Wesleyan University Presents Annual Shackleton Memorial Lecture

Manjul Bhargava, to talk about mathematics, linguistics, number theory

For immediate release: Friday, October 22, 2004

(MIDDLETOWN, CT)–Wesleyan University will present its annual Shackleton Memorial Lecture where one of Princeton University's youngest full professor's of mathematics, Manjul Bhargava, 26, will discuss number patterns and theories. The lecture takes place on Tuesday, November 9 at 8:00 p.m. in room 150 in the Exley Science Center.

Bhargava, who began looking for a formula to account for the spacing of prime numbers when he was only in second grade, is committed to teaching and has plans for developing new introductory math courses that broaden the subject's appeal. He is a master of the tabla, a small Indian hand drum used to create music with rhythmic, precise patters. Bhargava has also written articles to popularize math for a general audience and has published research in the field of linguistics.

His graduate work at Princeton University, which focused on number theory, earned him a prestigious long-term fellowship with the Clay Mathematics Institute of Cambridge, MA. Popular Science magazine also recognized his achievements, choosing Bhargava for its "Brilliant 10" list in 2002.

The talk is part of the semi-annual Shackleton symposia, which has in the past featured outstanding national figures in mathematics and science. Following his death, the Shackleton Memorial Symposium was established in honor of Bob Shackleton, Director of Science Programs at PIMMS, the Project to Increase Mastery of Mathematics and Science. PIMMS's mission is to improve mathematics and science education for all students throughout Connecticut by offering high-quality professional development programs for teachers.

Bhargava's visit is co-sponsored by PIMMS, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Edward W. Snowdon Fund, the Mathematics Department, Admission and Continuing Studies at Wesleyan University.

For more information, please contact Mike Zebarth, PIMMS Director at 860-685-6456 or mzebarth@wesleyan.edu.