Caltech Postdocs Launch – April 12, 2024

Lunch will be served at 11:45 AM

Dr. Riccardo Caniato

Frontiers of Geometric Analysis: from Minimal Surfaces to Gauge Theory

Singular geometry presides over the physical universe, influencing phenomena such as soap bubble clusters converging along singular curves, the formation of black holes, chaotic turbulence, and crystal growth. Typically rooted in a principle of energy minimization, this governing force shapes the most diverse aspects of our reality. Geometric analysis, and in particular Geometric Measure Theory, establishes a comprehensive framework to study these minimal shapes, allowing any conceivable singularity a priori and subsequently proving that just some specific structures manifest in reality. During this talk we aim to present the foundations of the field and some of its most recent advances.

Dr. Maksym Figat

Synthesis of robot system controllers based on formal specification

Maksym Figat will present insights from his Ph.D. thesis, which focused on the automatic generation of controllers for robotic systems from formal specifications. The essence of his research was the development of a methodology for robotic systems based on a parameterized metamodel. When provided with appropriate parameters, this metamodel is transformed into a specific system model. This methodology aimed to establish a universal specification method for robotic systems integrating the structure and activities of the system into the architecture of robotic systems. This approach supports various stages of development, including verification and code generation, while providing clear implementation guidance.