The Fall 2018 Distinguished Lecture Series was opened by Dr. Linda B. Hayden. She welcomed guests, gave brief accounts on previous research activities conducted by the IEEE-GRSS chapter at ECSU and acknowledged ECSU faculty members that were present. Dr. Johnny Houston, IEEE Chapter Vice President at ECSU, introduced the guest speaker Dr. Abdinur Ali. Dr. Ali, an Associate Professor of Mathematics and Cyber Security Researcher at the Norfolk State University, presented “Real World Applications of Computational Science & Applied Mathematics: Data Mining, Statistical learning & Big Data Analytics.”

Dr. Ali covered three areas of computational science and applied mathematics. Data mining involving finding interesting patterns in areas such as market research and national security. Statistical learning using algorithms from experience such as generalization and new paradigms. The final area covered Big Data and using software as a service (SaaS) as in cloud computing and virtual machines.

Dr. Ali advised the students to define themselves, trust in logic, help others, and most importantly to dream. He said to “Keep a corner in your mental space where visualize your future.”

Dr. Hayden then gave information about the 2019 IGARSS Conference scheduled to take place July 28th-August 2nd, 2020 at the Pacifico Yokohama Conference Center in Yokohama, Japan.

Dr. Houston then stressed the importance of chapter activity and strongly encouraged students to pursue internships in the upcoming summer.