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 41-60 of 471 results.
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ID:
123
Year: 2005
Name: Ruth Berger
Institution: Luther College
Subject area(s): Geometry
Title of Talk: Escher's World and Green Jello World - A Concrete Introduction to Hyperbolic Geometry
Abstract: Understanding theorems in non-Euclidean Geometry can be challenging to people who live in a Euclidean World. Since we do live on a sphere, Elliptic geometry makes some sense, but Hyperbolic geometry completely defies all our intuition. I will present two concrete examples of Poincare's models, which in class I refer to as "Escher's World" and the "Green Jello World". Thinking about what the inhabitants of these worlds might consider to be a straight line and other geometric concepts lets students accept the fact that Hyperbolic geometry is in fact just as natural as Euclidean Geometry.
Year: 2005
Name: Ruth Berger
Institution: Luther College
Subject area(s): Geometry
Title of Talk: Escher's World and Green Jello World - A Concrete Introduction to Hyperbolic Geometry
Abstract: Understanding theorems in non-Euclidean Geometry can be challenging to people who live in a Euclidean World. Since we do live on a sphere, Elliptic geometry makes some sense, but Hyperbolic geometry completely defies all our intuition. I will present two concrete examples of Poincare's models, which in class I refer to as "Escher's World" and the "Green Jello World". Thinking about what the inhabitants of these worlds might consider to be a straight line and other geometric concepts lets students accept the fact that Hyperbolic geometry is in fact just as natural as Euclidean Geometry.
ID:
405
Year: 2014
Name: Ruth Berger
Institution: Luther College
Subject area(s): Geometry
Title of Talk: Conic Sections in Grid City
Abstract: I will present some word problems that can be used at the high school level, or with pre-service teachers, to make students think about the definition of distance and the definitions of the figures known as conic sections in Euclidean Geometry. These real-world problems about distance measurement on a city grid introduce students to Taxicab geometry, an easily accessible topic that can lead to thought provoking questions at many different levels.
Year: 2014
Name: Ruth Berger
Institution: Luther College
Subject area(s): Geometry
Title of Talk: Conic Sections in Grid City
Abstract: I will present some word problems that can be used at the high school level, or with pre-service teachers, to make students think about the definition of distance and the definitions of the figures known as conic sections in Euclidean Geometry. These real-world problems about distance measurement on a city grid introduce students to Taxicab geometry, an easily accessible topic that can lead to thought provoking questions at many different levels.
ID:
446
Year: 2016
Name: Ruth Berger
Institution: Luther College
Subject area(s): Geometry
Title of Talk: Geometry software: Cinderella
Abstract: Cinderella is an easy to use dynamic software program which allows for constructions in Euclidean, Hyperbolic, and Elliptic geometries. Hyperbolic geometry uses the Poincare disk model. The menu selection in Cinderella is similar to Geometer’s Sketchpad. My course focuses on proofs, but almost every week I have an exploratory Cinderella lab, so students can get a feeling for these other geometries and make conjectures. Well known Euclidean results are verified while students get used to the menu items needed in the construction, then they explore the same construction in the other geometries. In this talk sample questions will be presented and several lab activities will be demonstrated. Cinderella can be downloaded for free at Cinderella.de
Year: 2016
Name: Ruth Berger
Institution: Luther College
Subject area(s): Geometry
Title of Talk: Geometry software: Cinderella
Abstract: Cinderella is an easy to use dynamic software program which allows for constructions in Euclidean, Hyperbolic, and Elliptic geometries. Hyperbolic geometry uses the Poincare disk model. The menu selection in Cinderella is similar to Geometer’s Sketchpad. My course focuses on proofs, but almost every week I have an exploratory Cinderella lab, so students can get a feeling for these other geometries and make conjectures. Well known Euclidean results are verified while students get used to the menu items needed in the construction, then they explore the same construction in the other geometries. In this talk sample questions will be presented and several lab activities will be demonstrated. Cinderella can be downloaded for free at Cinderella.de
ID:
299
Year: 2010
Name: John Berkowitz
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: An Algorithm for the Detection of Transient Neural Oscillations
Abstract: The analysis of neural activity through measures of electrical potential affords researchers great opportunity to understand in detail the dynamic nature of certain brain processes. Electroencephalography (EEG) and Local Field Potential recording (LFP) are two of the most common methods for measuring this activity. Both are essentially recordings of the electrical potential over time in a highly localized segment of the brain, and produce data sets that can show surprising amounts of structure. Oscillations with very well defined frequencies are the most common examples of structure within these recordings, and a large portion of modern neuroscience research focuses on how different frequency bands of these oscillations relate to different modes of activity for the organism being studied. Such signals can easily be detected and quantified automatically with traditional signal processing tools such as the Fourier transform. However, there also exist very transient oscillations within such recordings that are of interest to researchers. These require more sophisticated techniques to detect, because of their dual localization in both the time and frequency domains. A combination of several classic signal processing tools, namely digital band-pass filters, the Hilbert transform, z-scoring, and numerical derivatives has yielded an efficient and accurate algorithm for the detection of such transient oscillations. This algorithm has been applied to LFP data for sleeping rats and used to detect the well-known phenomena of sleep spindles, which are a hallmark of late stage sleep in mammals.
