EPaDel Fall 2020 Virtual Section Meeting

Sarah Greenwald (Appalachian State University)
Popular Culture and Mathematics: Gender, Race, and Broader Implications

Mathematics and statistics are pervasive in modern society, but have you ever known anyone who asserted that they do not have the "math gene" or mistrusts science, statistics, or mathematics? Popular culture can reveal, reflect, and even shape how society views mathematics and mathematicians. We'll analyze examples from a variety of shows and films and consider the intersections of gender, race, class, ability, and more. We'll also discuss ways to counter stereotypes and contribute to research in this area. At the same time we'll reflect more broadly on what mathematics has to offer, and the diverse ways that people can succeed in making an impact, including you!

Audrey Malagon (Virginia Wesleyan University)
Votes of Confidence: Leveraging Mathematics to Ensure Election Integrity

Our democracy relies on fair elections in which every vote counts, voters can trust the outcome, and we have a peaceful transition of power after the election. Concerns about foreign interference in our elections, unreliable voting technology, and last minute changes during the COVID-19 pandemic make this election the most challenging in recent history. In this talk, we’ll examine key components of elections in America, issues in Pennsylvania and Delaware, and how mathematics can help ensure the integrity of our elections.