The Mathematics & Statistics Department, Data Science & Society (DSS), and Asprey Center for Collaborative Approaches to the Sciences (ACCAS) jointly sponsored Colloquium Talk with Noah Giansiracusa, Bentley University on Thursday April 2 at 4PM in Rocky 300.

Title: From Volcanoes to Robots: The Hidden Geometric Pattern Shaping our World

Abstract: On the northern coast of Ireland is a remarkable natural formation called the Giant’s Causeway. Nearly perfect pentagons and hexagons reach up from the sea in stone columns. In the 18th century, these shapes helped geologists discover our planet’s volcanic past. In the 19th century, the geometric pattern responsible for these shapes helped Darwin shore up a gap in his theory of evolution, and it helped end a cholera outbreak. In the 20th century, this same pattern helped telecom companies design cell tower networks. And in the 21st century, it helps autonomous robots navigate. How can one geometric pattern do so much? Come find out!

Poster Link:
https://pages.vassar.edu/dss/files/2026/03/noah-poster-draft-3.pdf