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 281-300 of 471 results.
Sort by:
ID:
372
Year: 2013
Name: Christian Roettger
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Number Theory, Diophantine Geometry, L-functions
Title of Talk: Geometric distribution of primes in Z[sqrt(2)]
Abstract: It all starts with the question: what can we say about integers a, b such that a^2 - 2b^2 is a prime? We will show some ways to make this question more precise - in particular, we study the distribution of the corresponding points (a,b) in the plane. The fundamental tool is the ring Z[sqrt(2)], and from there we make connections to analytic number theory (L-functions, Hecke characters) which arise very naturally - this is the context where Hecke invented 'Hecke characters', and they are much easier to understand here than when you read about them in MathWorld.
Year: 2013
Name: Christian Roettger
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Number Theory, Diophantine Geometry, L-functions
Title of Talk: Geometric distribution of primes in Z[sqrt(2)]
Abstract: It all starts with the question: what can we say about integers a, b such that a^2 - 2b^2 is a prime? We will show some ways to make this question more precise - in particular, we study the distribution of the corresponding points (a,b) in the plane. The fundamental tool is the ring Z[sqrt(2)], and from there we make connections to analytic number theory (L-functions, Hecke characters) which arise very naturally - this is the context where Hecke invented 'Hecke characters', and they are much easier to understand here than when you read about them in MathWorld.
ID:
373
Year: 2013
Name: Ryan Johnson
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Group Theory
Title of Talk: Some Gauss Sums found in Category Theory
Abstract: I will present a 21st century problem that requires some 18th century mathematics. Fusion categories lie in the intersection of group theory, knot theory, and quantum physics. If one is given a fusion category, a sequence of complex numbers can be computed which are called the Frobenius-Schur indicator. In this talk I will consider a particular subclass of fusion categories whose data is defined using a finite abelian group and a bilinear form on that group. Computing the indicator of these categories requires the use of quadratic Gauss sums. The aim of my research is to show the uniqueness of the indicator on this particular subclass of fusion categories.
Year: 2013
Name: Ryan Johnson
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Group Theory
Title of Talk: Some Gauss Sums found in Category Theory
Abstract: I will present a 21st century problem that requires some 18th century mathematics. Fusion categories lie in the intersection of group theory, knot theory, and quantum physics. If one is given a fusion category, a sequence of complex numbers can be computed which are called the Frobenius-Schur indicator. In this talk I will consider a particular subclass of fusion categories whose data is defined using a finite abelian group and a bilinear form on that group. Computing the indicator of these categories requires the use of quadratic Gauss sums. The aim of my research is to show the uniqueness of the indicator on this particular subclass of fusion categories.
ID:
374
Year: 2013
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Teaching
Title of Talk: Using Smartpens to Aid Student Learning
Abstract: Smartpens store writing and audio in a digital format that can be converted into various formats. In this talk, I will be discussing how I have used a smartpen to provide students with a variety of aids for learning Mathematics. All with relatively low overhead for the instructor.
Year: 2013
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Teaching
Title of Talk: Using Smartpens to Aid Student Learning
Abstract: Smartpens store writing and audio in a digital format that can be converted into various formats. In this talk, I will be discussing how I have used a smartpen to provide students with a variety of aids for learning Mathematics. All with relatively low overhead for the instructor.
ID:
375
Year: 2013
Name: Wartburg Students
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Survivor X
Abstract: Based on CBS’s widely-seen show Survivor, the math capstone class project Survivor X will incorporate mini math challenges in search of a final victor. Participants will be split into teams competing together for immunity. Eventually the teams will be merged and the game will turn to an individual competition. But watch out for those voted out, they will decide who is to be given the title of sole mathematical survivor.
Year: 2013
Name: Wartburg Students
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Survivor X
Abstract: Based on CBS’s widely-seen show Survivor, the math capstone class project Survivor X will incorporate mini math challenges in search of a final victor. Participants will be split into teams competing together for immunity. Eventually the teams will be merged and the game will turn to an individual competition. But watch out for those voted out, they will decide who is to be given the title of sole mathematical survivor.
