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Twentieth Annual Texas Undergraduate Mathematics Conference

October 17-18, 2025
St. Mary's University

Nineteen times in the past, undergraduate students have gathered in Huntsville, Tyler, San Antonio, Beaumont, Austin, Nacogdoches and "the cloud" to talk about math, play games, and network with students and faculty from around the state of Texas. This year, we will return to San Antonio for the 20th anniversary of the TUMC!



Arriving and Parking


Friday evening's events will be in the Blank Sheppard Innovation Center, which is #20 on the map. Conference participants can park anywhere on campus; we recommend parking at Lot D or V on Friday.

Most of Saturday's events will be in the Albert B. Alkek Business Building (Alkek), which is #31 on the map. Plenary talks will take place in the University Center (UC), which is #23 on the map, and lunch will be in the cafeteria in the UC.

Conference participants can park anywhere on campus; for Saturday’s events, we recommend Lots D or T. The campus does have some small hills, so conference participants with mobility issues may want to consider parking in Lot J, which is the closest parking lot to the UC and Alkek.

For wireless internet access, you can use eduroam or connect to the open guest wifi, StMU-Guest.




Invited Speakers

Our invited speakers are Dr. Brian Miceli from Trinity University and Dr. Kate Meyer from Carleton College.


Dr. Brian K. Miceli is a Professor of Mathematics at Trinity University in San Antonio, TX. He earned a BS in mathematics from Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, and both an MS in applied mathematics and a PhD in mathematics from UC San Diego. Since arriving at Trinity in 2006, he has taught over 20 unique courses, covering mathematical topics from calculus to modern algebra, while also teaching first-year writing and discussion in courses titled Arts & Ideas, Science Fiction, and (currently) A Successful Life. His main area of research is enumerative methods in combinatorics, and he has also published papers on sports rankings and prediction methods. As an undergraduate he published multiple mathematics papers related to the California Condor Restoration Project, and as a faculty member he has published multiple articles with undergraduate co-authors and advised more than twenty-five senior projects. Most recently he has become interested in the interplay between math education and proof-based, upper-division mathematics courses.

Dr. Kate Meyer is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Carleton College. After completing a BA in Biology at Carleton and pivoting to mathematics through a year of post-baccalaureate study at Smith College, she earned a PhD in mathematics from the University of Minnesota. She works in the fields of dynamical systems and mathematical ecology, developing methods for modeling disturbance and resilience in systems, especially ecosystems. Her published work has appeared in journals such as the SIAM Journal on Applied Dynamical Systems, Nature Sustainability, The American Naturalist, and the Bulletin of Mathematical Biology. As an educator, Kate teaches courses ranging from Real Analysis to a first-year seminar on climate modeling. She co-directs the Mathematics and Climate Research Network and is currently collaborating on an edited collection of climate applications problems for undergraduate mathematics courses, to appear in the AMS/MAA Classroom Resource Materials Series.


Schedule


Friday, October 17, 2025

Time Event Location
5:00 - 7:00 pm Registration and Welcome Blank Sheppard Innovation Center - Foyer
6:00 - 8:00 pm Pizza and Games Blank Sheppard Innovation Center - Foyer

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Time Event Location
8:00 - 9:00 am Registration Alkek Business Building - Foyer
9:00 - 9:55 am Contributed Presentations Alkek Business Building - Rooms 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 108
10:10 - 10:20 am Welcome University Center - 2nd Floor - Mengler Conference Room
10:20 - 11:20 am Plenary
Kate Meyer
Carleton College
University Center - 2nd Floor - Mengler Conference Room
11:20 am - 12:30 pm Lunch and Grad School Fair University Center - Diamondback Cafe
12:30 - 1:00 pm Panel Discussions Alkek Business Building - Rooms 101, 102, 103, and 108
1:05 - 1:35 pm Panel Discussions Alkek Business Building - Rooms 101, 102, 103, and 108
1:40 - 2:55 pm Contributed Presentations Alkek Business Building - Rooms 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 108
3:10 - 4:10 pm Plenary
Brian Miceli
Trinity University
University Center - 2nd Floor - Mengler Conference Room
4:10 - 4:15 pm Closing Remarks University Center - 2nd Floor - Mengler Conference Room

Schedule of Talks and Panel Discussions


  • University Center - 2nd Floor - Mengler Conference Room
  • (10:20-11:30am)

    Dr. Kate Meyer, Carleton College

    Flow, kick, and words that stick: a non-smooth path to modeling environmental disturbances

    Abstract: Many systems experience periods of roughly continuous change punctuated by rapid disturbances. For example, fires transform plant communities, intravenous delivery spikes drug blood concentrations, and hurricanes batter coral reefs. Flow-kick models were developed to study the interplay between recovery dynamics and recurrent disturbances. They alternate between continuous flow phases governed by an ordinary differential equation and instantaneous "kicks." I will give an overview of the mathematical framework, share insights from flow-kick models in the context of Earth systems, and describe some current research directions. I will also share some kicks of inspiration from mentors and friends that have nudged me along my mathematical journey.

  • (3:10-4:10pm)

    Dr. Brian K. Miceli, Trinity University

    The Combinatorics of Triangular Sequences

    Abstract: Pascal's triangle, which dates back to long before the time of Pascal, is a well-studied object in modern combinatorics. We will talk a little about the sequence that generates Pascal's triangle, and then talk about the combinatorics of a quasi-related, but much newer, triangular sequence. We will end with some possible generalizations of this sequence and an open question.


Each panel session will run twice – once from 12:30-1:00pm and then from 1:05-1:35pm, so that participants can attend multiple panels.

  • Alkek 101
  • Summer Research & Internship Opportunities
    • Samuel Ivy, Prairie View A&M University
    • Iván Ojeda Ruiz, Lamar University
    • Josef Sifuentes, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
    • Abdeali Diwan, University of North Texas
  • Alkek 102
  • Graduate School: Master's Programs
    • William Blair, University of Texas Tyler
    • Colin Lawson, Stephen F. Austin State University
    • Ethan Hacker, Stephen F. Austin State University
    • Muhammad Umar Amin, Lamar University
  • Alkek 103
  • Graduate School: Doctoral Programs
    • Lea Banesh, University of North Texas
    • Brandt Kronholm, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
    • Jena Gregory, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
  • Alkek 108
  • Careers in Industry
    • Francisco Garcia, Baylor College of Medicine
    • Maroun Harb, USAA
    • Keily Hart, Yoakum National Bank

abstracts for contributed talks (both sessions)

  • Alkek 101
  • (9:00-9:15am)
    Alejandro Lopez, Rice University
    Illuminating Finite Cities

  • (9:20-9:35am)
    Asher Grizzaffi, University of Texas at Dallas
    Constructing and Exploring the Hypernatural Numbers
  • (9:40-9:55am)
    Tyler Trujillo, University of Texas at Arlington
    Inside Free Resolution: Exploring the Limits of Polynomial Factorizations

  • Alkek 102
  • (9:00-9:15am)
    Tanner Klein, Southwestern University
    A Different Type of Circuit: Exploring Graph Theory in Mario Kart World
  • (9:20-9:35am)
    D. Blake Hopkins, University of Texas at Tyler
    On the Gonalities of Kneser Graphs
  • (9:40-9:55am)
    Avery Weatherly, Southwestern University
    Pip Pip Hooray! A mathematical exploration of Pips, a New York Times Game

  • Alkek 103
  • (9:00-9:15am)
    Dhruv Ajmera, University of Texas at Austin
    An \(O(n)\) Space Construction of Superpermutations
  • (9:20-9:35am)
    Natalie Huang, University of the Incarnate Word
    From Data to Prevention: Predicting Bone Fractures in Diabetic Men Over 60
  • (9:40-9:55am)
    Adedeji Kuforiji, Prairie View A&M University
    Leveraging Machine Learning and the All of Us Research Program to Predict the Occurrence of Uterine Cancer

  • Alkek 104
  • (9:00-9:15am)
    Joseph Medina, Texas A&M University - San Antonio
    Weighted Voting and the U.N. Security Council
  • (9:20-9:35am)
    Nicholas Galus and William Paipa, St. Mary's University
    When Will It Thaw? Coupling surface energy balance and permafrost thaw
  • (9:40-9:55am)
    Rick van Iterson, Lamar University
    Fairy Chess and the Problem of Nonattacking Nightriders

  • Alkek 105
  • (9:00-9:15am)
    Olivia Aubone, University of Texas at San Antonio
    Infinitary Logic, Forcing, and the Omitting Types Theorem
  • (9:20-9:35am)
    Sam Ward and Andy Zhang, University of Texas at Austin
    Knots in Triangulated 3-Spheres
  • (9:40-9:55am)
    Joshua Hamilton, University of Texas at San Antonio
    Ultraproducts in Model Theory

  • Alkek 108
  • (9:00-9:15am)
    Jonathan Leung, University of North Texas
    Fractals and Function Equations: Revolving Sequence Representation of Lévy's Dragon Curve
  • (9:20-9:35am)
    Colten Snyder and Carly Waldal, LeTourneau University
    Coarse Geometry of lp Spaces
  • (9:40-9:55am)
    Hannah Hamrin, Dallas College
    Rocket fire


abstracts for contributed talks (both sessions)

  • Alkek 101
  • (1:40-1:55pm)
    Ren Watson, University of Texas at Austin
    Left and Right Quotient Sets in Non-Abelian Groups
  • (2:00-2:15pm)
    Nathan Collins, Sam Houston State University
    Formalizing Yablo's Paradox with Turing Machines
  • (2:20-2:35pm)
    Kacy Miller, Southwestern University
    Path-finding and Patterns in Free Flow
  • (2:40-2:55pm)
    Oleg Marenkov, University of Texas at Dallas
    Grazing bifurcation of spiking oscillations in resonate-and-fire neurons

  • Alkek 102
  • (1:40-1:55pm)
    Olivia Payne, Stephen F. Austin State University
    The Chromatic Symmetric Function of Plankton Graphs
  • (2:00-2:15pm)
    Sebastian Loder, Southwestern University
    Snakes and Snowmen: Exploring new classes of graphs within the Game of Cycles
  • (2:20-2:35pm)
    Tabitha Williams, Sam Houston State University
    Triangle-Free Modal Graph Theory
  • (2:40-2:55pm)
    Kristian Duddridge, Southwestern University
    What’s magical about hexagonal tiling?

