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 1-20 of 471 results.
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ID:
512
Year: 2018
Name: Katherine Vance
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Sine, Cosine, and Euler
Abstract: In mid-September, I attended a training workshop for the TRIUMPHS project. The goal of the project is to develop materials to teach core mathematical content using primary historical sources and active learning techniques. At the end of September, I site-tested one of the TRIUMPHS Primary Source Projects, ``The Derivatives of the Sine and Cosine Functions," in my Calculus 1 class. I will give a little bit of background on the TRIUMPHS project and share my experience as a site tester.
Year: 2018
Name: Katherine Vance
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Sine, Cosine, and Euler
Abstract: In mid-September, I attended a training workshop for the TRIUMPHS project. The goal of the project is to develop materials to teach core mathematical content using primary historical sources and active learning techniques. At the end of September, I site-tested one of the TRIUMPHS Primary Source Projects, ``The Derivatives of the Sine and Cosine Functions," in my Calculus 1 class. I will give a little bit of background on the TRIUMPHS project and share my experience as a site tester.
ID:
258
Year: 2009
Name: Eugene Herman
Institution: Grinnell College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Hankel Operators and Combinatorial Identities
Abstract: We show that every bounded Hankel operator H on the Hilbert space of square-summable sequences can be factored as H = MM^*, where M maps a space of square-integrable functions to their corresponding moment sequences. By expanding these functions in a Fourier series of orthogonal polynomials, we obtain identities that connect the entries of the Hankel matrices with the orthogonal polynomials.
Year: 2009
Name: Eugene Herman
Institution: Grinnell College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Hankel Operators and Combinatorial Identities
Abstract: We show that every bounded Hankel operator H on the Hilbert space of square-summable sequences can be factored as H = MM^*, where M maps a space of square-integrable functions to their corresponding moment sequences. By expanding these functions in a Fourier series of orthogonal polynomials, we obtain identities that connect the entries of the Hankel matrices with the orthogonal polynomials.
ID:
514
Year: 2018
Name: Brittney Miller
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Using Playdough and 3D Prints to Visualize Volumes
Abstract: Using two-dimensional images to visualize three-dimensional objects can be challenging. Instead, playdough and 3D prints can help us better understand different shapes and their cross sections. Let’s have some fun with these physical representations of objects to more clearly illustrate and help our students learn how to, for example, set up volume integrals.
Year: 2018
Name: Brittney Miller
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Using Playdough and 3D Prints to Visualize Volumes
Abstract: Using two-dimensional images to visualize three-dimensional objects can be challenging. Instead, playdough and 3D prints can help us better understand different shapes and their cross sections. Let’s have some fun with these physical representations of objects to more clearly illustrate and help our students learn how to, for example, set up volume integrals.
ID:
515
Year: 2018
Name: Michael Dorff
Institution: Brigham Young University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: How Mathematics Is Making Hollywood Movies Better
Abstract: What’s your favorite movie? Star Wars? Avatar? The Avengers? Frozen? What do these and all the highest earning Hollywood movies since 2000 have in common? Mathematics! You probably didn’t think about it while watching these movies, but math was used to help make them. In this presentation, we will discuss how math is being used to create better and more realistic movies. Along the way we will discuss some specific movies and the mathematics behind them. We will include examples from Disney’s 2013 movie Frozen (how to use math to create realistic looking snow) to Pixar’s 2004 movie The Incredibles (how to use math to make an animated character move faster). Come and join us and get a better appreciation of mathematics and movies.
Year: 2018
Name: Michael Dorff
Institution: Brigham Young University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: How Mathematics Is Making Hollywood Movies Better
Abstract: What’s your favorite movie? Star Wars? Avatar? The Avengers? Frozen? What do these and all the highest earning Hollywood movies since 2000 have in common? Mathematics! You probably didn’t think about it while watching these movies, but math was used to help make them. In this presentation, we will discuss how math is being used to create better and more realistic movies. Along the way we will discuss some specific movies and the mathematics behind them. We will include examples from Disney’s 2013 movie Frozen (how to use math to create realistic looking snow) to Pixar’s 2004 movie The Incredibles (how to use math to make an animated character move faster). Come and join us and get a better appreciation of mathematics and movies.
ID:
516
Year: 2018
Name: Carlos Castillo-Chavez
Institution: Arizona State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Epidemiology: Role of dynamic individual decisions during ongoing epidemic outbreaks
Abstract: The lecture begins with a historical review of epidemic models and the concept of tipping point. We then revisit phenomenologically inspired modeling frameworks that account for the impact that single disease outbreaks have on the decisions that individuals make in response to real or perceived risk of infection. Finally, a behavioral framework where individual decisions are modeled as a function of tradeoffs made in response to self-assessed costs tied to present or future risks of infection, including those resulting from potential loss of benefits due to risk aversion decisions is introduced and implemented on a simplified population-level epidemic model. The impact of these decisions is illustrated in the context of a single influenza outbreak.
