Proposals

Below are some proposals for talks from the past (and current). By clicking on the ID number, more details are shown. By default, these are sorted chronologically (recent first) and by then by last name. The data can be sorted by alternate means by using the links at the top right, each allowing ascending or descending orders.

Displaying 321-340 of 471 results.
ID: 273
Year: 2010
Name: Martha Ellen Waggoner
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): linear algebra, teaching
Title of Talk: Linear Algebra: When am I ever going to use this?

Abstract: I tell my students that linear algebra is the most useful mathematical subject they will take, and of course, they expect me to support that claim. In this talk I will discuss applications that I use in both Linear Algebra and Mathematical Modeling that require matrix operations. I will focus on the difference between a forward problem and an inverse problem. The subject areas will include games, historical geography, and ray-based tomography.
ID: 540
Year: 2019
Name: Katherine Vance
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): Topology; Knot Theory; Statistics
Title of Talk: Random Grid Diagrams

Abstract: This is joint work with undergraduate students Max Folkers, Eli Marriott, and Miguel Sanchez. We look at the distribution of the number of components in the population of knots and links represented by grid diagrams. We write programs in the R programming language to generate random samples of grid diagrams. We analyze the number of components and splittability of the links in these samples using statistical methods to gain a better understanding of the population of grid diagrams and the knots and links they represent.
ID: 287
Year: 2010
Name: Debra Czarneski
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Introduction to Mathematical Research through Graph Theory

Abstract: In the fall semester of 2009, I taught an Introduction to Mathematical Research through Graph Theory course for incoming first-year students. Students learned how to ask questions, how to form conjectures, and how to present their findings orally and in writing. This talk will discuss the course format, topics covered, and course outcomes.
ID: 50
Year: 2004
Name: Rick Spellerberg
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): Game Theory
Title of Talk: The Sequence Prediction Game

Abstract: This talk will center on a review of a paper that appeared in the International Journal of Game Theory authored by David Blackwell who is a member of the statistics department at the University of California at Berkeley. In his paper, Blackwell considered the problem of predicting the short-term future behavior of a sequence, after observing it as long as you please, so as to achieve a specified reliability against all possible sequences. In particular, predicting when in a sequence of 0
ID: 306
Year: 2011
Name: Martha Ellen Waggoner
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Discovery learning in linear algebra using dynamical geometry software.

Abstract: I have developed several Geometers Sketchpad sketches that students can use to help them understand transformations, eigenvalues, eigenvectors and a geometrical interpretation of the determinant. These dynamic sketches are used in discovery learning exercises in a computer classroom. In this talk I will demonstrate a couple of sketches and explain how they are used in the classroom.
ID: 311
Year: 2011
Name: Debra Czarneski
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Mathematics and Writing

Abstract: Each fall at Simpson College, Student Support Services helps a group of new students transition to college through the week-long CampusConnect program. The students in the program must be from low-income families, be first-generation college students, and/or have a disability. A one-week course is offered as part of the program. This fall I team-taught a Mathematics and Writing course with the Director of Writing Across the Curriculum. This talk will discuss the topics covered, the assignments given, and student responses to the class.
ID: 324
Year: 2012
Name: Courtney Sherwood
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): Math Biology
Title of Talk: A Model of Invertebrate Richness on Restored Prairies

Abstract: We will present a differential equations model of prairie restoration. Here, species richness is considered as an indicator of prairie restoration, with the variables for the equation being invertebrate and plant species richness and time. We will incorporate field work from a prairie in Nebraska as an example of our model. Our main goal is determining if planting fewer seeds will yield similar invertebrate richness as planting more seeds, that is, a more cost effective approach.
ID: 74
Year: 2004
Name: Rick Spellerberg
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Capstone Course In Mathematics. Components For Success.

Abstract: In the fall of 1998, the Simpson College Mathematics Department started offering a capstone course in mathematics called Senior Seminar. This talk will focus on the evolution of this course and what has taken place that has made this course the success it is today.
ID: 335
Year: 2012
Name: Rick Spellerberg
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Sabbatical Leave, the Perfect Time to Mentor Undergraduates in Research.

Abstract: During my previous and now current sabbatical I have involved undergraduates in my research activities. I included my intentions in my sabbatical applications and this fact I firmly believe strengthened my proposals. This talk will focus on the strategies I have employed in involving students in my work and the subsequent outcomes.
ID: 336
Year: 2012
Name: Kelly Woodard
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): Combinatorics
Title of Talk: Beggar Your Neighbor, The Search for an Infinite Game

Abstract: In this talk we will present the work completed in the summer of 2012 during the Dr. Albert H. and Greta A. Bryan Summer Research Program at Simpson College. We furthered the analysis of the card game Beggar-My-Neighbor specifically with the intent of discovering a deal that leads to an infinite game in a 52-card deck. We used combinatorics and programs written in Mathematica to examine and refine the large number of possible deals based on structures that lead to cyclic behavior.
ID: 342
Year: 2012
Name: Bill Schellhorn
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): math modeling, undergraduate research
Title of Talk: The Feasibility of Electric Vehicles: Driving Interest in Mathematical Modeling

