How Mathematics can Solve Real-World Mysteries with Ingrid Daubechies episode artwork

EPISODE · Nov 3, 2025 · 28 MIN

How Mathematics can Solve Real-World Mysteries with Ingrid Daubechies

from Key Conversations with Phi Beta Kappa · host The Phi Beta Kappa Society

In this episode, Fred Lawrence speaks with Ingrid Daubechies, James B. Duke Distinguished Professor Emerita of Mathematics at Duke University and a National Medal of Science recipient. Daubechies takes us from her childhood fascination with calculating multiples to her groundbreaking work on wavelets—mathematical building blocks that have revolutionized image and signal analysis. She talks about how her research helped the FBI compress millions of fingerprints, analyze seismograms, and even distinguish authentic Van Gogh paintings from forgeries. She also tells the story behind the whimsical Mathemalchemy Project, a collaborative art installation that celebrates the pure joy and creativity of mathematics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Nov 3, 2025

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How Mathematics can Solve Real-World Mysteries with Ingrid Daubechies

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