Friday, Sept. 4, Rongbiao Wang ’22 delivered a lecture on the application of symmetry in mathematics. Wang graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in mathematics and philosophy. He is currently pursuing a PhD in computational and applied mathematics at the University of Chicago.
The event was a formal meeting of academics in which attendees shared research findings and ideas. This particular colloquium focused on Wang’s research about optimizing computer algorithms using symmetry.
Wang began by introducing the universal nature of mathematics and symmetry.
“Symmetry is something that exists everywhere,” he said.
Wang then discussed his research, which explores how symmetry can be used intentionally to translate abstract concepts into optimized computer algorithms.
While discussing computer algorithms, Wang touched on machine learning and artificial intelligence. He emphasized that AI extends beyond computer systems.
“AI regulations involve everyone,” Wang said. “Philosophy, economics and the histories of technologies that we should understand are impacting how we should look at AI now.”
Scott Ennen ’28, a mathematics major at the College, attended the colloquium. He emphasized Wang’s effective communication of his research.
“I was surprised how simply he was able to convert [difficult concepts] into something usable,” Ennen said.
Renee Brown ’28 also attended the event and admired how Wang connected the abstract field of mathematics to computer algorithms.
“In a world where there are so many competing ideas and ways of spinning things, it’s just really refreshing and beautiful to see and hear about that simplicity,” Brown said.
Brown added she felt Wang did an effective job communicating the ways math can express itself from a purely analytical context.
“People think of math as a very nerdy thing, but I think that it’s a very creative thing as well,” Brown said. “It requires a lot of problem solving, yes, but also a level of curiosity and design that [is often] overlooked.”
Wang concluded his lecture by urging students to see the opportunities for innovation in mathematics.
“There are a lot of opportunities for collaboration,” Wang said.
Wang also encouraged students to reconsider the purpose of mathematics in light of newer AI models that can quickly solve computationally challenging issues.
“What we see a lot in the news recently is people saying math is a dying subject because AI can prove theorems better than math,” Wang said. “But I don’t think the purpose of math ever lay in proving theorems themselves.”