Year: 2010
Name: John Berkowitz
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: An Algorithm for the Detection of Transient Neural Oscillations
Abstract: The analysis of neural activity through measures of electrical potential affords researchers great opportunity to understand in detail the dynamic nature of certain brain processes. Electroencephalography (EEG) and Local Field Potential recording (LFP) are two of the most common methods for measuring this activity. Both are essentially recordings of the electrical potential over time in a highly localized segment of the brain, and produce data sets that can show surprising amounts of structure. Oscillations with very well defined frequencies are the most common examples of structure within these recordings, and a large portion of modern neuroscience research focuses on how different frequency bands of these oscillations relate to different modes of activity for the organism being studied. Such signals can easily be detected and quantified automatically with traditional signal processing tools such as the Fourier transform. However, there also exist very transient oscillations within such recordings that are of interest to researchers. These require more sophisticated techniques to detect, because of their dual localization in both the time and frequency domains. A combination of several classic signal processing tools, namely digital band-pass filters, the Hilbert transform, z-scoring, and numerical derivatives has yielded an efficient and accurate algorithm for the detection of such transient oscillations. This algorithm has been applied to LFP data for sleeping rats and used to detect the well-known phenomena of sleep spindles, which are a hallmark of late stage sleep in mammals.
ID:
231
Year: 2008
Name: Ian Besse
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s): Mathematical Biology/Physiology; ODEs
Title of Talk: A model of cardiac action potential incorporating caveolae-associated ion currents
Abstract: The contraction of a cardiac cell is initiated by a transient depolarization of the cell membrane called an action potential. Action potentials result from the rapid movement of ions across the membrane through pores called ion channels. Recent electrophysiological data regarding caveolae, small invaginations of the cell membrane, reveal that caveolae are reservoirs of
Year: 2008
Name: Ian Besse
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s): Mathematical Biology/Physiology; ODEs
Title of Talk: A model of cardiac action potential incorporating caveolae-associated ion currents
Abstract: The contraction of a cardiac cell is initiated by a transient depolarization of the cell membrane called an action potential. Action potentials result from the rapid movement of ions across the membrane through pores called ion channels. Recent electrophysiological data regarding caveolae, small invaginations of the cell membrane, reveal that caveolae are reservoirs of
ID:
296
Year: 2010
Name: Subhra Bhattacharya
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Mathematical Finance
Title of Talk: Stock Loan Subject to Bankruptcy
Abstract: In this paper, risk of bankruptcy has been introduced in the valuation of a financial derivative called stock loan. Bankruptcy has been modelled in both structural and reduced form approach. In structural form model, stock loan with finite maturity is considered following the Black-Cox specification of bankruptcy. It has been shown that the valuation of such an asset can be obtained explicitly in terms of the distribution of the first hitting time of Brownian motion and the pricing of the barrier options. In reduced form model, the default intensity has been introduced as in hazard rate models. A closed form solution of the initial value function is obtained, which implicitly defines the optimal exercise boundary. Moreover, this value function reflects an interrelationship between the optimal loan amount and the relevant variables (e.g. loan interest rate, stock price volatility etc). This interrelationship can be used to explain interesting issues such as: how does stock price volatility (or the reputation of the stock) or the loan interest rate affects the optimal loan amount?
