About the Michler Lecture Series:

The Ruth I. Michler Memorial Prize of the AWM is awarded annually to a woman recently promoted to associate professor or an equivalent position in the mathematical sciences. The prize provides a fellowship for the awardee and enables her to focus on her research in the stimulating environment of the Cornell University Mathematics Department during a semester that is free from teaching obligations. Recently promoted associate professors face many challenges as they prepare to take on greater leadership in research and in the profession. The Ruth I. Michler Memorial Prize honors outstanding women at this stage of their careers. Each year, the Michler Fellow is invited to give a lecture to an audience of faculty and graduate students.

November 4, 2021

Reception at 3:30 in 532 Malott Hall - Due to recent Covid guidelines the reception is open to the Cornell Math Department/Cornell Community only. 

Covid Safety:  Please review the following CU Event Covid Guidelines.  Cornell employees attending indoor events must complete the Daily Check prior to attendance.  Face masks are required for all indoor events and recommended for large outdoor events.

Presentation/Lecture at 4:00 - 5:00 in 251 Malott Hall - Hybrid format

Speaker:  Shabnam Akhtari, Michler Scholar, University of Oregon and Cornell

Title:  Representation of integers by binary forms

Abstract:  Let F(x , y) be a binary form with integer coefficients and degree at least 3. Suppose F(x , y) is irreducible over the rational numbers. In 1909, Thue proved that for any given integer m, the equation F(x , y) = m has at most finitely many solutions in integers x and y. These equations are called Thue equations. We will explore some general questions: how many solutions can a Thue equation have? how often do Thue equations have any solution? We will also talk about applications of Thue equations in counting some interesting arithmetic objects, such as orders in number fields.

Due to recent Covid guidelines public access to this talk is virtual.  Virtual public access information is forthcoming.

If you need accommodations, please contact Heather Peterson, hko1@cornell.edu