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• May

  7

  Appl Math: Jon Rubin on "Mechanisms of temporal variability and precision in transient biological dynamics"

  McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

  11:15 AM M416, Technological Institute

  EVENT DETAILS

  Title: Mechanisms of temporal variability and precision in transient biological dynamics

  Speaker: Jon Rubin, University of Pittsburgh

  Abstract: Understanding transient temporal effects—when events occur and how variable their timing is—represents a central challenge across biological systems. This talk will present dynamical systems frameworks for understanding temporal variability, temporal precision, and input selectivity across two very different biological contexts. First, in predator-prey population cycles, I will discuss how stochasticity interacts with proximity to saddle points to generate substantial cycle period variability, as associated with population outbreaks. Second, in the context of neuronal responses to time-varying inputs, I will demonstrate the dynamical features underlying some selective response phenomena characteristic of brainstem auditory neurons. Finally, in a setting that combines both periodic forcing and noise, I introduce the dynamic threshold curve (DTC), which captures how the geometry of excitable systems determines their phase-locking precision, which may contribute to the remarkable temporal accuracy of auditory neurons.

  Zoom: https://northwestern.zoom.us/j/96618412691

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  TIME Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

  LOCATION M416, Technological Institute    map it

  ADD TO CALENDAR

  CONTACT Noor Kaur    noor.kaur@northwestern.edu EMAIL

  CALENDAR McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

• May

  21

  Appl Math: Robert Hunt on "Diffusion-induced aggregation and diffusion-limited settling of particles in density-stratified fluids"

  McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

  11:15 AM M416, Technological Institute

  EVENT DETAILS

  Title: Diffusion-induced aggregation and diffusion-limited settling of particles in density-stratified fluids

  Speaker: Robert Hunt, University of Chicago

  Abstract: Many systems in nature involve fluids which are stratified by their density, the ocean being an important example. In these stratified fluids, immersed particles interact with the stratifying agent, causing both the fluid and particles to move. This talk will discuss two phenomena that arise from this coupled system: diffusion-induced aggregation, where a density field disturbance and subsequent induced flow create an effective force between particles, and diffusion-limited settling, where the rate of solute exchange between a stratified fluid and a porous particle determines the velocity at which the particle settles. In both cases, the interaction between the stratifying solute and the solid geometry plays a crucial role, and this interaction can yield emergent and counterintuitive particle behavior with relevance to carbon sequestration and ocean ecology.

  Zoom: https://northwestern.zoom.us/j/95196126589

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  To subscribe to the Applied Mathematics Colloquia List send a message to LISTSERV@LISTSERV.IT.NORTHWESTERN.EDU with the command:

  SUBSCRIBE esam-seminar FirstName LastName

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  TIME Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

  LOCATION M416, Technological Institute    map it

  ADD TO CALENDAR

  CONTACT Noor Kaur    noor.kaur@northwestern.edu EMAIL

  CALENDAR McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

• May

  28

  Appl Math: Dashun Wang on "Title TBA"

  McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

  11:15 AM M416, Technological Institute

  EVENT DETAILS

  Title: TBA

  Speaker: Dashun Wang, Northwestern University

  Abstract: TBA

  Zoom: TBA

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  To subscribe to the Applied Mathematics Colloquia List send a message to LISTSERV@LISTSERV.IT.NORTHWESTERN.EDU with the command:

  SUBSCRIBE esam-seminar FirstName LastName

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  TIME Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

  LOCATION M416, Technological Institute    map it

  ADD TO CALENDAR

  CONTACT Noor Kaur    noor.kaur@northwestern.edu EMAIL

  CALENDAR McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

• Jun

  4

  Appl Math: Neil Ribe on "Title TBA"

  McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

  11:15 AM M416, Technological Institute

  EVENT DETAILS

  Title: TBA

  Speaker: Neil Ribe, Université Paris-Saclay

  Abstract: TBA

  Zoom: TBA

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  To subscribe to the Applied Mathematics Colloquia List send a message to LISTSERV@LISTSERV.IT.NORTHWESTERN.EDU with the command:

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  more less

  TIME Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

  LOCATION M416, Technological Institute    map it

  ADD TO CALENDAR

  CONTACT Noor Kaur    noor.kaur@northwestern.edu EMAIL

  CALENDAR McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)