The Michael E. Moody Lecture Series
The Harvey Mudd College Mathematics Department is establishing a lecture series in honor of Michael Moody. We are enthusiastic about recognizing Mike for his achievements and contributions to the College and our department.
Under his leadership as chair from 1996–2002, the mathematics department revised its curriculum, rejuvenated the senior-thesis program, and tripled the number of majors. Mike was a guiding force that led to our department being awarded the American Mathematical Society's inaugural award for an Exemplary Program or Achievement in a Mathematics Department in 2006.
He also founded an evening lecture series that brought speakers to the College who illuminated the joy, wonder, and applicability of mathematics and that attracted hundreds of students. We would like to continue this tradition by establishing this lecture series in his honor.
Mike was thrilled and humbled to hear about our plans for this lecture series before he died in January, 2010. Our department—and many students, faculty, staff and friends within its community—have benefited from his extraordinary legacy.
The Next Lecture
Details about the next talk will be added as soon as they are available.
Previous Talks
- Spring, 2012, Andrew Belmonte on “The Mathematics of Strings, Spaghetti, and Splashes”
- Fall, 2011, Robert L. Devaney on “Chaos Games and Fractal Images”
- Fall, 2010, Jonathan Rogness on “When Mathematics Meets YouTube”
- Spring, 2010, Lesley Ward on “The Linear Algebra of Internet Search Algorithms”
Supporting the Lecture Fund
Gifts can be made to the college to support The Michael E. Moody Lecture Series. Contributed funds will help us support the outstanding caliber of lecturers that Michael helped attract to the department and allow us to potentially support other activities in Michael's name that would enhance the department in ways that would make him proud.



