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Abstract:
The roller-coaster trajectory of cryptocurrency valuations has captured global attention, often overshadowing the foundational technology that underpins it: the blockchain. In the wake of the recent crypto crash, many critics have been quick to dismiss the entire domain as mere hype and speculation. However, a closer look reveals that these turbulent periods often spark innovation and real progress. This talk will focus on the lasting benefits of blockchain technology and its potential to change things, regardless of market ups and downs. We’ll talk about how bear markets provide the ideal backdrop for building stronger systems without the distractions of wild market speculations. This session serves as both a primer on blockchain concepts and technologies, as well as an invitation to focus on the long-term potentials and breakthroughs brought about by blockchain, beyond the volatility of crypto markets.

Bio:
Carson Farmer does research and development with Textile, a startup working at the intersection of data infrastructure, distributed systems, and blockchain. Previously an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Colorado Boulder, Carson pivoted towards blockchains, startups, and open source in 2017. His current research delves into cryptographic data structures for distributed and p2p systems, along with protocol design for distributed data caching/access. He holds a BSc and MSc from the Department of Geography at the University of Victoria, complemented by a PhD in Geocomputation from the National Centre for Geocomputation in Ireland.