22. She presents 'Randomness and Chance: Push It to the Limit' at 7 p.m. in the Eccles Science Learning Center on campus. All are welcome and admission is free.
Probability theory is a branch of mathematics that studies the likelihood of random events occurring, and you don’t need to be a Vegas high roller to appreciate it.
Utah State University mathematician Erin Beckman says learning about probability theory can help us better understand the world around us.
“Understanding some basic concepts about this area of mathematics can help us in all kinds of disciplines, from economics to public health, ecology and more,” says Beckman, assistant professor in USU’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
She will present “Randomness and Chance: Push It to the Limit” at USU’s Science Unwrapped public outreach program at 7 p.m. Friday, March 22, in the Emert Auditorium, Room ESLC 130, of the Eccles Science Learning Center.
Admission is free and all ages are welcome.
“I’ll demonstrate simple examples of basic probability theorems to show a few places they appear in our everyday lives,” Beckman says. “These ideas are important to anyone seeking knowledge about scientific phenomena.”
Hands-on learning activities led by USU student groups and community volunteers, along with refreshments, will follow Beckman’s presentation. The talk will also be recorded and posted on the Science Unwrapped website within a week of the in-person event.
Directions and parking information are available on the program’s website.
Beckman’s talk is the sixth presentation in Science Unwrapped’s 2023-24 “Building on Basics” series, which explores varied scientific principles, with exciting examples and illustrations from diverse disciplines.
“This year’s approach is to examine basic scientific principles, and how they fit into varied scientific disciplines,” says Brynja Kohler, Science Unwrapped chair, associate dean in the College of Science and professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. “We have a wonderful group of scientists lined up to speak at this year’s events, and it will be fun to hear their different perspectives.”
Established in 2009, Science Unwrapped is hosted by USU’s College of Science.
For more information, call 435-797-3517, visit the Science Unwrapped website or view the ‘Science Unwrapped at USU’ Facebook page.
WRITER
Mary-Ann Muffoletto
Public Relations Specialist
College of Science
435-797-3517
maryann.muffoletto@usu.edu
CONTACT
Brynja Kohler
Science Unwrapped Chair; Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Services
College of Science
435-797-2826
brynja.kohler@usu.edu
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