# Computer Science and Discrete Mathematics (CSDM)

Theoretical Computer Science and Discrete Mathematics

## On the number of ordinary lines determined by sets in complex space

Shubhangi Saraf
Rutgers University
December 5, 2016
Consider a set of $n$ points in $\mathbb R^d$. The classical theorem of Sylvester-Gallai says that, if the points are not all collinear then there must be a line through exactly two of the points. Let us call such a line an "ordinary line". In a recent result, Green and Tao were able to give optimal linear lower bounds (roughly $n/2$) on the number of ordinary lines determined $n$ non-collinear points in $\mathbb R^d$. In this talk we will consider the analog over the complex numbers.

## The mathematics of natural algorithms

Bernard Chazelle
Princeton University
November 14, 2016
I will review some of the recent techniques we've used in our study of natural algorithms. These include Dirichlet series for matrix products, mean-field approximations in opinion dynamics, graph sequence grammars, and tools for renormalizing network-based dynamical systems. If time permits, I will also discuss anti-mixing techniques for self-sustaining iterated learning. The talk will be self-contained and non-technical.