Year: 2018
Name: Carlos Castillo-Chavez
Institution: Arizona State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Epidemiology: Role of dynamic individual decisions during ongoing epidemic outbreaks
Abstract: The lecture begins with a historical review of epidemic models and the concept of tipping point. We then revisit phenomenologically inspired modeling frameworks that account for the impact that single disease outbreaks have on the decisions that individuals make in response to real or perceived risk of infection. Finally, a behavioral framework where individual decisions are modeled as a function of tradeoffs made in response to self-assessed costs tied to present or future risks of infection, including those resulting from potential loss of benefits due to risk aversion decisions is introduced and implemented on a simplified population-level epidemic model. The impact of these decisions is illustrated in the context of a single influenza outbreak.
ID:
261
Year: 2009
Name: Steven Dunbar
Institution: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: MAA's American Mathematics Competitions: Easy Problems, Hard Problems, History and Outcomes
Abstract: How do you get bright students hooked on mathematics? How do you keep teachers intellectually engaged and pedagogically innovative? A proven way is to involve them both in mathematics competitions with great problems that span the curriculum. The Mathematical Association of America has continuously sponsored nationwide high-school level math contests since 1952. The sequence of contests now has 5 different contests at increasing levels of mathematical sophistication. Students who succeed at the top level on these contests become the team representing the U.S. at the annual International Mathematical Olympiad. I'll showcase some interesting, easy and hard contest problems, and a little bit of history. Along the way, I'll comment about the intersection of these contests with the school mathematics curriculum.
Year: 2009
Name: Steven Dunbar
Institution: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: MAA's American Mathematics Competitions: Easy Problems, Hard Problems, History and Outcomes
Abstract: How do you get bright students hooked on mathematics? How do you keep teachers intellectually engaged and pedagogically innovative? A proven way is to involve them both in mathematics competitions with great problems that span the curriculum. The Mathematical Association of America has continuously sponsored nationwide high-school level math contests since 1952. The sequence of contests now has 5 different contests at increasing levels of mathematical sophistication. Students who succeed at the top level on these contests become the team representing the U.S. at the annual International Mathematical Olympiad. I'll showcase some interesting, easy and hard contest problems, and a little bit of history. Along the way, I'll comment about the intersection of these contests with the school mathematics curriculum.
ID:
517
Year: 2018
Name: Chris Spicer
Institution: Morningside College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: On Sheldon Primes
Abstract: In a 2015 MAA Math Horizons article, the authors introduced the concept of a Sheldon prime, based on a conversation between several characters in the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory. The authors left open whether or not any number other than 73 satisfied the specific properties. Recent work has proven that it is in fact unique. We will introduce Sheldon primes and the number theory behind them, and demonstrate its uniqueness.
Year: 2018
Name: Chris Spicer
Institution: Morningside College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: On Sheldon Primes
Abstract: In a 2015 MAA Math Horizons article, the authors introduced the concept of a Sheldon prime, based on a conversation between several characters in the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory. The authors left open whether or not any number other than 73 satisfied the specific properties. Recent work has proven that it is in fact unique. We will introduce Sheldon primes and the number theory behind them, and demonstrate its uniqueness.
ID:
518
Year: 2018
Name: Angela Kohlhaas
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Data Reasoning: Changing our General Math Requirement
Abstract: At Loras College, we have had a mathematical modeling requirement in our general education for some time. Traditional courses like college algebra, precalculus, and calculus satisfy the requirement, as do a variety of “math for liberal arts” type courses. Though all of them use data, none of them deeply engage students in reasoning with data. This means we are not really preparing our students to engage with our data-driven world. We have also had an increased demand for statistics, which barely satisfies our math modeling outcomes. So, whether we are sages or fools, we have decided to essentially change our general education math requirement to a statistics requirement. In this talk, we will share our hopes, our steps in this direction, and our concerns so far.
Year: 2018
Name: Angela Kohlhaas
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Data Reasoning: Changing our General Math Requirement
Abstract: At Loras College, we have had a mathematical modeling requirement in our general education for some time. Traditional courses like college algebra, precalculus, and calculus satisfy the requirement, as do a variety of “math for liberal arts” type courses. Though all of them use data, none of them deeply engage students in reasoning with data. This means we are not really preparing our students to engage with our data-driven world. We have also had an increased demand for statistics, which barely satisfies our math modeling outcomes. So, whether we are sages or fools, we have decided to essentially change our general education math requirement to a statistics requirement. In this talk, we will share our hopes, our steps in this direction, and our concerns so far.
