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 141-160 of 471 results.
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ID:
422
Year: 2015
Name: Susan Crook
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Researching in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Abstract: This summer I attended an MAA minicourse focused on beginning to research in the area of scholarship of teaching and learning and would like to disseminate some of this basic information to our section. Several of the Iowa section schools use Boyer's model of scholarship, which includes SoTL, to evaluate scholarship for tenure and promotion. In this talk, I will give a brief overview of how SoTL research is structured and point to many references for faculty looking to begin research in this area.
Year: 2015
Name: Susan Crook
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Researching in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Abstract: This summer I attended an MAA minicourse focused on beginning to research in the area of scholarship of teaching and learning and would like to disseminate some of this basic information to our section. Several of the Iowa section schools use Boyer's model of scholarship, which includes SoTL, to evaluate scholarship for tenure and promotion. In this talk, I will give a brief overview of how SoTL research is structured and point to many references for faculty looking to begin research in this area.
ID:
423
Year: 2015
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Sports Analytics
Title of Talk: Another College Football Ranking
Abstract: Anyone who has followed D1A college football in the last two decades is aware that there computer rankings and probably has opinions on them. In this talk we will discuss my ranking which is a tweak of the Colley Matrix method, one of the former BCS rankings. My ranking uses a little bit of discrete probability, linear algebra, graph theory, and stochastic systems to arrive at its results.
Year: 2015
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Sports Analytics
Title of Talk: Another College Football Ranking
Abstract: Anyone who has followed D1A college football in the last two decades is aware that there computer rankings and probably has opinions on them. In this talk we will discuss my ranking which is a tweak of the Colley Matrix method, one of the former BCS rankings. My ranking uses a little bit of discrete probability, linear algebra, graph theory, and stochastic systems to arrive at its results.
ID:
425
Year: 2015
Name: Jonas Meyer
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Education, Math problem solving, Networking
Title of Talk: Starting a Math Teachers' Circle in Dubuque
Abstract: Math Teachers' Circles are "professional communities centered on mathematics," in which professors and middle school math teachers come together to solve mathematics problems, discuss teaching, and more. The presenter worked with colleagues in Dubuque to start a Math Teachers' Circle this year. He'll provide an overview of what MTCs are, then discuss our Circle, including what we've done so far, our hopes for the near future, and examples of some of the problems and activities we've done.
Year: 2015
Name: Jonas Meyer
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Education, Math problem solving, Networking
Title of Talk: Starting a Math Teachers' Circle in Dubuque
Abstract: Math Teachers' Circles are "professional communities centered on mathematics," in which professors and middle school math teachers come together to solve mathematics problems, discuss teaching, and more. The presenter worked with colleagues in Dubuque to start a Math Teachers' Circle this year. He'll provide an overview of what MTCs are, then discuss our Circle, including what we've done so far, our hopes for the near future, and examples of some of the problems and activities we've done.
ID:
426
Year: 2015
Name: Kristopher Lee
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: MATH 106X: A New Course at Iowa State
Abstract: Last year, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State approved the creation of an inquiry-based mathematics course for the liberal arts. The course has begun this semester, and I will discuss my experience as the faithful guide to the intrepid explorers who so bravely signed up for this journey to discover mathematics.
Year: 2015
Name: Kristopher Lee
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: MATH 106X: A New Course at Iowa State
Abstract: Last year, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State approved the creation of an inquiry-based mathematics course for the liberal arts. The course has begun this semester, and I will discuss my experience as the faithful guide to the intrepid explorers who so bravely signed up for this journey to discover mathematics.
ID:
427
Year: 2015
Name: Julia Walk
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s): Mathematical Biology
Title of Talk: Building a Model of the Effects of Multiple Myeloma on Kidney Function
Abstract: Multiple myeloma is a type of plasma cell cancer associated with many health challenges, including damage to the kidney. When a patient's kidneys are damaged, waste builds up in the bloodstream and the body begins to shut down. We would like to model what happens as the cancer affects the proximal tubule cells in the kidney, to eventually create a model that doctors can use as a predictive tool to catch problems early. We will explore an initial model that captures the biology of the interaction between kidney cells and proteins produced by the myeloma cells. The discussion will emphasize the development of the model using power law approximations in a system of ODEs.
Year: 2015
Name: Julia Walk
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s): Mathematical Biology
Title of Talk: Building a Model of the Effects of Multiple Myeloma on Kidney Function
Abstract: Multiple myeloma is a type of plasma cell cancer associated with many health challenges, including damage to the kidney. When a patient's kidneys are damaged, waste builds up in the bloodstream and the body begins to shut down. We would like to model what happens as the cancer affects the proximal tubule cells in the kidney, to eventually create a model that doctors can use as a predictive tool to catch problems early. We will explore an initial model that captures the biology of the interaction between kidney cells and proteins produced by the myeloma cells. The discussion will emphasize the development of the model using power law approximations in a system of ODEs.
ID:
428
Year: 2015
Name: Christine Caples
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s): Knot Theory
Title of Talk: Tangle Classification
Abstract: A knot can be thought of as a knotted piece of string with the ends glued together. A tangle is formed by intersecting a knot with a 3-dimensional ball. The portion of the knot in the interior of the ball along with the fixed intersection points on the surface of the ball form the tangle. Tangles can be used to model protein-DNA binding, so another way to think of a tangle is in terms of segments of DNA (the strings) bounded by the protein complex (the 3-dimensional ball). Like knots, the same tangle can be represented by multiple diagrams which are equivalent under deformations (no cutting or gluing allowed). A tangle invariant is a value that is the same for equivalent tangles. Tangles can be classified into families which allows one to study properties of tangles that may be useful for solving tangle equations. This talk will be an introduction to knot theory and will investigate how tangle invariants can be used to classify tangles.
Year: 2015
Name: Christine Caples
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s): Knot Theory
Title of Talk: Tangle Classification
Abstract: A knot can be thought of as a knotted piece of string with the ends glued together. A tangle is formed by intersecting a knot with a 3-dimensional ball. The portion of the knot in the interior of the ball along with the fixed intersection points on the surface of the ball form the tangle. Tangles can be used to model protein-DNA binding, so another way to think of a tangle is in terms of segments of DNA (the strings) bounded by the protein complex (the 3-dimensional ball). Like knots, the same tangle can be represented by multiple diagrams which are equivalent under deformations (no cutting or gluing allowed). A tangle invariant is a value that is the same for equivalent tangles. Tangles can be classified into families which allows one to study properties of tangles that may be useful for solving tangle equations. This talk will be an introduction to knot theory and will investigate how tangle invariants can be used to classify tangles.
ID:
429
Year: 2015
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Analysis
Title of Talk: How to I keep track of classroom behavior in my IBL Classroom
Abstract: I have been teaching IBL in my upper level classes for several years now, but have struggled with keeping track of participation during class. I want to give my students credit for quality questions and answers, but sometimes (often) things go so fast, or I am so involved with the argumentation, that I can't write things down quickly. Each class starts with the best of intentions, but . . . Today I am going to talk about one nearly fool-proof method that I have discovered that works for me, along with some other ideas that I haven't course-tested, but have strong potential.
Year: 2015
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Analysis
Title of Talk: How to I keep track of classroom behavior in my IBL Classroom
Abstract: I have been teaching IBL in my upper level classes for several years now, but have struggled with keeping track of participation during class. I want to give my students credit for quality questions and answers, but sometimes (often) things go so fast, or I am so involved with the argumentation, that I can't write things down quickly. Each class starts with the best of intentions, but . . . Today I am going to talk about one nearly fool-proof method that I have discovered that works for me, along with some other ideas that I haven't course-tested, but have strong potential.
ID:
430
Year: 2015
Name: Russ Goodman
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s): analytics, statistics, data analysis
Title of Talk: Experiences Teaching a Sports Analytics Honors Seminar
Abstract: This talk will offer the presenter's experience designing and teaching an honors seminar on sports analytics. The seminar, offered in spring 2015, was designed for honors students in general and not necessarily for mathematics majors. The presenter will describe effective and not-so-effective aspects of the seminar, along with ideas for improving the seminar in the future. Feedback and input from the audience will be solicited.
Year: 2015
Name: Russ Goodman
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s): analytics, statistics, data analysis
Title of Talk: Experiences Teaching a Sports Analytics Honors Seminar
Abstract: This talk will offer the presenter's experience designing and teaching an honors seminar on sports analytics. The seminar, offered in spring 2015, was designed for honors students in general and not necessarily for mathematics majors. The presenter will describe effective and not-so-effective aspects of the seminar, along with ideas for improving the seminar in the future. Feedback and input from the audience will be solicited.
ID:
431
Year: 2015
Name: Francis Su
Institution: Harvey Mudd College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Voting in Agreeable Societies
Abstract: When does a majority exist in a voting situation? How does the geometry of the political spectrum influence the outcome? What does mathematics have to say about how people behave? When mathematical objects have a social interpretation, the associated results have social applications. We will show how math can be used to model people's preferences and understand voting in "agreeable" societies. This talk also features research with undergraduates.
Year: 2015
Name: Francis Su
Institution: Harvey Mudd College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Voting in Agreeable Societies
Abstract: When does a majority exist in a voting situation? How does the geometry of the political spectrum influence the outcome? What does mathematics have to say about how people behave? When mathematical objects have a social interpretation, the associated results have social applications. We will show how math can be used to model people's preferences and understand voting in "agreeable" societies. This talk also features research with undergraduates.
ID:
432
Year: 2015
Name: Dave Richeson
Institution: Dickinson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The Four Problems of Antiquity
Abstract: We discuss the history of four of the most famous problems in mathematics-the so-called problems of antiquity: squaring the circle, trisecting the angle, doubling the cube, and constructing regular n-gons. We know the outcome-that they are all impossible to solve using compass and straightedge. But there is a long and fascinating history of mathematicians' attempts to solve the problems using the Euclidean tools and their success at solving them by other means (using marked straightedges, conic sections, transcendental curves, and mechanical devices). Like all great mathematical problems, they pushed mathematics forward.
Year: 2015
Name: Dave Richeson
Institution: Dickinson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The Four Problems of Antiquity
Abstract: We discuss the history of four of the most famous problems in mathematics-the so-called problems of antiquity: squaring the circle, trisecting the angle, doubling the cube, and constructing regular n-gons. We know the outcome-that they are all impossible to solve using compass and straightedge. But there is a long and fascinating history of mathematicians' attempts to solve the problems using the Euclidean tools and their success at solving them by other means (using marked straightedges, conic sections, transcendental curves, and mechanical devices). Like all great mathematical problems, they pushed mathematics forward.
ID:
433
Year: 2015
Name: Dan Alexander
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Innovation through Blunder (or the Unexpected Virtues of Non-Intentionality)
Abstract: "We all make mistakes." "There is no such thing as a dumb question." "You should embrace your mistakes and learn from them." These are all things that many of us tell our students. But do we believe it? More importantly, do we follow this advice in our own teaching? What I hope to do in this talk is explore the role of mistakes in teaching with the audience. In hopes of getting the conversation rolling, I will offer a few examples of mistakes, including several I have made. some of which have led to some drastic changes in my teaching.
Year: 2015
Name: Dan Alexander
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Innovation through Blunder (or the Unexpected Virtues of Non-Intentionality)
Abstract: "We all make mistakes." "There is no such thing as a dumb question." "You should embrace your mistakes and learn from them." These are all things that many of us tell our students. But do we believe it? More importantly, do we follow this advice in our own teaching? What I hope to do in this talk is explore the role of mistakes in teaching with the audience. In hopes of getting the conversation rolling, I will offer a few examples of mistakes, including several I have made. some of which have led to some drastic changes in my teaching.
ID:
434
Year: 2015
Name: Christian Roettger
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Rashomon sculptures - reconstructing 3D shapes from inexact measurements
Abstract: The art installation 'Rashomon' was displayed on the Iowa State University campus during summer 2015. It consists of 15 identical, abstract sculptures. Artist Chuck Ginnever posed the challenge whether it is possible to display the sculptures so that no two of them are in the same position (modulo translation/rotation). We investigated the related question of reconstructing such a sculpture from (ordinary tape-measure) inexact measurements. Mathematics involved are the Cayley-Menger determinant, and the gradient method / Steepest Descent. We'll explain the mathematics with some simple examples and then show the results of our reconstruction. We will only assume elementary linear algebra (matrix - vector multiplication, determinants).
Year: 2015
Name: Christian Roettger
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Rashomon sculptures - reconstructing 3D shapes from inexact measurements
Abstract: The art installation 'Rashomon' was displayed on the Iowa State University campus during summer 2015. It consists of 15 identical, abstract sculptures. Artist Chuck Ginnever posed the challenge whether it is possible to display the sculptures so that no two of them are in the same position (modulo translation/rotation). We investigated the related question of reconstructing such a sculpture from (ordinary tape-measure) inexact measurements. Mathematics involved are the Cayley-Menger determinant, and the gradient method / Steepest Descent. We'll explain the mathematics with some simple examples and then show the results of our reconstruction. We will only assume elementary linear algebra (matrix - vector multiplication, determinants).
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.