John Nash to Speak at Shepherd University's Computer Algebra Day

May 9, 2008

Nobel Prize winner John F. Nash, Jr. is slated to speak during East Coast Computer Algebra Day (ECCAD) on May 10 at Shepherd University in Sheperdstown, W.Va.

Because many people know of Nash through A Beautiful Mind, the book and film about his life, and because the gathering is free, open to the public, and has no registration deadline, the event may draw an audience beyond the 150 or so researchers and mathematicians who would normally attend.

"We're lucky for him to say yes [to the invitation]," Suda Kunyosying  of Shepherd University told the Herald-Mail. "We did not think he would come."

Nash, 79, who was born in Bluefield, W.Va, helped lay the foundation for the use of game theory in economics by developing an equilibrium concept for non-cooperative games. In 1994, he won the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for his findings.

ECCAD 2008 is devoted to the use of computers for doing mathematics. The program covers programming, algorithms, mathematical communication, scientific and engineering applications, the use of computer algebra in mathematical education, and other topics.

Reza Mirdamadi, chair of Shepherd University's department of computer science, mathematics, and engineering, hopes that the one-day conference will "inspire young people to pursue a degree in math."

Attendees will be able to view students' poster presentations highlighting various uses of computer algebra systems. Teachers will get tips on how they can use computers for mathematics instruction.

The other invited speakers are Erich Kaltofen of North Carolina State University, Y. V. Ramana Reddy of West Virginia University, and Paul S. Wang of Kent State University.

The meeting will take place on May 10 at the National Conservation Training Center, 698 Conservation Way, Shepherdstown, W.Va.

Source: Herald-Mail, May 4, 2008.