ID:
376
Year: 2014
Name: Kenneth Price
Institution: University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Arrowgrams: Tips and Pointers
Abstract: An arrowgram is a type of puzzle based on the transitive relation, directed graphs, and groups. To solve the puzzle a group element is assigned to each arrow of a directed graph. This is called a grading and the group element assigned to an arrow is called its grade. Grades for some arrows are given. The rest of the arrows are assigned grades using a rule which is based on transitivity. Arrowgrams also contain secret messages. The words are formed by pairs of letters which stand for the arrows. The puzzle is solved when every arrow is graded and the secret message is revealed. We answer some mathematical questions related to constructing and solving arrowgrams. How many arrows have to be given grades? Which arrows can be used? Can the same set of arrows be used for different groups?
Year: 2014
Name: Kenneth Price
Institution: University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Arrowgrams: Tips and Pointers
Abstract: An arrowgram is a type of puzzle based on the transitive relation, directed graphs, and groups. To solve the puzzle a group element is assigned to each arrow of a directed graph. This is called a grading and the group element assigned to an arrow is called its grade. Grades for some arrows are given. The rest of the arrows are assigned grades using a rule which is based on transitivity. Arrowgrams also contain secret messages. The words are formed by pairs of letters which stand for the arrows. The puzzle is solved when every arrow is graded and the secret message is revealed. We answer some mathematical questions related to constructing and solving arrowgrams. How many arrows have to be given grades? Which arrows can be used? Can the same set of arrows be used for different groups?
ID:
377
Year: 2014
Name: Jacob Heidenreich
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): math education
Title of Talk: Toys, Puzzles, and Games: the Importance of Play in the Classroom
Abstract: Much research has been done over the past few decades concerning using games in education. One fruitful line of investigation has been on the importance of play in the learning experience. In this talk, I will discuss college-level educational goals and how they can be served by creating a playful learning environment in the classroom. I will also discuss and demonstrate the toys, puzzles, and games I developed for use in the classroom.
Year: 2014
Name: Jacob Heidenreich
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): math education
Title of Talk: Toys, Puzzles, and Games: the Importance of Play in the Classroom
Abstract: Much research has been done over the past few decades concerning using games in education. One fruitful line of investigation has been on the importance of play in the learning experience. In this talk, I will discuss college-level educational goals and how they can be served by creating a playful learning environment in the classroom. I will also discuss and demonstrate the toys, puzzles, and games I developed for use in the classroom.
ID:
379
Year: 2014
Name: Benjamin V.C. Collins
Institution: University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Subject area(s): Recreational Mathematics
Title of Talk: Mathemagic: A Centennial Tribute to Martin Gardner
Abstract: Marting Gardner (1914-2010) was a mathematician and writer who inspired generations of mathematicians through his ``Mathematical Games'' column in Scientific American and other written work. He was also an accomplished magician, and many of his tricks have interesting mathematical underpinnings. In this talk, ``Quinntinnius Maximus'' (otherwise known as Quinn Collins, an eighth grader at Platteville Middle School) will present several of these feats of Mathemagic. If you are lucky, his assistant ``Sabino'' (otherwise known as Ben Collins, a professor of mathematics at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville) will explain some of the mathematics underlying them.
Year: 2014
Name: Benjamin V.C. Collins
Institution: University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Subject area(s): Recreational Mathematics
Title of Talk: Mathemagic: A Centennial Tribute to Martin Gardner
Abstract: Marting Gardner (1914-2010) was a mathematician and writer who inspired generations of mathematicians through his ``Mathematical Games'' column in Scientific American and other written work. He was also an accomplished magician, and many of his tricks have interesting mathematical underpinnings. In this talk, ``Quinntinnius Maximus'' (otherwise known as Quinn Collins, an eighth grader at Platteville Middle School) will present several of these feats of Mathemagic. If you are lucky, his assistant ``Sabino'' (otherwise known as Ben Collins, a professor of mathematics at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville) will explain some of the mathematics underlying them.
ID:
380
Year: 2014
Name: Russ Goodman
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Planning a Course in Sports Analytics
Abstract: Sports analytics is becoming a popular topic of interest for many, but there are few mathematics courses that tap into this student interest. This presentation will offer the speaker's preliminary work in organizing a spring 2015 one-credit honors seminar in Sports Analytics. Comments, questions, critiques, and perspectives will be sought from the audience, as the planning for the course is ongoing.
