Abstracts of Invited Talks
Abstract: We use video animations to explain how Hamiltonian paths, spanning trees, cosets in groups, and factor groups can be used to create computer generated symmetry patterns in hyperbolic and Euclidean planes. These methods were used to create the image for the 2003 Mathematics Awareness Month poster.
Biography: Joseph Gallian currently serves as President of the Mathematical Association of America. He earned his B.A. at Slippery Rock in 1966, M.A. at Kansas in 1968 and his Ph.D. at Notre Dame in 1971. He has been Professor of Mathematics at the University of Minnesota Duluth since 1972. In 2002, Gallian earned the Council on Undergraduate Research Fellow award for his excellence in conducting research with undergraduates. Among other high honors, he was an MAA Polya Lecturer (1999-2001). He also won the Haimo award of the MAA for distinguished teaching and the MAA's Allendoerfer and Evans awards for exposition.
Gallian's many publications include the books Contemporary Abstract Algebra, 5th ed., Houghton Mifflin, 2002; For All Practical Purposes, W.H. Freeman, (coauthor), 3rd ed., 1994, 4th ed., 1997, 5th ed., 2000, 6th ed., 2003; and Principles and Practices of Mathematics, Springer-Verlag, (coauthor), 1997.
Abstract: There is a long history on the study of zeros of random polynomial whose coefficients are independent and identically distributed random variables. We will present an overview and some fascinating new developments.
Biography: Professor Wenbo Li received his doctoral degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and joined the faculty of the University of Delaware in 1992. He is an elected Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics for his distinguished research. Currently he serves as associate editors for Annals of Probability, Journal of Theoretical Probability, and Journal of Applied Mathematics and Stochastic Analysis.
Abstract: The National Science Foundation offers a number of grant programs designed to involve mathematicians in the work of K-12, undergraduate, and graduate research and development in education and workforce improvement. I will give an overview of the programs in NSF's Directorate of Education and Human Resources Division of Research on Learning (DRL) and Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE) and provide examples of projects that involve mathematicians in key roles. Additionally, I will discuss the proposal review process and take questions about funding opportunities at the NSF.
Biography: Karen Marrongelle has a B.S. in mathematics and philosophy from Albright College, an M.S. in mathematics from Lehigh University, and a Ph.D. in mathematics education from the University of New Hampshire.
Currently, Karen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Portland State University and a Program Director in the Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings at the National Science Foundation. Her research interests are in the learning and teaching of undergraduate mathematics and mathematics teacher education and professional development.
Karen was Project NExT fellow in 2002-2003 is is the current coordinator of the SIGMAA on RUME. Prior to her position at the National Science Foundation, she was co-PI on two NSF-funded large scale grants.
Abstract:
Why is it so hard to lose weight?
As anyone who has tried to change their weight knows, it is a very difficult process involving will power, discipline and constant attention to detail. the question is, why is it so difficult to change your weight? In this talk, I will examine the role of weight loss (and gain) through a series of differential equation models based on the first law of thermodynamics. These models will go evolve through the history of my own understanding of the problem and resulting additions of clinical studies. The final model will incorporate the latest research on many surprising adaptations of the human body to weight change. The goal of the model is to
- Predict weight changes based on dietary intake and physical activity.
- Incorporate possible discrepancies to theoretical weight loss seen in clinical observations, such as metabolic adaptation and increased adaptive thermogenesis (fidget factor).
Biography: Diana Thomas received her undergraduate degree in mathematics at the University of Montana and her PhD in mathematics from Georgia Tech. She has worked for the Army Research Labs and as an instructor at West Point before starting her current position at Montclair State University. Her mathematical areas of interest are dynamical systems, discrete mathematics and mathematical biology. She is currently the organizer for the MAA Undergraduate Research Poster Competition, an editor for the International Journal of Difference Equations, a CUR councillor and the mother of three children. The three children reduce her leisure time, but when it exists she loves to play guitar, run and swim.