Parameter Estimation and Inverse Problems
Brian Borchers ’84, et al
Elsevier Academic Press, 2005

This textbook promotes an understanding of fundamental and practical issues associated with parameter fitting and inverse problems, including basic theory of inverse problems, statistical issues, computational issues, and an understanding of how to analyze the success and limitations of solutions to these problems. The book is designed to be accessible to graduate students and professionals in physical sciences without an extensive mathematical background. It includes three appendices for review of linear algebra and crucial concepts in statistics, and MATLAB exercises.

Brian Borchers ’84, Ph.D. ’92, is a professor of mathematics at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.

Synthetic Instruments: Concepts and Applications
Chris Nadovich ’80
Elsevier/Newnes, 2004

Synthetic instruments represent an evolutionary leap in the way electronic measurement instruments are built. They differ from ordinary instruments in that they are implemented purely in software that runs on general purpose hardware. The union of the hardware and software that implement a set of synthetic instruments is called a Synthetic Measurement System (SMS). This book studies both synthetic instruments and systems from which they may be best created.

Chris Nadovich ’80 is a working engineer with 25 years of experience in the design and development of advanced instrumentation for RF and microwave test. He owns a private consulting company, Julia Thomas Associates.

Corporate Financial Risk Management
Roy L. Nersesian ’61
Praeger Publishers, 2004

Corporate Financial Risk Management: A Computer-Based Guide for Nonspecialists introduces readers to problem solving by random number simulation. This book explains what financial risk management is, describes its various forms, and shows how to anticipate and cope with it. The guide enables an understanding of financial risk management without immersion in high-level mathematics and requires only a working familiarity with financial spreadsheets.

Roy Nersesian ’61 is associate professor of management in the School of Business at Monmouth University and an adjunct at the School of International & Public Affairs at Columbia University. He is the author of several previous books and training manuals.

Thunder on the Desert
Jay B. Winderman ’62
Pill Bug Press, 2005

This book, told in the first person by a tortoise named Thunder, is about his life in a community of desert animals as they contend with the forces of nature and human encroachment during an adventure-packed year. It is the first of a trilogy of Thunder Tortoise books that trace his life from his original habitat to the desert community of Desolation, then to the Tortoise Reservation, and finally to a suburban Los Angeles backyard.

Jay Winderman ’62 is a retired research engineer at General Dynamics, self-employed copyeditor, and life member of the California Turtle and Tortoise Club.