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K-State Today

February 21, 2012

Rutgers professor to give 23rd Harry E. Valentine lecture today

Submitted by Reta McDermott

Lev Borisov, professor of mathematics at Rutgers University, will give the 23rd Harry E. Valentine lecture at 2:30 p.m. today in 102 Cardwell Hall. Borisov's lecture is "What is Mirror Symmetry in String Theory?"

String theory attempts to describe the physical world by expressing fundamental forces and forms of matter in terms of tiny vibrating one-dimensional objects -- strings -- in place of usual points in space. While string theory is yet to be tested experimentally, it has considerable inner beauty and has spawned a number of fascinating mathematical developments. Mirror Symmetry is one such mathematical offshoot and is the primary object of study at the M-Center at K-State. Borisov will give an overview of the subject and its history for the general audience.