Year: 2010
Name: Subhra Bhattacharya
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Mathematical Finance
Title of Talk: Stock Loan Subject to Bankruptcy
Abstract: In this paper, risk of bankruptcy has been introduced in the valuation of a financial derivative called stock loan. Bankruptcy has been modelled in both structural and reduced form approach. In structural form model, stock loan with finite maturity is considered following the Black-Cox specification of bankruptcy. It has been shown that the valuation of such an asset can be obtained explicitly in terms of the distribution of the first hitting time of Brownian motion and the pricing of the barrier options. In reduced form model, the default intensity has been introduced as in hazard rate models. A closed form solution of the initial value function is obtained, which implicitly defines the optimal exercise boundary. Moreover, this value function reflects an interrelationship between the optimal loan amount and the relevant variables (e.g. loan interest rate, stock price volatility etc). This interrelationship can be used to explain interesting issues such as: how does stock price volatility (or the reputation of the stock) or the loan interest rate affects the optimal loan amount?
ID:
65
Year: 2004
Name: Tauqir Bibi
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Calculus
Title of Talk: Experiences of Tauqir Bibi in Teaching Calculus Courses
Abstract: I have taught calculus courses for many years. Most of the students in these courses are engineering majors. Many of these students appreciate seeing applications to their majors. I will present examples of some problems and projects that introduce students to applications of Calculus in their majors.
Year: 2004
Name: Tauqir Bibi
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Calculus
Title of Talk: Experiences of Tauqir Bibi in Teaching Calculus Courses
Abstract: I have taught calculus courses for many years. Most of the students in these courses are engineering majors. Many of these students appreciate seeing applications to their majors. I will present examples of some problems and projects that introduce students to applications of Calculus in their majors.
ID:
265
Year: 2009
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Mathematics Education
Title of Talk: Mathematics Courses for Prospective Secondary Teachers at Small Colleges
Abstract: At the recent IMSEP Summit for math and science educators in August, it was discussed that faculty should have more opportunities to share with each other what is going on in their classrooms. To in part meet that need, this is a working group session in which participants will discuss a variety of issues around the mathematics courses offered for prospective secondary mathematics teachers at small colleges . Topics may include curriculum, instruction, technology, best practices, challenges, and dilemmas.
Year: 2009
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Mathematics Education
Title of Talk: Mathematics Courses for Prospective Secondary Teachers at Small Colleges
Abstract: At the recent IMSEP Summit for math and science educators in August, it was discussed that faculty should have more opportunities to share with each other what is going on in their classrooms. To in part meet that need, this is a working group session in which participants will discuss a variety of issues around the mathematics courses offered for prospective secondary mathematics teachers at small colleges . Topics may include curriculum, instruction, technology, best practices, challenges, and dilemmas.
ID:
524
Year: 2018
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The new MAA Congress, what do you want them to know? (Continued)
Abstract: The (relatively) new MAA Congress is situated to be a strong form of communication with the national MAA elected officers and the Iowa Section members. As your representative, what so you want to know about the new body? the MAA? What do you want the MAA to hear from the section? This is your opportunity to hear and be heard.
Year: 2018
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The new MAA Congress, what do you want them to know? (Continued)
Abstract: The (relatively) new MAA Congress is situated to be a strong form of communication with the national MAA elected officers and the Iowa Section members. As your representative, what so you want to know about the new body? the MAA? What do you want the MAA to hear from the section? This is your opportunity to hear and be heard.
ID:
530
Year: 2019
Name: Brian Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Undergraduate Mathematics Research for the Masses
Abstract: At Wartburg College, like many liberal arts colleges, all math majors are required to complete a capstone course with a research component. However, research means different things at different places and not all students are advanced enough for rigorous independent research. How can one provide a mathematical research experience to an entire class that challenges the best students without leaving behind the weaker students? I will present my solution to this question and promise to leave enough time at the end for other people to share their suggestions.
