Outreach#
Auburn University Summer Science Institute#
About the program#
This summer science program for outstanding rising 11th – 12th grade students interested in science and mathematics is open to students residing in Alabama or Georgia. The week long, residential program partners students with experienced Auburn University Science and Math research faculty to explore topics more advanced than what is typically taught in a public or private high school environment.
More details can be found at the official website
2024: TBA#
2023: Embracing the randomness#
Classroom: SCC 115
Date and Time: June 8th, Tuesday, 16:00-17:30
Abstract:
In this captivating lecture, we explore the fascinating role of chance and randomness across various scientific disciplines and discover how random processes underlie phenomena like Brownian motion, turbulence, chaos, cosmic microwave background fluctuations, Earth’s magnetic field reversals, and chemical reactions. Learn how embracing the almighty chance has led to groundbreaking insights into the nature of our world and the complex systems within it.
See here for more details.
Some media photos
2022: An Invitation to Probability#
See here for more details.
Download the course materials#
All my AU-SSI course materials can be found at chenle02/2022_SSI-AU_Probability_by_Le .
Destination STEM#
About the program#
Destination STEM is an interactive experience and open house where sixth through ninth grade students are invited to Auburn University to explore opportunities in the sciences and mathematics! Auburn University faculty and staff within the Science, Engineering and Math fields will highlight their fields of study.
Destination STEM gives students a chance to learn about our the Auburn University campus, programs and the incredible opportunities offered through the College of Science and Mathematics and Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.
The College of Sciences and Mathematics at Auburn University will host the next Destination STEM will be held on October 20, 2023, in the Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum at Auburn University. Destination STEM is an interactive experience where sixth through ninth grade students — mostly from rural and underserved schools — explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Students enjoy the freedom to see, touch, hear and smell the many wonders of science!
More details can be found at the official website
2024: TBA#
2023: How surface grows#
Image is from the official media photo
Graduate Student Seminars#
2023/11#
Title : An introduction to stochastic partial differential equations
Abstract:
In this talk, we will introduce the surface growth phenomenon in a disorderded system. Examples include the wetting, burning, and rupture of paper, the accumulations of snow flakes, as well as the growths of crystal and tumor. Despite the apparent diversity in these processes, their surface fluctuations exhibit some universal characteristics. Stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs), in particular, the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ) equation named after Kardar et al. [KPZ86], are the main mathematical tool to capture these universal features, which then provide the universality classes that go beyond the central limit theorem. The significance of this field of research is underscored by the prestigious accolades awarded to its pioneers, including Giorgio Parisi (the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2021) and Martin Hairer (the Fields Medal in 2014), among many others. This talk aims to serve as both an overview of SPDEs in the context of disordered surface growth and as a source of inspiration for students considering a Ph.D. in this exciting field. The main reference of this talk is the book by two physicists Barabási and Stanley [BS95] ‘’Fractal Concepts in Surface Growth’’, Cambridge University Press, 1995
Download the slides here
2023/02#
Title: Sharpening your saw before cutting down the tree
Abstract:
Pursuing a Ph.D. is a major commitment that requires a lot of hard work and dedication. During this journey, students will have the opportunity to develop important skills that are essential for research, such as critical thinking, problem solving, writing, programming, time management, collaboration, and communication. In addition to these skills, I would encourage students to take the time to develop their personal development environment (PDE) and refine their optimal workflow. To help with this, I will showcase some useful tools such as a text editor (e.g. Neovim), AI tools like ChatGPT and Github Copilot, and various utilities that can automate your workflow and make your research more efficient and more enjoyable.
Download the slides here
2023/02#
Title: Introduction to stochastic heat equation
Abstract:
In this talk, I will delve into the intricacies of the stochastic heat equation (SHE), a mathematical model that captures the delicate balance between the smoothing effect of the Laplacian and the roughening effect of multiplicative noise. The interplay of these opposing forces can be observed in a wide range of natural phenomena. Gaining a deeper understanding of the SHE is crucial as it serves as a stepping stone to unlock the mysteries of many more complex systems.
Download the slides here
2021/09#
Title: Introduction to stochastic partial differential equation
Abstract:
Stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs) is a field staying across probability and the core analysis – PDE. In this talk, I will make a general (personal) introduction to the field of SPDE. At the end, I will present some open problems.
Download the slides here