ID:
521
Year: 2018
Name: Amanda Matson
Institution: Clarke University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: MAAthfest Roundup
Abstract: Bringing MAAthfest to Iowa, Dr. Matson will recap some of the happenings at MAAthfest and invite others to build on that information.
Year: 2018
Name: Amanda Matson
Institution: Clarke University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: MAAthfest Roundup
Abstract: Bringing MAAthfest to Iowa, Dr. Matson will recap some of the happenings at MAAthfest and invite others to build on that information.
ID:
522
Year: 2018
Name: Lorenzo Riva
Institution: Creighton University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Feynman Operational Calculus
Abstract: The forthcoming paper "Combining continuous and discrete phenomena for Feynman's operational calculus in the presence of a $(C_0)$ semigroup and Feynman-Kac formulas with Lebesgue-Stieltjes measures" (by L. Nielsen, to appear in Integral Equations and Operator Theory) contains, as its main result, an evolution equation which serves to describe how Feynman's operational calculus evolves with time in the presence of a $(C_0)$ semigroup of linear operators. There are several examples in this paper which give rise to so-called, Feynman-Kac formulas with Lebesgue- Stieltjes measures (first investigated from a function space integral point of view by M. L. Lapidus in the late 1980s). However, due to the different approach, the Feynman-Kac formulas obtained in the paper by Nielsen have some significant differences from those obtained by Lapidus. An associated operator differential equation (essentially a nonhomogeneous Schrodinger's equation) is also obtained in Nielsen's paper. This talk will concentrate on the explanation of the newly-found Feynman-Kac formulas and some associated results.
Year: 2018
Name: Lorenzo Riva
Institution: Creighton University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Feynman Operational Calculus
Abstract: The forthcoming paper "Combining continuous and discrete phenomena for Feynman's operational calculus in the presence of a $(C_0)$ semigroup and Feynman-Kac formulas with Lebesgue-Stieltjes measures" (by L. Nielsen, to appear in Integral Equations and Operator Theory) contains, as its main result, an evolution equation which serves to describe how Feynman's operational calculus evolves with time in the presence of a $(C_0)$ semigroup of linear operators. There are several examples in this paper which give rise to so-called, Feynman-Kac formulas with Lebesgue- Stieltjes measures (first investigated from a function space integral point of view by M. L. Lapidus in the late 1980s). However, due to the different approach, the Feynman-Kac formulas obtained in the paper by Nielsen have some significant differences from those obtained by Lapidus. An associated operator differential equation (essentially a nonhomogeneous Schrodinger's equation) is also obtained in Nielsen's paper. This talk will concentrate on the explanation of the newly-found Feynman-Kac formulas and some associated results.
ID:
523
Year: 2018
Name: Billy Duckworth
Institution: Creighton University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The Randic Index and Average Path Length
Abstract: In graph theory the Randic Index is a number that gives information about the degree of branching within a particular graph. We examined the relationship between the Randic Index and other well known graph properties such as radius, diameter, and average path length. We attempt to bound the Randic Index for families of graphs such as paths, cycles and "methylated" paths and cycles.
Year: 2018
Name: Billy Duckworth
Institution: Creighton University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The Randic Index and Average Path Length
Abstract: In graph theory the Randic Index is a number that gives information about the degree of branching within a particular graph. We examined the relationship between the Randic Index and other well known graph properties such as radius, diameter, and average path length. We attempt to bound the Randic Index for families of graphs such as paths, cycles and "methylated" paths and cycles.
ID:
268
Year: 2009
Name: Corey Gevaert
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Isometries of a Giant Product Space
Abstract: I'll be discussing the isometries of the product space Y which is formed by an infinite amount of hyperbolic plane fibers lined up from 0 to 1. I'll be discussing how the hyperbolic isometries are carried over and the Lebesgue transformations that influence these isometries.
Year: 2009
Name: Corey Gevaert
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Isometries of a Giant Product Space
Abstract: I'll be discussing the isometries of the product space Y which is formed by an infinite amount of hyperbolic plane fibers lined up from 0 to 1. I'll be discussing how the hyperbolic isometries are carried over and the Lebesgue transformations that influence these isometries.
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:
270
Year: 2009
Name: YiLin Cheng
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Classification of Hopf algebras 4p-dimension
Abstract: In recent years, there have been much development on the classification of finite dimensional Hopf algebras over a field of characteristic 0. The 4p-dimensional Hopf algebras when p=3 was classified 10 years ago and there are very few results for classification of nonsemisimple Hopf algebras with the dimension which is a mutiple of 4 during this period. In this talk, I will discuss some progress joint work with Richard Ng about 4p-dimensional nonsemisimple Hopf algebras when the odd prime p is less than or equal to 11.
