Sept. 30 Pregame HokieTalks
Sept. 30
| Speaker |
Topic | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Embree Professor of Mathematics |
Virginia Tech Blazes a Trail with Computational Modeling and Data Analytics
|
Computational Modeling and Data Analytics (CMDA) takes big data and turn it into useful data. The CMDA program draws on expertise from three primary departments at Virginia Tech with strengths in quantitative science: mathematics, statistics, and computer science. By combining elements of these disciplines in innovative, integrated courses that emphasize techniques at the forefront of applied computation, the program teaches a rich suite of quantitative skills for tackling today’s massive data-based problems. |
| Harald Sontheimer Executive Director of the School of Neuroscience |
Neuroscience and Society
|
A new degree that explains many of society’s most pressing issues from drug use and addiction to memory loss and Psychopathy. Neuroscience is a young but rapidly growing scientific discipline. New non-invasive imaging modalities, molecular biology and genetics are rapidly solving many mysteries of the human brain and its illnesses. Sontheimer will showcase recent advances that bring us closer to understanding normal and abnormal behaviors, decision making, addiction and neurological illnesses. He will showcase how the Virginia Tech School of Neuroscience is implementing an innovative degree program that prepares students for careers in a multitude of disciplines, from Law to Neurosurgery, that benefit from in depth knowledge of Neuroscience. |
Steve Holbrook Department of Geosciences head |
21st-Century Earth Science: Addressing Society’s Grand Challenges
|
Human societies face unique challenges in the 21st century: finding adequate supplies of energy and strategic minerals; ensuring ecosystem services that can continue to provide food and water; and protecting lives and infrastructure against natural hazards. Earth science provides unique tools and insights to address these challenges in the context of Earth’s deep history. Holbrook, the new head of the Department of Geosciences, will highlight Virginia Tech’s work in understanding Earth's structure, history, resilience, and hazards. |