Best-Selling International Math and Science Author to Speak at OCC Free Public Lectures

OAKLAND COUNTY, Michigan – Oakland Community College is pleased to present award-winning author, journalist and TV producer Simon Singh for two free public lectures, October 21 and 22. Singh, who specializes in science and mathematics, will appeal to anyone interested in math in the world around us and the “goofy side” of math and mathematicians.

Singh wrote the first book about mathematics to become a No.1 bestseller in the UK called “Fermat’s Last Theorem.” In America, the book is titled “Fermat’s Enigma.” His latest book, “The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets,” explores the vast amount of mathematics smuggled into the world’s most successful sitcom by its highly numerate writing team. He began his media career directing and producing programs for the BBC science department including “The Proof,” a British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) winner and Emmy-nominated documentary about the world’s most notorious mathematical problem. Prior to BBC, Singh was an international teacher of science and mathematics.

The two free lectures will be distinctly different.

The lecture on Tuesday, October 20, at 6:30 p.m. at the Royal Oak campus will focus on Cosmology—specifically the evolution of the "Big Bang Theory." This lecture will appeal to anyone who is curious about the universe and how we've come to know our place in it. Find out what the “Big Bang” model says about the origin and evolution of the universe and the evidence underpinning it in only 60 minutes! No prior knowledge of astronomy or cosmology required. OCC’s Royal Oak campus is at 739 S. Washington.

The lecture on Wednesday, October 21, at 10 a.m. at the Auburn Hills campus is about math in the world around us. Singh will discuss the mathematics used for codes and code-breaking; the world’s most notorious mathematical problem, Fermat’s Theorem; and how mathematics are hidden in “The Simpsons” and “Futurama.” OCC’s Auburn Hills campus is at 2900 Featherstone.

Both OCC lectures are free, however, early registration will guarantee a seat. Register at occevents.eventbrite.com.

About OCC

With multi campus system throughout Oakland County, Oakland Community College is committed to providing academic and developmental experiences that allows each student to reach their full potential and enhance the diverse communities they serve. It offers degrees and certificates in approximately 100 career fields and university transfer degrees in business, science and the liberal arts. More than a million students have enrolled in the college since it opened in 1965. To learn more about OCC, visit oaklandcc.edu.

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Contact: Bridget M. Kavanaugh | Marketing & Communications | T (248) 341-2020 | bmkavana@oaklandcc.edu