Year: 2009
Name: YiLin Cheng
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Classification of Hopf algebras 4p-dimension
Abstract: In recent years, there have been much development on the classification of finite dimensional Hopf algebras over a field of characteristic 0. The 4p-dimensional Hopf algebras when p=3 was classified 10 years ago and there are very few results for classification of nonsemisimple Hopf algebras with the dimension which is a mutiple of 4 during this period. In this talk, I will discuss some progress joint work with Richard Ng about 4p-dimensional nonsemisimple Hopf algebras when the odd prime p is less than or equal to 11.
ID:
271
Year: 2009
Name: Aba Mbirika
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Cool combinatorics arising on a cohomology hunt!
Abstract: Can cool combinatorics arise in a hunt for the cohomology ring of a variety? Yes indeed! In 1992, De Mari, Proces, and Shayman introduce Hessenberg varieties. These are a natural generalization of the famed Springer variety. Much is known about the cohomology ring of the Springer variety, but little is known in the case of a general Hessenberg. We provide a step in this direction by inspecting a certain subfamily of Hessenbergs called the Peterson variety. We conjecture that the cohomology ring of a Peterson variety has the presentation of a graded quotient of a polynomial ring modulo a special ideal with very nice combinatorial properties. Along the way, cute combinatorics pops up in the form of Dyck paths, Catalan numbers, etc. We also discuss tantalizing recent work that might help confirm our conjecture.
Year: 2009
Name: Aba Mbirika
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Cool combinatorics arising on a cohomology hunt!
Abstract: Can cool combinatorics arise in a hunt for the cohomology ring of a variety? Yes indeed! In 1992, De Mari, Proces, and Shayman introduce Hessenberg varieties. These are a natural generalization of the famed Springer variety. Much is known about the cohomology ring of the Springer variety, but little is known in the case of a general Hessenberg. We provide a step in this direction by inspecting a certain subfamily of Hessenbergs called the Peterson variety. We conjecture that the cohomology ring of a Peterson variety has the presentation of a graded quotient of a polynomial ring modulo a special ideal with very nice combinatorial properties. Along the way, cute combinatorics pops up in the form of Dyck paths, Catalan numbers, etc. We also discuss tantalizing recent work that might help confirm our conjecture.
ID:
528
Year: 2019
Name: Amanda Matson
Institution: Clarke University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: MAAthfest Roundup
Abstract: Dr. Matson will be sharing tips and tricks picked up at MAA's Mathfest. Come listen to what was gained and share your own ideas.
Year: 2019
Name: Amanda Matson
Institution: Clarke University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: MAAthfest Roundup
Abstract: Dr. Matson will be sharing tips and tricks picked up at MAA's Mathfest. Come listen to what was gained and share your own ideas.
ID:
274
Year: 2010
Name: A. M. Fink
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: A New Look at IQ
Abstract: We will discuss the Isoperimetric Quotient for low order polygons. If time permits, we can illustrate its connection with some linear algebra and markov chains. There are some intriguing geometric open problems.
Year: 2010
Name: A. M. Fink
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: A New Look at IQ
Abstract: We will discuss the Isoperimetric Quotient for low order polygons. If time permits, we can illustrate its connection with some linear algebra and markov chains. There are some intriguing geometric open problems.
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:
278
Year: 2010
Name: K Stroyan
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Projects in Calculus Class
Abstract: My favorite calculus question is: Why did we eradicate polio by vaccination, but not measles? I use this as a training project for student projects in calculus. I'll talk about my experience with "modeling" projects in calculus.
Year: 2010
Name: K Stroyan
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Projects in Calculus Class
Abstract: My favorite calculus question is: Why did we eradicate polio by vaccination, but not measles? I use this as a training project for student projects in calculus. I'll talk about my experience with "modeling" projects in calculus.
ID:
538
Year: 2019
Name: William Lindsey
Institution: Dordt University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Epidemic! Role-Playing in Introductory Statistics
Abstract: How can we use our statistical knowledge to help save (or at least, inform) the world? I will describe a day from my Introductory Statistics class where students were "hired" by the CDC to help answer questions about a fictional epidemic that was plaguing the Atlanta area.
Year: 2019
Name: William Lindsey
Institution: Dordt University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Epidemic! Role-Playing in Introductory Statistics
Abstract: How can we use our statistical knowledge to help save (or at least, inform) the world? I will describe a day from my Introductory Statistics class where students were "hired" by the CDC to help answer questions about a fictional epidemic that was plaguing the Atlanta area.