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!
Upcoming Colloquium
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.
- Textbook Info: All sections of Calculus I and II (Math 120, 126, 128) will use Stewart's Calculus, Early Transcendentals, 7th ed. This is available in print as well as in ebook format. All sections of Linear Algebra (Math 220) will use Poole's Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction, 3rd ed.
- AQR and Mathematics Placement Information: Please see the information to the left.
- Class of 2012: Among the 2012 graduates were 95 mathematics majors (the 2nd biggest major at the college this year), 31 statistics concentrators, and 13 computer science majors. Read about the students' post graduation plans. Congratulations to the students, parents, and faculty who helped this happen!
- Alumni: View profiles of recent alumni/ae.