Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar Series with Dr. Ken Ono

1601 Greene Street,Columbia SC 29208

10 November, 2022

Description

The Mathematics Department at the University of South Carolina is pleased to welcome professor, Dr. Ken Ono as the featured speaker for the Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar Series. The conversation will examine “Why does Ramanujan, The Man Who Knew Infinity”, matter? Dr. Ono is an associate producer of the film The Man Who Knew Infinity starring Dev Patel and Jeremy Irons about Srinivasa Ramanujan, a self-trained two-time college dropout who left behind three notebooks filled with equations that mathematicians are still trying to figure out today. Ramanujan claimed that his ideas came to him as visions from an Indian goddess. This lecture is about why Ramanujan matters. The answers to this question extend far beyond the world of equations and formulas, offering food for thought about the rigidity of higher education today and the need for international collaboration and cooperation in STEM fields. Dr. Ono—who specializes in number theory, especially in integer partitions, modular forms, moonshine, and the fields of interest to Srinivasa Ramanujan—will share several clips from the film in the lecture, and will tell stories about the production and promotion of the film. Following the talk, guests are invited to join us for a post-reception in the adjacent lobby and rooftop. This event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is encouraged. Walk-ins are welcome, but only registrants are guaranteed a seat. Check-in will open at 5:30 p.m. and the program will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. The event is made possible by: The Alpha Chapter of South Carolina of Phi Beta Kappa, Department of Mathematics​, School of Visual Art and Design, Film and Media Studies, Media Arts, and the College of Arts and Sciences. About Dr. Ken Ono Ken Ono is the Chairman of the Department of Mathematics at the University of Virginia and former Vice President of the American Mathematical Society. He holds two endowed professorships; he is the Thomas Jefferson Professor of Mathematics, and the Marvin Rosenblum Professor of Mathematics. He is presently the Chair of Mathematics in the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He is also a film producer and member of the board of the Infinity Arts Foundation. About Phi Beta Kappa​, the Alpha Chapter of South Carolina Phi Beta Kappa is the nation’s most prestigious undergraduate honor society. It is recognized across all academic disciplines as a mark of excellence and academic distinction. It is a symbol of integrity and scholarly achievement in the liberal arts and sciences​ Phi Beta Kappa is both the oldest and the most prestigious undergraduate honor society in the country. Only 10% of colleges in the United States have earned the right to have chapters, and just over 1% of all college students are elected each year. ​ Parking Several city parking garages are located in the vicinity. Garages/parking spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis.