May 01, 2023
Meghan O’Toole
Sara Jamshidi attends prestigious Banff International Research Station
Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Mathematics and Director of the Applied Data Center Sara Jamshidi attended a workshop in random algebraic geometry at the Banff International Research Station (BIRS) in Alberta, Canada, April 16–21.
BIRS is an important global hub for mathematical research equivalent to the Oberwolfach Research Institute for Mathematics in Europe. The event provided Jamshidi with the opportunity to network and foster more research collaborations with scholars from institutions across the globe. Collaborations like this are key to generating high-quality research projects for students at Lake Forest College, who often assist on professors’ research.
Much of Jamshidi’s research falls within the intersection of two topics: applied algebra and machine learning. Although distinct, these two research areas complement each other well. Techniques from applied algebra, especially algebraic geometry and tropical geometry, can describe how machine learning methods work. Similarly, machine learning methods can be used to provide partial answers within applied algebra.
“During my time at BIRS, I’ve been able to advertise recent results in two different projects, one involving Eric Kang ’23 and the other involving senior Ebra Abdelsamad ’23,” she said.
At the workshop, Jamshidi also learned about recent work that has spurred the development of three potential projects for advanced juniors or seniors interested in graduate programs in mathematics, computer science, or machine learning.
“There are a lot of interesting questions that undergraduate students can tackle coming out of applied algebra in general,” Jamshidi explained. “Applied algebraic geometry and related areas of study sound like such difficult topics, and they are, but there is much an advanced junior or senior can dive into. Many of our students are seeking those challenges and, with sustained effort, produce amazing results.”
The funding for this opportunity was partially provided by the College and is an important investment in advancing the educational mission at Lake Forest College.