Purdue University School of Chemical Engineering Graduate Seminar Series Prof. Doraiswami Ramkrishna Harry Creighton Peffer Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University and Recipient of the 2013 Sigma Xi Research Award "Metabolic Complexity. Is there Music Behind it?" October 22, 2013 9:00-10:15 a.m. FRNY G140 Reception at 8:30 a.m. in Henson Atrium Abstract: The complexity of metabolic networks would appear to fit in more appropriately with a cacophonic scenario than anything remotely musical. However, this talk will attempt to show that a mathematical view can be had of this complex process in which the phenomenon of metabolic regulation can be likened to the conductor of a symphonic orchestra summoning combinations of instruments representing metabolic reactions towards superlative music. It will be the objective of this seminar to let this analogy lead the discussion of a cybernetic theory of cellular metabolism which interprets the diversity of gene expression as a targeted effort to maximize the organism's survival. Bio: Professor Ramkrishna received his B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Bombay in 1960, and his Ph.D. from University of Minnesota in 1965. He is a Member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, Foreign Fellow of The Indian National Academy of Engineering, and Fellow of The American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Fellow of The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. He is a World leader in the application of mathematics to chemical engineering. His major research contributions have been in the development of novel mathematical frameworks to solve basic chemical engineering problems displaying deterministic and stochastic behaviors. His work is very multidisciplinary working with investigators from around the world. .