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Professor Alan Parks Schedule: Spring Term 2012 |
Current courses (link to page) math courses computer science courses |
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Extenal links. Lawrence Mathematics Department American Mathematical Society LaTex information Mathematical Assocation |
Leonhard Euler Lawrence University |
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our graduates and faculty 2011
Here is a FAQ for students interested in our curriculum.
A FAQ for calculus I and II (math 140 and 150).
You have learned a mathematical subject if you can reconstruct its basic definitions and facts on your own, and if you can apply those facts in a variety of contexts. Mathematics is about getting a great many consequences from a few central facts, not about memorizing lists of facts or equations.
Applications and theory are not alternatives; indeed, they are strongly related to each other. For instance, the Intermediate Value Theorem says that if f(x) is continuous on the interval [r,t], and if f(r) < 0 < f(t), then there is a number s between r and t such that f(s) = 0. An applied approach to this fact might produce approximations to the number s; an abstract approach might ask for a rigorous proof that the Intermediate Value Theorem is true. There is such a proof that produces approximations in the course of its argument. The details (and a more precise statement of the theorem) are here.
I work in applied mathematics, including optimization, coding theory, and mathematical dynamics. These areas form a well-traveled corridor between mathematics and physics, chemistry, economics, biology, and other subjects.
Last summer I worked on algorithms called interior point methods for solving linear optimization problems. In particular, I studied the convergence of the capital basic vector. I also studied coset codes and supervised the work of Aubrey Neumann (LU '12) on those codes. Aubrey's fine work is linked here.
I belong to the American Mathematical Society.
I am an action-oriented programmer interested in the theory of computation, coding theory, and the analysis of algorithms. "Action oriented" programming stresses the selection and organization of the algorithms used in a program, as opposed to "object oriented" programming which manages a program by the abstract description of objects. I am rarely interested in code that is abstractly portable, and I do not hide methods in my data structures. On the other hand, I am a firm believer in careful documentation. I have written applications in C++, Objective-C, Scheme, Java, html, FORTRAN, pascal, matlab, ALGOL, and a couple of assembly languages.
I am currently developing computational applications for use in my Optimization course.
Service in the Lawrence Community.
I currently serve as the Faculty Athletic Representative to the Midwest (Athletic) Conference -- home of almost all of Lawrence's varsity athletic teams.
The members of the mathematics department take turns serving as Chair of the department. I am the chair during winter term of this year.
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My wife Jean and I have three children and three grandchildren. The grills in the picture were used at the first annual Math/Econ Grade and Grill, at which turkeys, brats, and hot dogs were cooked during final exams.
I have been involved over the years with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, an organization that serves undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty through its various ministries. The InterVarsity chapter at Lawrence is called LCF; it is one of the oldest campus organizations. I am also involved in the formation of the Appleton Gospel Church.
I am a serious amateur musician, writing and playing mostly church worship music but also blues (especially gospel blues: Willie Johnson, Gary Davis, Son House, Elmore James, Muddy Waters, and others), rural folk music (Stanley Carter, Ricky Skaggs, Gillian Welch, and others), and some jazz. And throw in a preoccupation with sacred music and baroque, especially Bach and Palestrina.
The picture to the right portrays John Henry Newman (1801-1890), whose works are linked here. Newman's book The Idea of the University presents an alternative view of the liberal arts based on the metaphysics of orthodox Christianity.
Proud user links.
The Heritage H-535. Expressive rhythm, lead lines, blues, jazz.
Fender guitars and amps. Clean living.
Fulltone effects. Non-clean living.
Maxon compressor and analog delay.
Best music store in America: Elderly Instruments in Lansing. Vintage and modern gear at Willie's American Guitars in St. Paul.
Disclaimer: I take responsibility for the content of this page. It attempts to represent my work at Lawrence University and my attitude toward that work. Although I do not claim to represent official policies of Lawrence, I believe that my views are entirely consistent with those policies. Any questions or comments should be directed to myself.
