2018.11.26. Talk on Econophysics for the DLSU PhySoc

(Currently: Blogging before going to sleep.) 

Earlier today, I gave a presentation for the frosh (still don’t get why freshmen are called frosh here). The talk is about Econophysics, which, incidentally, is one of the minors for B.S. Physics majors here in La Salle. The talk was attended by students from different departments in the University. 

Of course, because of my background, I delivered a presentation that is based on a complex systems perspective. I started by giving a discussion about the historical development of Physics as a discipline. Then, I proceeded to explain how the tools developed by the discipline, honed through centuries of usage, became capable of quantitatively describing many of the things that are traditionally beyond the scope of Physics. One such applications of Physics-developed tools is on the field of economic data analysis, which, eventually, became the subdiscipline of Econophysics as we know it today. 

I also gave an insight about the critiques of the discipline, and gave the audience some ideas on which topics to pursue for their eventual research and thesis topics. Based from the feedback I got from some of the attendees, I think I was able to explain the topic to them. Some engineering majors approached me just to thank me for explaining the topic to them, even though this is beyond the scope of their majors. 

More than the talk, however, I will remember this day because it is the first time I was able to bring my wife and child to school. We took the trains, jeepney rides, and the vans together. 

Waiting for our ride.

It was fun to have your wife and child sit in the audience and watch you present something that you are really passionate about. 

Stacie busy with her headband while listening (?) to my talk.

Afterwards, I toured them around the nice hallways and buildings. Stacie found a playmate in Camille, my graduate student who was also present to support me in my talk. They surely enjoyed walking (and running!) around the campus. 

I am thanking the DLSU Physics Society for this opportunity to give a presentation in front of the students.

I hope I was able to convince some of them to explore beyond the “boundaries” of the traditional disciplines and look at physical phenomena through the lens of complex systems science. ■