The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Mānoa¡¯²õ hosted a free public lecture in February 2026 that explored tipping points—sudden, dramatic moments when things can change quickly and unexpectedly. The presentation was delivered by Mary Lou Zeeman—professor of mathematics at Bowdoin College and co-director of the Mathematics and Climate Research Network—to an audience of approximately 150 students, faculty and community members.
Zeeman showed how tipping points show up all around us—from a boat that suddenly capsizes, to sudden mood swings, to ecosystems on the brink of collapse. Using simple math, she explained the hidden patterns behind these abrupt changes and why spotting them early matters. Understanding tipping points, she said, can help communities make smarter choices about sustainability, prepare for environmental risks, and respond more effectively when sudden problems arise.
Zeeman talked about “the type of math that can help us understand tipping points and how to use these models for decision support,” focusing on the example of healthy versus turbid lakes, but also including examples involving coral reefs, fisheries, neuroscience, energy and social media.
Faculty and students praised the talk for making complex ideas approachable.
“Zeeman showed how ideas from the frontiers of mathematical research could help us think about a wide array of challenging problems,” said Department of Mathematics faculty member Daniel Erman. “It was really exciting to see so many people engaged in these topics.”
A student who works on ecosystem resiliency, added, “This is now a new way to look at future work I do.”
The lecture was designed to be accessible to anyone curious about mathematical thinking, including middle and high school students, reflecting a growing effort to connect STEM research with the broader community.
“It was fun seeing the real mathematics that lies behind tipping points in nature,” said John Toews, a Kailua resident who attended the lecture.
The Department of Mathematics said the event is part of its ongoing effort to engage the public with real-world applications of mathematics and to spark curiosity across disciplines.
The Department of Mathematics is housed in UH Mānoa¡¯²õ .