Most people are familiar with the evolutionary tree that has been used for more than a century to illustrate relationships between biological species. On Wednesday, Dec. 2, Oregon State University – Cascades mathematics instructor Amelia Taylor will show how a marriage of mathematical techniques supports the study of evolutionary, or phylogenetic, trees and the development of the computational tools that are used by today’s biologists to understand relationships between species.
Taylor recently joined OSU-Cascades to coordinate mathematics and statistics curriculum as the university grows. She most recently served as a department chair and tenured faculty member at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. Taylor received a Master of Science from Purdue University and a Ph.D from the University of Kansas, both in mathematics. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, magna cum laude, from St. Olaf College.
Taylor’s research is in computational commutative algebra and focuses on applications to evolutionary biology and statistics. In a recent paper, she and coauthors developed a statistically powerful measure for phylogenetic tree inference using representation theory.
Taylor’s interests include helping students and members of the public realize that they can understand and enjoy mathematics and statistics.
OSU-Cascades' lunchtime lecture series showcases the range of research and scholarship underway by faculty at the Bend campus. The lectures are free, but attendees are asked to register in advance. Lectures take place from noon to 1 p.m. in Cascades Hall. Attendees are invited to bring a brown bag lunch and to pick-up a free parking pass from the main office before parking.
For information or to register click here or contact 541-322-3100 or info@osucascades.edu.
About OSU-Cascades: Oregon State University’s campus in Bend, Ore. features outstanding faculty in degree programs that reflect Central Oregon’s vibrant economy and abundant natural resources. Eighteen undergraduate majors, 30 minors and options, and four graduate programs include computer science, energy systems engineering, kinesiology, hospitality management, and tourism and outdoor leadership. The branch campus expanded to a four-year university beginning fall 2015.