Year: 2014
Name: Russ Goodman
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Planning a Course in Sports Analytics
Abstract: Sports analytics is becoming a popular topic of interest for many, but there are few mathematics courses that tap into this student interest. This presentation will offer the speaker's preliminary work in organizing a spring 2015 one-credit honors seminar in Sports Analytics. Comments, questions, critiques, and perspectives will be sought from the audience, as the planning for the course is ongoing.
ID:
381
Year: 2014
Name: Robert Todd
Institution: University of Nebraska at Omaha
Subject area(s): knot theory, undergraduate research
Title of Talk: Khovanov Homology: An undergraduate research project
Abstract: Khovanov homology is a sophisticated construction in knot theory, a branch of mathematics which is foreign and mysterious to many undergraduates. However, with only some linear algebra, some computer skills, and a little maturity as prerequisites, Khovanov homology can be used as a context to introduce many important mathematical ideas. I will discuss an on-going undergraduate research project whose goal is to compute the Khovanov homology of some families of knots. Such computations have only been performed for a handful of examples, thus our results will be of interest to researchers in the field. There will be many pictures and examples.
Year: 2014
Name: Robert Todd
Institution: University of Nebraska at Omaha
Subject area(s): knot theory, undergraduate research
Title of Talk: Khovanov Homology: An undergraduate research project
Abstract: Khovanov homology is a sophisticated construction in knot theory, a branch of mathematics which is foreign and mysterious to many undergraduates. However, with only some linear algebra, some computer skills, and a little maturity as prerequisites, Khovanov homology can be used as a context to introduce many important mathematical ideas. I will discuss an on-going undergraduate research project whose goal is to compute the Khovanov homology of some families of knots. Such computations have only been performed for a handful of examples, thus our results will be of interest to researchers in the field. There will be many pictures and examples.
ID:
382
Year: 2014
Name: a m fink
Institution: none
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: complex roots of polynomials and why it pays to talk mathematics
Abstract: For quadratic polynomials, a negative discriminant is a criteria for non real roots. Is there one for nth degree polynomials? Sure,and I found it because I talked to someone who pointed the way.
Year: 2014
Name: a m fink
Institution: none
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: complex roots of polynomials and why it pays to talk mathematics
Abstract: For quadratic polynomials, a negative discriminant is a criteria for non real roots. Is there one for nth degree polynomials? Sure,and I found it because I talked to someone who pointed the way.
ID:
383
Year: 2014
Name: Mu-Ling Chang
Institution: University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Subject area(s): General
Title of Talk: A "Weird" Limit Representation of Pi
Abstract: It is well known that $e=\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty}{\left( 1+\frac{1}{n} \right) }^n$ by mathematicians. Does the irrational number pi have such an unexpected limit representation like e, which can be proved by using only undergraduate mathematical skills? In this talk we will use geometry, trigonometry, mathematical induction, and the concept of limits to prove the existence of such a limit.
Year: 2014
Name: Mu-Ling Chang
Institution: University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Subject area(s): General
Title of Talk: A "Weird" Limit Representation of Pi
Abstract: It is well known that $e=\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty}{\left( 1+\frac{1}{n} \right) }^n$ by mathematicians. Does the irrational number pi have such an unexpected limit representation like e, which can be proved by using only undergraduate mathematical skills? In this talk we will use geometry, trigonometry, mathematical induction, and the concept of limits to prove the existence of such a limit.
ID:
384
Year: 2014
Name: Susan Crook
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Generalized Augmented Happy Numbers
Abstract: What makes a number a happy number? Is it sitting on the beach with no cares in the world or is there more to it than that? In this talk, we'll mathematically define happy numbers and discuss some properties. We'll explore some of their properties and look at variations on the idea of happy numbers to see if we can extend any of these properties. This work was done collaboratively with other undergraduate math faculty at a Research Experience for Undergraduate Faculty this summer at the American Institute for Mathematics, so there will also be a short plug for REUs and the REUF.
