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The mathematics program at St. Olaf is nationally recognized for innovative and effective teaching, for scholarship, and for service to the profession. We see mathematics as interesting, important, useful, and appropriate for students with a wide variety of interests. Welcome to our mathematical community.

[edit] What's Happening in St. Olaf Math?

Colloquium: Tuesday, May 6
  • Title: Modeling and Bio-security: A Case Study in Anthrax
  • Speaker: Dr. Ron Brookmeyer
  • Time: 1:30 pm (treats at 1:15)
  • Place: SC 170

About the talk: The threat of bioterrorism is of increasing public health concern. Yet we have very limited modern experience with diseases such as anthrax and smallpox which are considered some of the major biological weapons threats. In the face of this uncertainty, the problem is how to devise rational public health policy in the event of a bio-security breach. In this talk, I discuss the case of anthrax and how statistical models, novel data sources, and efficient use of information can be brought together to address some critical public health questions.

The work was motivated by the 2001 anthrax outbreak in the United States that occurred because letters contaminated with anthrax were mailed through the postal system. A huge public health intervention was initiated that involved the mass distribution of antibiotics to thousands of persons in the hopes of preventing disease. Two questions are addressed in this talk: Was the public health intervention successful? Are there lessons to learn about antibiotic use in the event of another bio-security breach?


We develop statistical models to address these questions. For example, one model is a mechanistic model that accounts for the pathogenesis of infection. We show that these mechanistic considerations lead to a relatively simple competing risks model that provides insight into how long persons infected with anthrax should remain on antibiotics.

In order to calibrate the models, we use data and information from multiple sources including the 2001 anthrax outbreak in the United States, an anthrax outbreak in Russia, and studies from primates. The talk illustrates how statistical reasoning, models, and novel data sources can help develop effective public health response policies in the event of future intentional or naturally occurring outbreaks.

About the presenter: Dr Ron Brookmeyer is Professor of Biostatistics at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health where he is also chair of the Johns Hopkins Master of Public Health Program. Dr. Brookmeyer’s research is at the interface of biostatistics, epidemiology and public health. He uses the tools of the statistical and informational sciences to address global public health problems such as the HIV/AIDS epidemic, biosecurity issues such as anthrax, disease surveillance, and the health challenges of aging populations. Dr. Brookmeyer has authored over 150 peer reviewed articles. He has written and edited three books including AIDS Epidemiology: A Quantitative Approach.


[edit] Every Week!


1. Math Problem Solving, Tuesdays 7:00 P.M. Science Center 188

The Problem Solving Group is designed to help students prepare for the North Central Section Team Contest, the Putnam Exam, the Konhauser Problemfest, and other math competitions.

We will meet each Tuesday at 7pm and work on a variety of problems, often with a central theme, and discuss problem-solving strategies. This is an excellent exercise for students pursuing careers in Math education and for students contemplating graduate mathematical study.

For more information, see Kay Smith (OMH 209) or Mike Weimerskirch (OMH 304)

Schedule of Problem Solving Events:

  • Sat. Nov. 10, 2007 – MAA, North Central Section Team Contest
  • Sat. Dec. 1, 2007 – Putnam Exam @ St. Olaf
  • Sat. Feb. 23, 2008 – Konhauser Problemfest @ Macalester College – St. Olaf placed second!
  • April 10-14, 2008 - Carlson Problem Solving Contest


2. Weekly MSCS Game Night, Wednesdays 6:30 P.M. Science Center 188

Description, by organizer Mike Weimerskirch: Most weeks the format is open, bring your favorite game (Quattro, Yahtzee, and Cribbage are some of my favorites). The first week of each month, I will introduce the group to a new combinatorial game.

Why you should be there:

  • Lots of Fun
  • Meet new friends
  • Improve your reasoning skills
Retrieved from "http://devel.cs.stolaf.edu/depts/mscs/Math"