Franklin College Alumnus to Deliver Math and Computing Lecture
Joe Fox, a 1999 alumnus of Franklin College and current professor and chair of mathematics at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Mich., will give a public lecture at Franklin College on Tuesday, March 10 at 7 p.m. in the Branigin Room of the Napolitan Student Center.
The lecture, titled “Doing Math in the Dark,” will explore the idea that the process of making a mathematical discovery can be as difficult as finding the light switch in a dark room. Fox will discuss some topics that he calls “dark room experiences,” which include online games and critically important moments in world history. He will also explain how the skills a mathematics education offers can inspire individuals to enter their own mathematical dark rooms.
Fox graduated from Franklin College with a degree in pure and applied mathematics. He continued his education at Western Michigan University, specializing in the representation theory of algebraic groups. He received his Ph.D. in 2006. Fox taught at Salem State University in Massachusetts before returning to Michigan in 2013 to teach at Aquinas College.
Fox will also be speaking at a colloquium focused on recreational math, or math that some may see as useless and not used in what he says students call the “real world.” The colloquium will be on Wednesday, March 11 at 4 p.m. in Branigin Room East of the Napolitan Student Center.
“Joe was exceptional as a student at Franklin College,” said Dan Callon, Ph.D., professor of mathematics. “When he would make a presentation in class, they were so good that the other students would take notes. He seemed to be a natural professor. His explanations were always clear, concise and complete. I am looking forward to hearing what he will share in his talks.”
Both events are free and open to the public.