Year: 2014
Name: Susan Crook
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Generalized Augmented Happy Numbers
Abstract: What makes a number a happy number? Is it sitting on the beach with no cares in the world or is there more to it than that? In this talk, we'll mathematically define happy numbers and discuss some properties. We'll explore some of their properties and look at variations on the idea of happy numbers to see if we can extend any of these properties. This work was done collaboratively with other undergraduate math faculty at a Research Experience for Undergraduate Faculty this summer at the American Institute for Mathematics, so there will also be a short plug for REUs and the REUF.
ID:
386
Year: 2014
Name: Victor Vega
Institution: College of Coastal Georgia
Subject area(s): Topology, Geometry
Title of Talk: Fractals: A Basic Introduction
Abstract: We present a basic introduction to fractals by looking and understand the concept of Hausdorff dimension and Topological dimension by looking at simple examples of classic fractals and geometric constructs. We also define the Julia set and Mandelbrot set as an iterative function on the complex plane and present some examples together with some historical remarks.
Year: 2014
Name: Victor Vega
Institution: College of Coastal Georgia
Subject area(s): Topology, Geometry
Title of Talk: Fractals: A Basic Introduction
Abstract: We present a basic introduction to fractals by looking and understand the concept of Hausdorff dimension and Topological dimension by looking at simple examples of classic fractals and geometric constructs. We also define the Julia set and Mandelbrot set as an iterative function on the complex plane and present some examples together with some historical remarks.
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.
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:
388
Year: 2014
Name: Morgan Fonley
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Amplification and damping of an oscillating streamflow signal in a river network
Abstract: When river flow is observed under dry conditions (such as late summer), a daily fluctuation can be seen. Without the addition of precipitation, the source of these fluctuations is understood to be evapotranspiration of water from the riparian zone of trees near the river network. The flow at any point in the river network exhibits a time delay between the time of maximal evaporation (around midday) and the minimal streamflow. Several hypotheses suggest reasons for this time delay including different methods by which water moves through the soil. An alternative hypothesis is that the time delay instead comes from constructive and destructive interference that occurs when the oscillating flows of river links undergo different phase shifts and combine their signals. In this way, the flow at a downstream river link can be amplified or damped. I present an analytic solution to the transport equation, a linear ordinary differential equation that can be used to determine the flow at any point in a river network when all hillslopes are assumed to have uniform parameters. I use this solution to demonstrate the extent of amplification or damping that can occur when different parameter values are varied.
Year: 2014
Name: Morgan Fonley
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Amplification and damping of an oscillating streamflow signal in a river network
Abstract: When river flow is observed under dry conditions (such as late summer), a daily fluctuation can be seen. Without the addition of precipitation, the source of these fluctuations is understood to be evapotranspiration of water from the riparian zone of trees near the river network. The flow at any point in the river network exhibits a time delay between the time of maximal evaporation (around midday) and the minimal streamflow. Several hypotheses suggest reasons for this time delay including different methods by which water moves through the soil. An alternative hypothesis is that the time delay instead comes from constructive and destructive interference that occurs when the oscillating flows of river links undergo different phase shifts and combine their signals. In this way, the flow at a downstream river link can be amplified or damped. I present an analytic solution to the transport equation, a linear ordinary differential equation that can be used to determine the flow at any point in a river network when all hillslopes are assumed to have uniform parameters. I use this solution to demonstrate the extent of amplification or damping that can occur when different parameter values are varied.
ID:
389
Year: 2014
Name: Jason Smith
Institution: Graceland University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Inquiry Based Learning
Abstract: A discussion about the Inquiry Based Learning(IBL) Workshop I attended this summer as well as my experience using the IBL methods in Probability and Stochastic Processes. I will discuss some early successes and early failures in class. I will mention some of the research in support of IBL.
Year: 2014
Name: Jason Smith
Institution: Graceland University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Inquiry Based Learning
Abstract: A discussion about the Inquiry Based Learning(IBL) Workshop I attended this summer as well as my experience using the IBL methods in Probability and Stochastic Processes. I will discuss some early successes and early failures in class. I will mention some of the research in support of IBL.