Year: 2019
Name: Brian Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Undergraduate Mathematics Research for the Masses
Abstract: At Wartburg College, like many liberal arts colleges, all math majors are required to complete a capstone course with a research component. However, research means different things at different places and not all students are advanced enough for rigorous independent research. How can one provide a mathematical research experience to an entire class that challenges the best students without leaving behind the weaker students? I will present my solution to this question and promise to leave enough time at the end for other people to share their suggestions.
ID:
536
Year: 2019
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Applied Mathematics
Title of Talk: Caucus Mathematics
Abstract: Welcome to Iowa. One of the best sources for cool, applied math problems comes from the Iowa Democratic Caucuses. Of course, every four years the Democratic Party fiddles with the rules. I will talk about ranked elections, viability, and apportionment. The last portion of the talk will discuss some of this year’s rule changes and how they affect the calculations.
Year: 2019
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Applied Mathematics
Title of Talk: Caucus Mathematics
Abstract: Welcome to Iowa. One of the best sources for cool, applied math problems comes from the Iowa Democratic Caucuses. Of course, every four years the Democratic Party fiddles with the rules. I will talk about ranked elections, viability, and apportionment. The last portion of the talk will discuss some of this year’s rule changes and how they affect the calculations.
ID:
537
Year: 2019
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Recreational Mathematics
Title of Talk: Sioux Center Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival
Abstract: Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival supports locally organized events that inspire K - 12 students to think critically and to explore the richness and beauty of mathematics through collaborative, creative problem-solving. Our Festivals engage many types of students, including those who don’t enjoy competition or working under time pressure. A Festival is also a community event, bringing together institutions and organizations as their constituents celebrate mathematics.
Year: 2019
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Recreational Mathematics
Title of Talk: Sioux Center Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival
Abstract: Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival supports locally organized events that inspire K - 12 students to think critically and to explore the richness and beauty of mathematics through collaborative, creative problem-solving. Our Festivals engage many types of students, including those who don’t enjoy competition or working under time pressure. A Festival is also a community event, bringing together institutions and organizations as their constituents celebrate mathematics.
ID:
307
Year: 2011
Name: Brian Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Calculus
Title of Talk: A First Calculus Course Using Numerical Tools and Modeling
Abstract: Our Calculus redesign consists of students learning the concepts of differentiation and integration by focusing on mathematical modeling and numerical solutions to differential equations. Topics covered include Euler's method, the Newtonian model for air resistance, the buoyancy of hot air ballooning, predator-prey models, Malaria and more.
Year: 2011
Name: Brian Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Calculus
Title of Talk: A First Calculus Course Using Numerical Tools and Modeling
Abstract: Our Calculus redesign consists of students learning the concepts of differentiation and integration by focusing on mathematical modeling and numerical solutions to differential equations. Topics covered include Euler's method, the Newtonian model for air resistance, the buoyancy of hot air ballooning, predator-prey models, Malaria and more.
ID:
563
Year: 2021
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Data Science
Title of Talk: Data Science and The Pandemic
Abstract: This talk could be titled "What I did on my COVID-19 Sabbatical." I will discuss data collection and cleaning, the use of R for data analysis, where we are as a state, and where we are going. I will also give advice to people newly interested in Data Science and take advice from the people in the audience who have been doing this a lot longer than I have.
Year: 2021
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Data Science
Title of Talk: Data Science and The Pandemic
Abstract: This talk could be titled "What I did on my COVID-19 Sabbatical." I will discuss data collection and cleaning, the use of R for data analysis, where we are as a state, and where we are going. I will also give advice to people newly interested in Data Science and take advice from the people in the audience who have been doing this a lot longer than I have.
ID:
63
Year: 2004
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Undergraduate Education
Title of Talk: Making the Most of Blackboard/WebCT/Etc. in Mathematics
Abstract: With the proliferation of Course Management Systems on campuses across the country, I often ask myself several questions: How can this make my life easier? Won
Year: 2004
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Undergraduate Education
Title of Talk: Making the Most of Blackboard/WebCT/Etc. in Mathematics
Abstract: With the proliferation of Course Management Systems on campuses across the country, I often ask myself several questions: How can this make my life easier? Won
ID:
326
Year: 2012
Name: Brian Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Recreational Mathematics
Title of Talk: The Uniqueness of Rock-Paper-Scissors-Lizard-Spock
Abstract: I shall demonstrate that Rock-Paper-Scissors-Lizard-Spock is the unique five move fair game up to isomorphism, and that there are is not a unique seven move fair game.
