CS Distinguished Alumnus Talk: David Mount, 4/17

CS Distinguished Alumnus Talk: David Mount
Fri, 4/17
10:30 am - 11:30 am
LWSN 3102

Geometry and Computing: From Classical Concepts to Modern Algorithms

Speaker: David Mount
Department of Computer Science and Institute for Advanced Computer Studies
University of Maryland

Abstract:

Geometry is one of the most ancient and foundational branches of mathematics. It has shaped science and engineering throughout history and continues to underpin modern computation—from machine learning, pattern recognition, and computer vision to robotics, spatial modeling, and shape analysis.

In this talk, I will survey the many ways geometric ideas inform computer science today, drawing on examples from my own research and collaborations, from my early work at Purdue University to more recent projects. Topics will include navigation and shortest paths, packing and covering, robust statistics, pattern recognition and nearest-neighbor searching, convex approximations, and non-Euclidean geometries. Through these themes, I aim to highlight how geometric thinking continues to inspire new algorithms, models, and computational methods.