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3D Shadows: Casting Light on the Fourth Dimension

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Our brains have evolved in a three-dimensional environment, and so we are very good at visualizing two- and three-dimensional objects. But what about four-dimensional objects?

The best we can really do is to look at three-dimensional “shadows”. Just as a shadow of a three-dimensional object squishes it into the two-dimensional plane, we can squish a four-dimensional shape into three-dimensional space, where we can then make a sculpture of it.

If the four-dimensional object isn’t too complicated and we choose a good way to squish it, then we can get a very good sense of what it is like.

Henry Segerman will explore the sphere in four-dimensional space, the four-dimensional polytopes (which are the four-dimensional versions of the three-dimensional polyhedra), and various 3D-printed sculptures, puzzles, and virtual reality experiences that have come from thinking about these things.

About the Speaker

Henry Segerman is an assistant professor of mathematics at Oklahoma State University. His research interests are 3-manifolds and triangulations, hyperbolic geometry, and mathematical visualisation and 3D printing. He authored the book Visualizing Mathematics with 3D Printing, published in September 2016 by Johns Hopkins University Press. This mathematics book is intended for a popular audience, with the twist that most of the figures in the book are photographs of 3D-printed models. These models are available for readers to download and 3D print themselves, or order online, or explore virtually on the book's website, 3dprintmath.com. Dr. Segerman will make 3D-printed objects from his work available for inspection during his talk. 

About the Event

Dr. Segerman's talk is part of the College of Sciences' Frontiers in Science Lecture Series. Lectures in this series are intended to inform, engage, and inspire students, faculty, staff, and the public on developments, breakthroughs, and topics of general interest in the sciences and mathematics. Lecturers tailor their talks for nonexpert audiences.  

This lecture's host is School of Mathematics Professor Stavros Garoufalidis.

Dr. Segerman will be signing his new book, Visualizing Mathematics with 3D Printing, after the lecture.

Light refreshments will be served. 

Parking is available in the Visitors Lot on the south side of North Avenue, across Tech Tower. 

Status

  • Workflow Status:Published
  • Created By:A. Maureen Rouhi
  • Created:09/20/2016
  • Modified By:Fletcher Moore
  • Modified:04/13/2017