Abstract: The study of electric vehicles can be used to promote interest in mathematical modeling in a variety of courses and student projects. In this presentation, I will discuss how the feasibility of electric vehicles can be investigated using fundamental topics in algebra, calculus, and statistics. I will also give examples of how technology can be incorporated into the investigation.
ID: 344
Year: 2012
Name: Courtney Sherwood
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: A Model of Invertebrate Richness on Restored Prairies

Abstract: We will present a differential equations model of prairie restoration. Here, species richness is considered as an indicator of prairie restoration, with the variables for the equation being invertebrate and plant species richness and time. We will incorporate field work from a prairie in Nebraska as an example of our model. Our main goal is determining if planting fewer seeds will yield similar invertebrate richness as planting more seeds, that is, a more cost effective approach.
ID: 350
Year: 2012
Name: Heidi Berger
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): Undergraduate Research
Title of Talk: Undergraduate Research During the Academic Year

Abstract: In this talk, I will discuss my experience with the Center for Undergraduate Research, both as a participant and as a co-director. I will discuss the work conducted by Simpson students in the academic year and summer setting and discuss resources to support undergraduate research during the academic year.
ID: 359
Year: 2013
Name: Debra Czarneski
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): undergraduate research, graph theory
Title of Talk: Critical Locations in Infrastructure

Abstract: Critical locations in infrastructure are roads that if damaged would cause a large disruption in the ability of vehicles to navigate a city. This talk will introduce a model that determines the critical locations of Indianola, Iowa. This research was completed by three undergraduate students as part of the Bryan Summer Research Program at Simpson College. This talk will also discuss several extensions of the research that students at your institution could explore.
ID: 127
Year: 2005
Name: Rick Spellerberg
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The Evolution of Cooperation

Abstract: This talk will present some of the basic concepts of Evolutionary Game Theory as we discuss models related to the evolution of cooperation. This talk should be of special interest to students or faculty interested in undergraduate research in mathematics. Included will be a preview of a few of the student presentations related to the topic that will be presented at the second annual Midwest Undergraduate Mathematics Symposium held at Simpson College April 9th.
ID: 387
Year: 2014
Name: Debra Czarneski
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Student Presentations in Calculus II

Abstract: In Calculus II, I have student groups teach the integral application sections to the rest of the class. The groups of three students prepare and deliver the lecture, assign homework, and provide feedback on the homework assigned. In this talk, I will discuss the details of the assignment and student responses to the assignment.
ID: 169
Year: 2006
Name: Rick Spellerberg
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): Biology / Mathematics
Title of Talk: Sperm Competition Games

Abstract: Sperm Competition occurs when ejaculates of multiple males compete to fertilize the eggs of one female. In this talk we will discuss the work of G.A. Parker in his paper; Sperm Competition: sneaks and extra-pair copulations. In this paper, Parker examines ejaculation strategies for cases when an opportunist male "steals" a mating with the female of a paired male.
ID: 182
Year: 2007
Name: Jean Clipperton
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): Graph Theory
Title of Talk: Strong Signals: L(d,2,1)-Labeling on Simple Graphs

Abstract: An L(d, 2, 1)-labeling is a simplified model for the channel assignment problem. It is a natural generalization of the widely studied L(2, 1) and L(3, 2, 1)-labeling. An L(d, 2, 1)-labeling of a graph G is a function f from the vertex set V(G) to the set of positive integers such that if the distance between vertices x and y is 1, then |f (x)- f (y)| >= d; if the distance between x and y is 2, then |f (x)- f(y)| >= 2; and if the distance between x and y is 3, then |f (x)- f (y)| >= 1. The L(d, 2, 1)-labeling number k_d(G) of G is the smallest positive integer k_d such that G has an L(d, 2, 1)-labeling with k_d as the maximum label. This talk will present general results for k_d when labeling simple graphs, such as paths, bipartite graphs, and cycles.
ID: 227
Year: 2008
Name: Debra Czarneski
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Teaching an introduction to LaTeX course during May Term

Abstract: During May Term of 2007, I taught a course that introduced students to typesetting in LaTeX. This talk will discuss the course goals, the material covered in the course, the course requirements, and student feedback.
ID: 235
Year: 2008
Name: Martha Waggoner
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Geometer's Sketchpad and Undergraduate Research

Abstract: We were able to purchase 12 student copies of Geometer's Sketchpad to be used by our pre-service teachers for their undergraduate research projects through a faculty development grant from the Simpson academic dean's office. In this talk, we will look at the variety of topics in geometry and computer aided design that our students worked on and how Geometer's Sketchpad helped the students in visualization, conjecture and proof.