19!

Am I beginning to fade?

Hey There Grizzlies!

All these teachers still as awesome as ever. =]

Back in California =]

With these silly guys. Visiting Cal tomorrow! Come find me! Can't wait to say hi to everyone again. =]

One down, four to go.

English tomorrow, philosophy Tuesday, CS Wednesday, and thermo Friday. Prayers are appreciated... For everything really.

I've also just been feeling really anxious and unprepared (had the most horrible time falling asleep yesterday) so prayers for peace and knowledge that I'll be okay.

One week, then we're done!

So ready to be back home...

#dangerdust

I'm honestly so stressed and overwhelmed I might cry.

Still two Dean's Date papers to write/revise, then all the finals afterward... Which is especially rough since physics is the first one... And I somehow have to find time to pack up my entire life again in the middle of that.

Lawnparties '14

Lawnparties with this cutie. =] Lots of yummy food and fun with friends! GriZ was actually pretty good, and the sunshine was much appreciated. Time to crack down on tons of work though... Two chem psets and two essays due before the five finals I have. Derp.

Semiformals!

Email exchanges...

I honestly feel like my friends are perfect sometimes. Then I wonder why they even talk to me. Then I realize... some of them don't anymore.

Soli Deo Gloria

I was baptized yesterday! It was honestly just such an amazing experience. Praying with the girls before the service, being able to share God's work in my life, and just seeing how many of my friends came to support me.

I've been so blessed. =]

COS 323

The description has changed so much since last year... New professor (like, literally new - he's coming to Princeton in the fall) who works with mathematical computation... It changed from recommended MAT 201/202 but not required, and no required prior experience with MATLAB to this. I'm scared.

Computing and Optimization for the Physical and Social Sciences

Amir Ali Ahmadi 

An introduction to several fundamental and practically-relevant areas of numerical computing with an emphasis on the role of modern optimization. Topics include computational linear algebra, descent methods, basics of linear and semidefinite programming, optimization for statistical regression and classification, trajectory optimization for dynamical systems, and techniques for dealing with uncertainty and intractability in optimization problems. Extensive hands-on experience with high-level optimization software. Applications drawn from operations research, statistics, finance, economics, control theory, and engineering.

Sample reading list:
M.T. Heath, Scientific Computing, an Introductory Survey (2nd edition)
T.H. Cormen, C.E. Leiserson, R.L. Rivest, C. Stein, Introduction to Algorithms (2nd edition)
R.J. Vanderbei, Linear Programming: Foundations and Extensions
Convex Optimization, S.Boyd, and L. Vandenberghe

Reading/Writing assignments:
Problem Sets and Design Projects 

Requirements/Grading: 
Mid Term Exam - 20%
Other Exam - 30%
Problem set(s) - 50%

Other Requirements:
Statistical, design or other software use required 

Prerequisites and Restrictions:
Multivariable Calculus: MAT 203 preferred; MAT 201 is acceptable. Linear Algebra: MAT 204 preferred; MAT 202 is acceptable. Familiarity with MATLAB. Familiarity with basics of probability and random variables (e.g., at the level of ORF 309) is recommended but not required.. 

Other information:
Students will use the MATLAB-based optimization software YALMIP, which is free to download 

"The Dress Looks Nice on You"

Thanks for everything yesterday Matterpie. I love you. =]

Meanwhile at Princeton...

"You're a terrific writer, and this is very polished work."
Grade: B/B+

Hrm. So... Time to be a better writer and shine up my work more I guess?