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AMS Sponsors Exhibit on Capitol Hill

The AMS sponsored an exhibit at the 20th annual Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF) Exhibition & Reception on Capitol Hill featuring  Robert Ghrist, the Andrea Mitchell University Professor of Mathematics and Electrical/Systems Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, presenting work on "Topological Sensor Networks."  This event, showcasing research and education projects supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), was held May 7, 2014 and drew over 280 attendees and eight Members of Congress.

Ghrist and his collaborators have worked for nearly a decade on applications of algebraic topology to problems of data over networks.  The problem of detecting global, robust features from networked, local data matches perfectly the mathematical tools of algebraic topology developed over the past century.  Ghrist's work, initially funded by the NSF, uses homology, cohomology, and sheaves to address problems in sensor networks ranging from coverage (are there any gaps in the network?) to data aggregation (how to merge redundant data over the network?) and target tracking (how to infer from detections over a nework?).

These novel applications, combined with emerging ideas from computational topology, allow for efficient algorithms with performace guarantees.

Prof. Robert Ghrist discussing his research with Rep. Jerry McNerney (CA-9) Prof. Robert Ghrist with Rep. Jerry McNerney (CA-9), Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) and Rep. Jim Moran (VA-8)


CNSF is an alliance of over 130 scientific and professional societies and universities united by a concern for the future vitality of the national science, mathematics and engineering enterprise.  CNSF supports the goal of increasing the national investment in the National Science Foundation's research and education programs.

Previous AMS exhibits at CNSF Exhibitions include: