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 181-200 of 471 results.
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ID:
406
Year: 2014
Name: Mike Johnson
Institution: Luther College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Missing Avalanche Sizes in the 1 dimensional sandpile model
Abstract: The one-dimensional sandpile model has many interesting connections with number theory. When looking at the size of sandpile avalanches, powers of 2 seem to be mysteriously absent. Using a trough model, we classify avalanches into two categories. The size of each type can be described as either a sum of consecutive integers or a product of two integers with controlled sum. Since powers of two cannot be written as a sum of two or more consecutive positive integers, this explains why powers of two are not common avalanche sizes. We then estimate the minimal sandpile length required to find an avalanche of a given size.
Year: 2014
Name: Mike Johnson
Institution: Luther College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Missing Avalanche Sizes in the 1 dimensional sandpile model
Abstract: The one-dimensional sandpile model has many interesting connections with number theory. When looking at the size of sandpile avalanches, powers of 2 seem to be mysteriously absent. Using a trough model, we classify avalanches into two categories. The size of each type can be described as either a sum of consecutive integers or a product of two integers with controlled sum. Since powers of two cannot be written as a sum of two or more consecutive positive integers, this explains why powers of two are not common avalanche sizes. We then estimate the minimal sandpile length required to find an avalanche of a given size.
ID:
407
Year: 2014
Name: Kenneth Driessel
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): economics, ordinary differential equations
Title of Talk: Business cycles and predator-prey ordinary differential equations
Abstract: Richard M. Goodwin (1913-1996) was an American mathematician and economist. During most of his career he taught at the University of Cambridge. Goodwin studied economic growth and the business cycle. In 1967 he published a paper with title "A Growth Cycle". In this paper he described an economic model consisting of two nonlinear first order ordinary differential equations that exhibits cyclic behavior. This system is similar to the well-known system of predator-prey equations of Lotka and Volterra. Goodwin seems to have had mixed opinions about his system. He writes (in 1967): "Presented here is a starkly schematized and hence quite unrealistic model of cycles in growth rates." He also writes (in 1972): "[These assumptions] were chosen because they represent, in my opinion, the most essential dynamic aspects of capitalism; furthermore, they are factually based, to the order of accuracy implicit in such a model." In this talk, I shall present my version of Goodwin's growth cycle system.
Year: 2014
Name: Kenneth Driessel
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): economics, ordinary differential equations
Title of Talk: Business cycles and predator-prey ordinary differential equations
Abstract: Richard M. Goodwin (1913-1996) was an American mathematician and economist. During most of his career he taught at the University of Cambridge. Goodwin studied economic growth and the business cycle. In 1967 he published a paper with title "A Growth Cycle". In this paper he described an economic model consisting of two nonlinear first order ordinary differential equations that exhibits cyclic behavior. This system is similar to the well-known system of predator-prey equations of Lotka and Volterra. Goodwin seems to have had mixed opinions about his system. He writes (in 1967): "Presented here is a starkly schematized and hence quite unrealistic model of cycles in growth rates." He also writes (in 1972): "[These assumptions] were chosen because they represent, in my opinion, the most essential dynamic aspects of capitalism; furthermore, they are factually based, to the order of accuracy implicit in such a model." In this talk, I shall present my version of Goodwin's growth cycle system.
ID:
408
Year: 2014
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Adding Context to Calculus
Abstract: This semester in Calculus I, my students have been doing weekly assignments to help provide them with context for the mathematics they are learning in the rest of the course. These assignments have investigated connections to historical and present day developments in mathematics, as well as to the utility of calculus for problem-solving in students' current lives and future careers. I will discuss what assignments I have done/will do and how students have responded to them.
Year: 2014
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Adding Context to Calculus
Abstract: This semester in Calculus I, my students have been doing weekly assignments to help provide them with context for the mathematics they are learning in the rest of the course. These assignments have investigated connections to historical and present day developments in mathematics, as well as to the utility of calculus for problem-solving in students' current lives and future careers. I will discuss what assignments I have done/will do and how students have responded to them.
ID:
409
Year: 2014
Name: Angela Kohlhaas
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Patterns and Perspective: Math in Art and Music
Abstract: During January term at Loras College, we offer various courses which fulfill our mathematical modeling general education requirement as well as our experiential learning J-term requirement. I designed a course in this category which investigates mathematical reasoning underlying perspective art and musical compositions. I will discuss the class structure, activities, and assignments I plan to use when teaching it this January.
Year: 2014
Name: Angela Kohlhaas
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Patterns and Perspective: Math in Art and Music
Abstract: During January term at Loras College, we offer various courses which fulfill our mathematical modeling general education requirement as well as our experiential learning J-term requirement. I designed a course in this category which investigates mathematical reasoning underlying perspective art and musical compositions. I will discuss the class structure, activities, and assignments I plan to use when teaching it this January.
ID:
410
Year: 2014
Name: Jennifer Good
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: What did J.S. Bach know about fractals?
Abstract: The mathematical term 'fractal', coined in the late 20th century, is used to describe detailed mathematical objects with certain repeating patterns. Bach's 3rd cello suite, composed 250 years earlier, contains evidence of a fractal embedded in one of its movements. Come learn about fractals as we see (and hear) how one appears in this famous piece of music!
Year: 2014
Name: Jennifer Good
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: What did J.S. Bach know about fractals?
Abstract: The mathematical term 'fractal', coined in the late 20th century, is used to describe detailed mathematical objects with certain repeating patterns. Bach's 3rd cello suite, composed 250 years earlier, contains evidence of a fractal embedded in one of its movements. Come learn about fractals as we see (and hear) how one appears in this famous piece of music!
ID:
411
Year: 2014
Name: Riley Burkart
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: History of the Iowa Section of the MAA
Abstract: The history of the Iowa Section stretches back to 1915, even predating the foundation of the Mathematical Association of America by a month. In this talk, the speaker will present his research on the history of the Iowa Section from its origin to the present, examining the trends and changes in the organization.
Year: 2014
Name: Riley Burkart
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: History of the Iowa Section of the MAA
Abstract: The history of the Iowa Section stretches back to 1915, even predating the foundation of the Mathematical Association of America by a month. In this talk, the speaker will present his research on the history of the Iowa Section from its origin to the present, examining the trends and changes in the organization.
ID:
412
Year: 2014
Name: Jonas Meyer
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): functional analysis, complex variables
Title of Talk: Interplay between function theory and Hilbert space
Abstract: Some classic results in Hilbert space theory are best described through the lens of functions of a complex variable, and vice versa. This survey talk will focus on some examples of that interplay, including how invariant subspaces of some operators on Hilbert space can be described using complex functions, and how Hilbert space theory can be used to prove results on interpolation with analytic functions.
Year: 2014
Name: Jonas Meyer
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): functional analysis, complex variables
Title of Talk: Interplay between function theory and Hilbert space
Abstract: Some classic results in Hilbert space theory are best described through the lens of functions of a complex variable, and vice versa. This survey talk will focus on some examples of that interplay, including how invariant subspaces of some operators on Hilbert space can be described using complex functions, and how Hilbert space theory can be used to prove results on interpolation with analytic functions.
ID:
353
Year: 2013
Name: Jennifer Quinn
Institution: Mathematical Association of America
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Fibonacci's Flower Garden
Abstract: It has often been said that the Fibonacci numbers frequently occur in art, architecture, music, magic, and nature. This interactive investigation looks for evidence of this claim in the spiral patterns of plants. Is it synchronicity or divine intervention? Fate or dumb luck? We will explore a simple model to explain the occurrences and wonder whether other number sequences are equally likely to occur. This talk is designed to be appreciated by mathematicians and nonmathematicians alike. So join us in a mathematical adventure through Fibonacci's garden.
Year: 2013
Name: Jennifer Quinn
Institution: Mathematical Association of America
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Fibonacci's Flower Garden
Abstract: It has often been said that the Fibonacci numbers frequently occur in art, architecture, music, magic, and nature. This interactive investigation looks for evidence of this claim in the spiral patterns of plants. Is it synchronicity or divine intervention? Fate or dumb luck? We will explore a simple model to explain the occurrences and wonder whether other number sequences are equally likely to occur. This talk is designed to be appreciated by mathematicians and nonmathematicians alike. So join us in a mathematical adventure through Fibonacci's garden.
ID:
354
Year: 2013
Name: Jennifer Quinn
Institution: Mathematical Association of America
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Mathematics to DIE for: The Battle Between Counting and Matching
Abstract: Positive sums count. Alternating sums match. So which is "easier" to consider mathematically? From the analysis of infinite series, we know that if a positive sum converges, then its alternating sum must also converge but the converse is not true. From linear algebra, we know that the permanent of an n x n matrix is usually hard to calculate, whereas its alternating sum, the determinant, can be computed efficiently and it has many nice theoretical properties. This talk is one part performance art and three parts combinatorics. The audience will judge a combinatorial competition between the competing techniques. Be prepared to explore a variety of positive and alternating sums involving binomial coefficients, Fibonacci numbers, and other beautiful combinatorial quantities. How are the terms in each sum concretely interpreted? What is being counted? What is being matched? Do alternating sums always give simpler results? You decide.
Year: 2013
Name: Jennifer Quinn
Institution: Mathematical Association of America
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Mathematics to DIE for: The Battle Between Counting and Matching
Abstract: Positive sums count. Alternating sums match. So which is "easier" to consider mathematically? From the analysis of infinite series, we know that if a positive sum converges, then its alternating sum must also converge but the converse is not true. From linear algebra, we know that the permanent of an n x n matrix is usually hard to calculate, whereas its alternating sum, the determinant, can be computed efficiently and it has many nice theoretical properties. This talk is one part performance art and three parts combinatorics. The audience will judge a combinatorial competition between the competing techniques. Be prepared to explore a variety of positive and alternating sums involving binomial coefficients, Fibonacci numbers, and other beautiful combinatorial quantities. How are the terms in each sum concretely interpreted? What is being counted? What is being matched? Do alternating sums always give simpler results? You decide.
ID:
355
Year: 2013
Name: Ronald Smith
Institution: Graceland University
Subject area(s): algorithms
Title of Talk: Beautiful Strings
Abstract: Let S and T be strings. S is more beautiful than T if (i) S is longer than T, or (ii) if S and T have the same length, then S > T lexicographically. S derives T, if T is a subsequence (not necessarily a substring) of S. T is unique if each character in T appears exactly once. The "Beautiful Strings Problem" is to find the most beautiful unique string that can be derived from a given string S. This problem appeared on the web and in at least one programming contest last year, with no correct solution known to this author. We give an efficient solution, showing the usefulness of a mathematical approach.
Year: 2013
Name: Ronald Smith
Institution: Graceland University
Subject area(s): algorithms
Title of Talk: Beautiful Strings
Abstract: Let S and T be strings. S is more beautiful than T if (i) S is longer than T, or (ii) if S and T have the same length, then S > T lexicographically. S derives T, if T is a subsequence (not necessarily a substring) of S. T is unique if each character in T appears exactly once. The "Beautiful Strings Problem" is to find the most beautiful unique string that can be derived from a given string S. This problem appeared on the web and in at least one programming contest last year, with no correct solution known to this author. We give an efficient solution, showing the usefulness of a mathematical approach.
ID:
356
Year: 2013
Name: Al Hibbard
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: A tour of the new Iowa section web site
Abstract: I will give an overview of the content and structure of the new section web site including special emphasis on the tools portion and some of the pages related to the history of the section. I will also explain the process I took in coming to its current structure.
Year: 2013
Name: Al Hibbard
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: A tour of the new Iowa section web site
Abstract: I will give an overview of the content and structure of the new section web site including special emphasis on the tools portion and some of the pages related to the history of the section. I will also explain the process I took in coming to its current structure.
ID:
357
Year: 2013
Name: Nathan Warnberg
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Combinatorial Matrix Theory
Title of Talk: Graph Forcing Games
Abstract: Let G be a graph with some vertex set initially colored blue and the rest of the vertices colored white. The goal of the game is to color the entire graph blue, based on some a set of rules. Depending on which set of rules are used the minimum number of initial blue vertices needed to force the entire graph blue has implications for the minimum rank of the graph's corresponding matrix family. We will demonstrate some of these games and show the connections with the minimum rank problem.
Year: 2013
Name: Nathan Warnberg
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Combinatorial Matrix Theory
Title of Talk: Graph Forcing Games
Abstract: Let G be a graph with some vertex set initially colored blue and the rest of the vertices colored white. The goal of the game is to color the entire graph blue, based on some a set of rules. Depending on which set of rules are used the minimum number of initial blue vertices needed to force the entire graph blue has implications for the minimum rank of the graph's corresponding matrix family. We will demonstrate some of these games and show the connections with the minimum rank problem.
ID:
358
Year: 2013
Name: Paul Muhly
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s): pedagogy
Title of Talk: TeX in the Classroom
Abstract: In this talk I will advocate for and share my experiences when requiring students to write their homework in LaTeX. The experiences I have had when requiring students to TeX their homework have been surprisingly positive. I will explain what I have done and offer suggestions, especially suggestions about how to get students started using TeX.
Year: 2013
Name: Paul Muhly
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s): pedagogy
Title of Talk: TeX in the Classroom
Abstract: In this talk I will advocate for and share my experiences when requiring students to write their homework in LaTeX. The experiences I have had when requiring students to TeX their homework have been surprisingly positive. I will explain what I have done and offer suggestions, especially suggestions about how to get students started using TeX.
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.
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:
360
Year: 2013
Name: Irvin R. Hentzel
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Calculus Bloopers I Have Made
Abstract: There are "simplifying assumptions" used in First Year Calculus which have become so ingrained in my teaching that I never give them a second thought. I examine the following statements as they are often presented in Calculus Books and show inconsistencies which are often overlooked. (1) Work = Integral F ds (2) For a force to move an object in a certain direction, there must be a component of the force in that direction. (3) Acceleration normal to the direction of motion changes the direction, but leaves the speed unchanged. (4) The Bernoulli Principle: the greater the velocity, the lower the pressure. (5) Neglecting air resistance in earth's gravity, all things fall at the same rate. (6) The Proof of Rolle's Theorem.
Year: 2013
Name: Irvin R. Hentzel
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Calculus Bloopers I Have Made
Abstract: There are "simplifying assumptions" used in First Year Calculus which have become so ingrained in my teaching that I never give them a second thought. I examine the following statements as they are often presented in Calculus Books and show inconsistencies which are often overlooked. (1) Work = Integral F ds (2) For a force to move an object in a certain direction, there must be a component of the force in that direction. (3) Acceleration normal to the direction of motion changes the direction, but leaves the speed unchanged. (4) The Bernoulli Principle: the greater the velocity, the lower the pressure. (5) Neglecting air resistance in earth's gravity, all things fall at the same rate. (6) The Proof of Rolle's Theorem.
ID:
361
Year: 2013
Name: Amanda Matson
Institution: Clarke University
Subject area(s): active learning, IBL, calculus
Title of Talk: IBL, Calculus, and Pens
Abstract: After attending the IBL Workshop this summer, I got inspired to incorporate parts of an IBL atmosphere in my general education differential calculus course. Here I will convey the things that worked and some of the things that didn't work as well as they could have.
Year: 2013
Name: Amanda Matson
Institution: Clarke University
Subject area(s): active learning, IBL, calculus
Title of Talk: IBL, Calculus, and Pens
Abstract: After attending the IBL Workshop this summer, I got inspired to incorporate parts of an IBL atmosphere in my general education differential calculus course. Here I will convey the things that worked and some of the things that didn't work as well as they could have.
ID:
362
Year: 2013
Name: Craig Erickson
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Combinatorial Matrix Theory
Title of Talk: Matrix sign patterns that require eventual exponential nonnegativity
Abstract: The matrix exponential function can be used to solve systems of linear differential equations. For certain applications, it is of interest whether or not the matrix exponential function of a given matrix becomes and remains entry-wise nonnegative after some time. Such matrices are called eventually exponentially nonnegative. Often the exact numerical entries in the matrix are not known (for example due to uncertainty in experimental measurements), but the qualitative information is usually known. In this talk we discuss what structure on the signs of the entries of a matrix guarantee the matrix is eventually exponentially nonnegative.
Year: 2013
Name: Craig Erickson
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Combinatorial Matrix Theory
Title of Talk: Matrix sign patterns that require eventual exponential nonnegativity
Abstract: The matrix exponential function can be used to solve systems of linear differential equations. For certain applications, it is of interest whether or not the matrix exponential function of a given matrix becomes and remains entry-wise nonnegative after some time. Such matrices are called eventually exponentially nonnegative. Often the exact numerical entries in the matrix are not known (for example due to uncertainty in experimental measurements), but the qualitative information is usually known. In this talk we discuss what structure on the signs of the entries of a matrix guarantee the matrix is eventually exponentially nonnegative.
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:
364
Year: 2013
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: Independent
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Are Drug Tests As a Precondition for Welfare Receipt Cost-Effective?
Abstract: Recently some states have implemented a program where an applicant for welfare must take and pass a drug test in order to receive benefits. Using the current law regarding how testing can be performed and some fact-based assumptions, a model for how cost-effective this program is can be developed. This model has been used as an exercise in a management science class as it can be applied to both public and corporate policies.
Year: 2013
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: Independent
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Are Drug Tests As a Precondition for Welfare Receipt Cost-Effective?
Abstract: Recently some states have implemented a program where an applicant for welfare must take and pass a drug test in order to receive benefits. Using the current law regarding how testing can be performed and some fact-based assumptions, a model for how cost-effective this program is can be developed. This model has been used as an exercise in a management science class as it can be applied to both public and corporate policies.
ID:
365
Year: 2013
Name: Chris Schultz
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Developmental Math
Title of Talk: Remedial Mathematics at Iowa State University
Abstract: Success in a developmental math course is not truly measured until the student success rate in the downstream class is measured. Iowa State University’s Department of Mathematics has started such a study and would like to share our preliminary data for discussion. Concern is often also expressed that students who start in developmental math classes will never graduate and we have gathered 2 years’ worth of data addressing this concern. The format of our developmental course, Math 10, will be shared as well as the data described above.
Year: 2013
Name: Chris Schultz
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Developmental Math
Title of Talk: Remedial Mathematics at Iowa State University
Abstract: Success in a developmental math course is not truly measured until the student success rate in the downstream class is measured. Iowa State University’s Department of Mathematics has started such a study and would like to share our preliminary data for discussion. Concern is often also expressed that students who start in developmental math classes will never graduate and we have gathered 2 years’ worth of data addressing this concern. The format of our developmental course, Math 10, will be shared as well as the data described above.