ID:
390
Year: 2014
Name: Theron Hitchman
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Building Towards Student Ownership
Abstract: Why should a student choose to continue his or her study of mathematics beyond high school? How can we enrich our mathematics classes to make them more interesting and engaging? How can we introduce students to the culture of mathematics, and bring them into the community? I will argue that one way to address these questions is to trust in the students and return to them the ownership of the mathematics, both the content and the process. We might even have some time to discuss how we can pull that off without looking too foolish.
Year: 2014
Name: Theron Hitchman
Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Building Towards Student Ownership
Abstract: Why should a student choose to continue his or her study of mathematics beyond high school? How can we enrich our mathematics classes to make them more interesting and engaging? How can we introduce students to the culture of mathematics, and bring them into the community? I will argue that one way to address these questions is to trust in the students and return to them the ownership of the mathematics, both the content and the process. We might even have some time to discuss how we can pull that off without looking too foolish.
ID:
391
Year: 2014
Name: Robert Devaney
Institution: Boston University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The Fractal Geometry of the Mandelbrot Set
Abstract: In this lecture we describe several folk theorems concerning the Mandelbrot set. While this set is extremely complicated from a geometric point of view, we will show that, as long as you know how to add and how to count, you can understand this geometry completely. We will encounter many famous mathematical objects in the Mandelbrot set, like the Farey tree and the Fibonacci sequence. And we will find many soon-to-be-famous objects as well, like the "Devaney" sequence. There might even be a joke or two in the talk.
Year: 2014
Name: Robert Devaney
Institution: Boston University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The Fractal Geometry of the Mandelbrot Set
Abstract: In this lecture we describe several folk theorems concerning the Mandelbrot set. While this set is extremely complicated from a geometric point of view, we will show that, as long as you know how to add and how to count, you can understand this geometry completely. We will encounter many famous mathematical objects in the Mandelbrot set, like the Farey tree and the Fibonacci sequence. And we will find many soon-to-be-famous objects as well, like the "Devaney" sequence. There might even be a joke or two in the talk.
ID:
392
Year: 2014
Name: Ruth Charney
Institution: Brandeis University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: An Excursion into the Strange World of Singular Geometry
Abstract: In high school we learn about the geometry of the plane. Later, we encounter the geometry of smooth manifolds. In this talk, we take a peek at the mind-bending geometry of singular spaces and their applications.
Year: 2014
Name: Ruth Charney
Institution: Brandeis University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: An Excursion into the Strange World of Singular Geometry
Abstract: In high school we learn about the geometry of the plane. Later, we encounter the geometry of smooth manifolds. In this talk, we take a peek at the mind-bending geometry of singular spaces and their applications.
ID:
393
Year: 2014
Name: Titus Klinge
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): molecular programming, ODEs
Title of Talk: Exact Analytical Solutions of a Chemical Oscillator
Abstract: A chemical reaction network (CRN) is a mathematical model used extensively in chemistry with deep connections to ordinary differential equations (ODEs). CRNs have been used to model naturally occurring reactions that are periodic such as the Brusselator and the Oreganator. However, the nonlinearity of the underlying ODEs is often complex and a large amount of research has been devoted to approximating the solutions to these ODEs. Recently, Luca Cardelli defined a CRN that has similar desirable periodic behavior. In this talk we present a general analysis of this CRN including exact analytical solutions to the underlying ODEs. This is joint work with James I. Lathrop. This talk will be accessible to both undergraduate and graduate students.
Year: 2014
Name: Titus Klinge
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): molecular programming, ODEs
Title of Talk: Exact Analytical Solutions of a Chemical Oscillator
Abstract: A chemical reaction network (CRN) is a mathematical model used extensively in chemistry with deep connections to ordinary differential equations (ODEs). CRNs have been used to model naturally occurring reactions that are periodic such as the Brusselator and the Oreganator. However, the nonlinearity of the underlying ODEs is often complex and a large amount of research has been devoted to approximating the solutions to these ODEs. Recently, Luca Cardelli defined a CRN that has similar desirable periodic behavior. In this talk we present a general analysis of this CRN including exact analytical solutions to the underlying ODEs. This is joint work with James I. Lathrop. This talk will be accessible to both undergraduate and graduate students.