The Department of Mathematics & Computer Science would like to welcome:
Dr. Gene Fiorini on Thursday, September 27 at 11:30am in SCP 229.
Title: CrIME: Criminal Investigation through Mathematical Examination
Abstract: Broadly speaking, Forensic science analyzes trace evidence left at the scene of a crime which may be used to either implicate or exonerate a suspect, or just gain further insight into the incident. This talk examines some of the common applications of mathematics and statistics to forensic science through case studies and mathematical activities. Topics covered include fingerprint analysis (graph theory, Euclidean geometry), forensic entomology (statistics), and blood spatter analysis (trigonometry). Dr. Fiorini will conclude the talk with a description of the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at the Center for Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science (DIMACS) and provide information on the application process for the 2013 DIMACS REU program.
Dr. Fiorini is currently serving as Associate Director of the Center for Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science at Rutgers University. He earned his Ph.D. in 1993 from the University of Delaware in Extremal Graph Theory, earned a masters in Statistics from Temple University, and completed the graduate work for a masters in mathematics education. For fourteen years he was a member of the Shippensburg University Mathematics Department where he also served as Associate Dean and Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Along with numerous publications in mathematics, statistics, and mathematics education, Dr. Fiorini authored Modeling Reality with Functions: Graphical, Numerical, Analytical, an applications-based textbook to accompany a course he developed to teach college algebra, co-authored a forensics unit and neuroscience unit in a new biomathematics textbook to appear in 2013, and is currently coordinating the development of a series of undergraduate
sustainability modules as part of the Mathematics for Planet Earth 2013 project. As Interim Dean at Shippensburg University he worked with Biology faculty member Dr. Cindy Elliott to develop and implement a forensics program. This included an articulation agreement with the Cumberland Valley Forensics Lab in Carlisle, Pa. in which lab experts and university faculty work together to train undergraduate and graduate students in forensic techniques.
Afterwards, please join us for lunch at The 1855 Room.
It would be great if you could encourage students to attend the talk, especially those who are considering REU opportunities.
Dr. Fiorini’s tentative schedule is:
Arrive between 10:30-11am. Have coffee w/ faculty & set up
Talk 11:30-12:30
Lunch & QA on REU’s w/ students & faculty 12:30-2 pm
2-3pm open for meetings w/ other faculty members if there is interest
If you are interested in a meeting with Dr. Fiorini, please email Christina, leec@tcnj.edu to schedule a time.