  • Alkek 103
  • (1:40-1:55pm)
    Egor Makarenkov, Allen High School
    Design of basic lattice-spring systems with minimal fabrication cost and optimal multi-functional properties
  • (2:00-2:15pm)
    Sebastian Marcano, Lone Star College
    Simulating Particle Motion on Unstructured Mesh Using Inverse Isoparametric Mapping and Bilinear Interpolation
  • (2:20-2:35pm)
    Alessandra Martinez, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
    Mathematical Framework for Modeling Non-Genetic Heredity in Vesicle Systems
  • (2:40-2:55pm)
    Kierra Vigil, Sam Houston State University
    Bridge Cost Optimization

  • Alkek 104
  • (1:40-1:55pm)
    Carina Yleana Vlaun, St. Mary's University
    From Incarceration to Integration: A Community Based Systems Dynamics Model of Reentry Support at the Dayton Foodbank
  • (2:00-2:15pm)
    Schadrack Karekezi, St. Edwards University
    HafiCare: An AI-Driven Platform for Symptom Analysis and Healthcare Access in Underserved Communities
  • (2:20-2:35pm)
    Lev Rachinskiy, University of Texas at Dallas
    Estimation of survival probabilities based on missing data: A case study
  • (2:40-2:55pm)
    Mrinal Kanti Roychowdhury, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
    Constrained Quantization and Conditional Quantization for Probability Distributions

  • Alkek 105
  • (1:40-1:55pm)
    Wildaniel Cortes, Sam Houston State University
    Pattern-Based Distinctions of Twisted–Torus Knots
  • (2:00-2:15pm)
    Arseny Mingajev, Trinity University
    Ricci flow of homogeneous spaces with two equivalent isotropy summands
  • (2:20-2:35pm)
    Megan du Preez, University of Texas at Tyler
    Relationships between common slice obstructions and the Eisermann ribbon obstruction
  • (2:40-2:55pm)
    Mesut Altiyev, University of the Incarnate Word
    Exploring Differential Equations through Visualization and Simulation with Calculus Tools

  • Alkek 108
  • (1:40-1:55pm)
    Alexa Smith, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
    The Psychological Basis for the Benefits of Studying Mathematics
  • (2:00-2:15pm)
    Ryan Arif, University of Texas at Arlington
    Understanding Mathematics Identity and Belonging in an Undergraduate General Education Terminal Mathematics Course
  • (2:20-2:35pm)
    Anna Knickel, Trinity University
    Lessons from Developing and Implementing a Poster Project Presentation in a Business Math Course
  • (2:40-2:55pm)
    Dane Dune, Stephen F. Austin State University
    Swarm Behaviors and Optimization Methods


Registration and Hotels


Registration and Abstract Submission

The student registration fee is $10. Faculty registration is $50. Information about payment options is included in the registration form.

Students may submit an abstract for a 15-minute contributed talk. Priority for contributed talk slots will be given to students presenting original research. Based on the availability of contributed talk slots, abstracts for high-quality expository talks may be accepted as well. All students interested in math are welcome to register for and attend TUMC, regardless of whether they are presenting. There are also a limited number of 15-minute contributed talk slots available for presentations by faculty.

Deadlines:

  • Wednesday, September 24 - deadline for students to register to be eligible for free hotel accommodations
  • Wednesday, October 1 - deadline for abstract submission
  • Friday, October 10 - final registration deadline

We will have a graduate school fair on Saturday. Faculty who wish to sign up for a table at the grad school fair may do so when filling out their conference registration form. There is no fee for having a table at the grad school fair.

On Friday evening, the events include a pizza party and math games from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM. On Saturday, we will have two plenary talks, contributed students talks, the grad school fair, and panel discussions on topics relevant to undergraduate research in mathematics.

Hotel Information

Undergraduate students who register by September 24th will have the option for TUMC to make and pay for hotel accommodations for the night of October 17th at the Hampton Inn & Suites Market Square. Students will be grouped by institutions and a hotel list will be sent out about a week after registration closes.

Undergraduate students who register after September 24 but before October 10 will be responsible for arranging their own lodging.

Hampton Inn & Suites Market Square
411 South Flores Street, San Antonio, TX 78204, USA
(210) 212-7000
The conference will cover student parking; non-student parking is available for $10.
Faculty rooms may be available at market rates.

Fairfield Inn & Suites San Antonio Market Square
620 S. Santa Rosa Ave., San Antonio, TX 78204, USA
(210) 299-1000
Parking is free. If faculty are bringing students and staying at the Fairfield, we recommend planning to use the parking at this hotel
Faculty rooms are available for $114 plus taxes (make reservations here).