AMS Special Event: Activities in NSF's Division of Mathematical Sciences (NSF-DMS), Wednesday, 2:15-4:30 pm. Organized by Henry Warchall and Catherine Paolucci, National Science Foundation, Division of Mathematical Sciences. Come learn everything you always wanted to know about the National Science Foundation Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS), which provides more than 60% of the federal support for basic mathematics research in the United States. What happens after my proposal is submitted? How much funding does DMS distribute, anyway? How is it allocated? What is this Merit Review Process of which you speak? How do I get involved? What funding programs can I apply to? What funding opportunities are available for students and postdocs?
DMS invites JMM 2019 attendees to get to know more about the Division's ongoing activities. This two-hour special event offers participants informal opportunities to meet and interact with DMS program directors as well as panel discussions on a variety of NSF-supported funding opportunities. It also provides updates on DMS events, such as the NSF-sponsored "We Are Mathematics" video contest. Undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows are especially encouraged to attend.
AMS Committee on the Profession Panel Discussion: Permanent teaching faculty in research oriented departments, Wednesday, 4:30–6:00 pm. There is a traditional view of research departments in mathematics where all or almost all the permanent faculty are involved in both teaching and research. For various reasons, in particular financial pressures coming from increasing enrollments and decreasing support, this is not the case at many institutions. It is important for the mathematical community to acknowledge this fact and to see the implications for the profession. The purpose of this panel is to give different perspectives on this issue, both looking at what departments look like now and how we might hope that they should develop. Moderator for this panel is Greg Lawler, University of Chicago. Panelists are Emily Braley, Harvard University; Amy Cohen-Corwin, Rutgers University; Gavin LaRose. University of Michigan; Greg Lawler, University of Chicago; Bob Palais, Utah Valley University; and Michael Weingart, Rutgers University.
AMS Education and Diversity Department Panel: Bridge-to-PhD and Postbac Programs Working to Open Doors for Students from Underrepresented Groups, organized by Helen G. Grundman, American Mathematical Society; Thursday, 2:45–4:15 pm. Postbac and bridge-to-PhD programs in the mathematical sciences have been gaining popularity as a way to enable promising students who are not yet ready to enter a PhD program a pathway to successfully obtaining the degree. The panelists will describe four different currently-running one-semester to two-year bridge-to-PhD/postbac programs specifically designed to improve the diversity among Mathematics and Applied Mathematics PhDs. Although each of the programs offers students both advanced coursework and one-on-one mentoring in order to prepare them for success in graduate school, the programs differ in many other aspects. Discussion will include the strengths and weaknesses of each of these models, and any advice that the panelists or audience members have for mathematicians interested in starting new programs along these lines. Moderator for this panel is Helen G. Grundman, American Mathematical Society. Panelists are Ruth Haas, University of Hawai'i; Ryan Hynd, University of Pennsylvania; Trachette Jackson, University of Michigan; and Michael Young, Iowa State University.
AMS Committee on Education Guided Discussion, Evidence-based teaching: how do we all get there?, Thursday, 1:00–2:30 pm, organized by David Pengelley, Oregon State University, Dev Sinha, University of Oregon, and Ravi Vakil, Stanford University. Compelling reasons and resources are now in place to support shifting our pedagogy toward evidence-based active learning methods that substantially improve student success. These include the recent CBMS Statement on Active Learning, MAA Instructional Practices Guide, and MIT Electronic Mathematics Education Seminar. But implementation is not quick and easy. There are still plenty of obstacles, individual and institutional, along with opportunities. This event will foster small group discussion, and solicit ideas. Issues include graduate student and early career training; developing departmental experts who can lead and mentor; large enrollment courses; an inventory tool of teaching practices for observations and training; program evaluation and deeper, more authentic learning outcomes; programming for department chairs; redesigning the publishing of teaching materials, possibly through new economic models. Audience members should leave better prepared to implement active learning pedagogy themselves and advocate for it in their departments, connect with faculty elsewhere in doing so, and influence national efforts.
Grad School Fair, Friday, 8:30–10:30 am. Here is the opportunity for undergrads to meet representatives from mathematical sciences graduate programs from universities all over the country. January is a great time for juniors to learn more, and college seniors may still be able to refine their search; in fact, ask about extended deadlines if you find a school of interest. This is your chance for one-stop shopping in the graduate school market. At last year's meeting over 300 students met with representatives from more than 60 graduate programs. If your school has a graduate program and you are interested in participating, for US$125 a table will be provided for your posters and printed materials (registration for this event must be made by a person already registered for the JMM), and you are welcome to personally speak to interested students. Complimentary coffee will be served. See more details here. Co-sponsored by the AMS and MAA.
Current Events Bulletin, organized by David Eisenbud, Mathematical Sciences Research Institute; Friday, 1:00–5:00 pm. Speakers in this session follow the model of the Bourbaki Seminars in that mathematicians with strong expository skills speak on work not their own. Written versions of the talks will be distributed at the meeting and will also be available online at www.ams.org/ams/current-events-bulletin.html after the conclusion of the meeting.
AMS Committee on Science Policy Hosts A Conversation with Dr. Anne Kinney (Head of Mathematical & Physical Sciences at the National Science Foundation) and Dr. Karen Marrongelle (Assistant Director, Directorate for Education & Human Resources at the National Science Foundation); Speakers - Anne Kinney, Assistant Director, Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences, National Science Foundation and Karen Marrongelle, Assistant Director, Directorate for Education & Human Resources, National Science Foundation; facilitated by Karen Saxe, Associate Executive Director of the AMS Office of Government Relations; Friday, 2:30–4:00 pm. Join us in welcoming Dr. Anne Kinney and Dr. Karen Marrongelle, the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) new heads of the Directorates for Mathematical & Physical Sciences (MPS) and Education & Human Resources (EHR). Dr. Kinney is a PhD astrophysicist and came to NSF/MPS in January 2018. MPS supports fundamental research in astronomy, chemistry, physics, materials science and mathematics. Dr. Marrongelle holds a PhD in mathematics education and joined NSF/EHR in October 2018. EHR supports STEM education at all levels. AMS Director of Government Relations Karen Saxe will facilitate the conversation about Dr. Kinney’s vision for the Division of Mathematical Sciences, Dr. Marrongelle’s vision for mathematics work in EHR, and their joint views on how the mathematical sciences fit with larger programs at the NSF. Followed by audience Q&A.
AMS Congressional Fellowship Session; AMS Special Presentation on Congressional Fellowships; Speaker - James Ricci, AMS Congressional Fellow 2018-19; organized by Karen Saxe, Associate Executive Director of the AMS Office of Government Relations; Friday, 4:30– 6:30 pm. This fellowship provides a public policy learning experience, demonstrates the value of science-government interaction and brings a technical background and external perspective to the decision-making process in Congress. Learn more about this program and speak with current and former AMS Fellows. Application deadline for 2019-20 AMS Congressional Fellowship is February 15, 2019.
Who Wants to Be a Mathematician Championship, organized by Michael A. Breen, American Mathematical Society, and William T. Butterworth, DePaul University; Saturday, 1:00-2:45 pm. Show your support for top high school students from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. in this international Who Wants to Be a Mathematician as they compete for a US\$5,000 first prize for themselves and US\$5,000 for their school’s math department. Semifinals are at 1:00 pm and finals are at 2:00 pm. Come match wits with the contestants, support their mathematical achievement, and have tremendous fun at the same time.