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Dr. Darcy Otto to Deliver 32nd Annual Woods Memorial Lecture, Nov. 30

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Posted on Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Dr. Darcy Otto, professor of philosophy at Quest University Canada, will deliver the 32nd annual Woods Memorial Lecture on Nov 30 at 7 p.m. in the Phillips Lecture Hall located in the Hoyt Science Resources Center. Otto’s lecture, "The Promise of Quantum Computing," is open to anyone interested in learning more about quantum computing. No knowledge of mathematics or quantum physics is needed to attend.

“Quantum computing is a very timely topic,” added Dr. Robert Knop, associate professor of physics at Westminster College. “In the next few years, you will be seeing more and more news stories about it."

During his lecture, Otto will lead a conversation on the quantum computing technology currently revolutionizing the computing industry. Otto’s lecture will provide insight into how quantum computers can possibly perform tasks such as cracking some of the most widespread encryption schemes; mapping the interactions between molecules; searching enormous databases; or even discovering how to play the perfect game of chess.

In addition to being a professor and published author, Otto is researching the limits of computation and how those limits are challenged by quantum computing as a visiting scholar at Carnegie Mellon. At Quest University, Otto teaches courses in mathematics, computer science and philosophy. He has published papers that apply formal logic to questions in metaphysics and he also published a translation of Socrates' speech in Plato's Symposium.

The Woods Memorial Lecture honors Dr. Robert M. Woods, professor of physics at Westminster College from 1947-1972. The Woods Memorial Lecture is made possible by a gift from the Woods family that has been supplemented over the years by gifts from friends and alumni.

For more information, contact Doreen Matune at matunedm@westminster.edu or 724-946-7284.