
Karen Lange
Professor of Mathematics
Links
Professor Lange's interests are in computability theory, an area of logic that explores the algorithmic content encoded in mathematical problems.
Professor Lange's interests are in computability theory, an area of logic that explores the algorithmic content encoded in mathematical problems. She studies the computational complexity of problems associated with algebraic structures such as real closed fields, fields that are generalizations of the real numbers, and free groups. Answering these computational questions often requires using tools from model theory, another area of logic, and algebra.
Education
- B.A., Swarthmore College
- M.S., University of Chicago
- Ph.D., University of Chicago
Current and upcoming courses
In this course, students will leverage their prior mathematical knowledge to communicate complex mathematical ideas to audiences ranging from the general public to other mathematicians. Each week, students will research a new topic and produce a piece of writing explaining this topic in a specific context. Assignments may include research abstracts, book reviews, interviews with mathematicians, newspaper articles, and technical documentation. Class time will be devoted to discussing the mathematical content behind each assignment as well as workshopping students' writing. This course will give students the opportunity to ground (and expand on) the mathematics they have learned and make connections across the discipline. Moreover, this course's unique format will help students develop their research and independent learning skills.