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==Upcoming Colloquia== ==Upcoming Colloquia==
-'''Robert Devaney (Boston University), Thursday, November 3, 2:30 in RNS 310'''+'''Alfred Furth, Thursday, November 10, 2:30 in RNS 310'''
-The Fractal Geometry of the Mandelbrot Set +How a throwaway idea became a dissertation
-In this lecture we describe several folk theorems concerning+Finding a new application for an old concept is a tried and true method for developing research projects that lead to theses and dissertations. This talk describes how a solution to a business problem morphed into a dissertation research project. Forecasting closure and default rates for CAPITAL’s client bank portfolios is a key component of our business. The historical models and algorithms used to predict these rates were unable to capture changes in the portfolio due to the limitations of their base assumptions. To solve this problem, a data driven approach using macroeconomic conditions and account level information within a survival model framework improved estimates which resulted in improved profitability for CAPITAL’s clients.
-the Mandelbrot set. While this set is extremely complicated+
-from a geometric point of view, we will show that, as long as+
-you know how to add and how to count, you can understand this+
-geometry completely. We will encounter many famous mathematical+
-objects in the Mandelbrot set, like the Farey tree and the+
-Fibonacci sequence. And we will find many soon-to-be-famous+
-objects as well, like the "Devaney" sequence. There might+
-even be a joke or two in the talk. Reception to follow in the math lounge.+
-'''Robert Devaney (Boston University), Thursday, November 3, 7:00 in Weitz Center at Carleton'''+Biography:
-Chaos Games and Fractal Images+Alfred Furth serves as Vice President of Portfolio Analytics and Risk at CAPITAL Card Services, Inc in Sioux Falls, SD. He leads the statistical analysis and risk management activities at CAPITAL including proprietary scorecard development and management, marketing activities about account management. Dr. Furth brings over 11 years of analytical experience to CAPITAL. He has been published numerous times including his own self-directed research in predictive modeling and clinical trial analysis. His extensive knowledge and experience with analytical tools and techniques began during his tenure at the Mayo Clinic providing support to the Cancer Research Center.
 +Alfred graduated from St. Olaf with a Mathematics degree and Statistics concentration. He has an Master’s in Statistics from Iowa State University and a Doctorate in Computational Science and Statistics from South Dakota State University. Alfred enjoys reading, sports and spending time with his wife and three children.
-In this lecture we will describe some of the beautiful+Students interested in meeting with Dr Furth following the colloquium should email Prof Ziegler-Graham (kziegler@stolaf.edu).
-images that arise from the "Chaos Game." We will show+
-how the simple steps of this game produce, when iterated+
-millions of times, the intricate images known as fractals.+
-We will describe some of the applications of this technique+
-used in data compression as well as in Hollywood. We will+
-also challenge students present to "Beat the Professor"+
-at the chaos game and maybe win his computer. Reception will take place at 6:30 in Weitz Center.+
See [[Colloquium Series]] for info on other upcoming colloquia. See [[Colloquium Series]] for info on other upcoming colloquia.

Revision as of 17:16, 7 November 2011

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The Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science is brimming with activity in three vital disciplines: Mathematics; Statistics; and Computer Science. These fields can team up with almost any other discipline or interest---and also align well with many careers. Check us out!


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Upcoming Colloquia

Alfred Furth, Thursday, November 10, 2:30 in RNS 310

How a throwaway idea became a dissertation

Finding a new application for an old concept is a tried and true method for developing research projects that lead to theses and dissertations. This talk describes how a solution to a business problem morphed into a dissertation research project. Forecasting closure and default rates for CAPITAL’s client bank portfolios is a key component of our business. The historical models and algorithms used to predict these rates were unable to capture changes in the portfolio due to the limitations of their base assumptions. To solve this problem, a data driven approach using macroeconomic conditions and account level information within a survival model framework improved estimates which resulted in improved profitability for CAPITAL’s clients.

Biography:

Alfred Furth serves as Vice President of Portfolio Analytics and Risk at CAPITAL Card Services, Inc in Sioux Falls, SD. He leads the statistical analysis and risk management activities at CAPITAL including proprietary scorecard development and management, marketing activities about account management. Dr. Furth brings over 11 years of analytical experience to CAPITAL. He has been published numerous times including his own self-directed research in predictive modeling and clinical trial analysis. His extensive knowledge and experience with analytical tools and techniques began during his tenure at the Mayo Clinic providing support to the Cancer Research Center. Alfred graduated from St. Olaf with a Mathematics degree and Statistics concentration. He has an Master’s in Statistics from Iowa State University and a Doctorate in Computational Science and Statistics from South Dakota State University. Alfred enjoys reading, sports and spending time with his wife and three children.

Students interested in meeting with Dr Furth following the colloquium should email Prof Ziegler-Graham (kziegler@stolaf.edu).

See Colloquium Series for info on other upcoming colloquia.