Year: 2012
Name: Brian Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Recreational Mathematics
Title of Talk: The Uniqueness of Rock-Paper-Scissors-Lizard-Spock
Abstract: I shall demonstrate that Rock-Paper-Scissors-Lizard-Spock is the unique five move fair game up to isomorphism, and that there are is not a unique seven move fair game.
ID:
330
Year: 2012
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Analysis, Teaching tips and tricks
Title of Talk: Real Analysis - IBL Style
Abstract: One year ago, I went to a workshop on Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) and was inspired to teach my Advanced Calculus course this way in Winter 2012. I will never go back to my old style again. This may be the closest my students ever get to mathematical research as undergraduates. In this talk I will briefly describe how an IBL classroom works and, more importantly, give links to resources to help you help your students with this method of deep learning.
Year: 2012
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Analysis, Teaching tips and tricks
Title of Talk: Real Analysis - IBL Style
Abstract: One year ago, I went to a workshop on Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) and was inspired to teach my Advanced Calculus course this way in Winter 2012. I will never go back to my old style again. This may be the closest my students ever get to mathematical research as undergraduates. In this talk I will briefly describe how an IBL classroom works and, more importantly, give links to resources to help you help your students with this method of deep learning.
ID:
363
Year: 2013
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Geometry, Analysis, Undergraduate Research, Summer Camp
Title of Talk: Math Summer Camp for Professors
Abstract: This summer I spent three weeks at the Park City Mathematics Institute as an Undergraduate Faculty Participant. The focus was on the interaction between Geometry and Analysis, but in reality, this turned out to be General Relativity. As Undergraduate Faculty they brought us up to speed academically on this cool topic, but they also depended on us to be the glue to get the other participants communicating with each other. This talk will address how the mathematics institute works and why you should find a way to attend this fabulous experience.
Year: 2013
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Geometry, Analysis, Undergraduate Research, Summer Camp
Title of Talk: Math Summer Camp for Professors
Abstract: This summer I spent three weeks at the Park City Mathematics Institute as an Undergraduate Faculty Participant. The focus was on the interaction between Geometry and Analysis, but in reality, this turned out to be General Relativity. As Undergraduate Faculty they brought us up to speed academically on this cool topic, but they also depended on us to be the glue to get the other participants communicating with each other. This talk will address how the mathematics institute works and why you should find a way to attend this fabulous experience.
ID:
113
Year: 2005
Name: Brian Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: A Project Based Finite Math Course
Abstract: In order to breathe new life into a course populated by unenthusiastic non-majors, I have introduced a series of projects which both challenges students and answers the age-old question "When am I ever going to use this stuff?". Successes and failures will both be featured.
Year: 2005
Name: Brian Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: A Project Based Finite Math Course
Abstract: In order to breathe new life into a course populated by unenthusiastic non-majors, I have introduced a series of projects which both challenges students and answers the age-old question "When am I ever going to use this stuff?". Successes and failures will both be featured.
ID:
135
Year: 2005
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Non-Major Mathematics Courses
Title of Talk: Mathematics and Civic Engagement
Abstract: Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities (SENCER) is a comprehensive national dissemination project funded by the National Science Foundation. This presentation will be an introduction to SENCER followed by some discussion issues specific to mathematics. The goal of SENCER is to engage student interest in the sciences and mathematics by supporting the development of undergraduate courses and academic programs that teach
Year: 2005
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Non-Major Mathematics Courses
Title of Talk: Mathematics and Civic Engagement
Abstract: Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities (SENCER) is a comprehensive national dissemination project funded by the National Science Foundation. This presentation will be an introduction to SENCER followed by some discussion issues specific to mathematics. The goal of SENCER is to engage student interest in the sciences and mathematics by supporting the development of undergraduate courses and academic programs that teach