MAA Panels, Posters, and Other Sessions
MAA Panel: How do we use assessment? What do we learn from it and how does it help us make related changes?, organized by Beste Gucler, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and Gulden Karakok, University of Northern Colorado; Wednesday, 8:00–9:20 am. The purpose of this panel is to inform the audience about recent research-based efforts on the development and use of assessments in undergraduate mathematics. The intended audience is mathematics and mathematics education faculty members. The session will focus on assessment of learning, teaching, and programs through the expertise of four panelists. Each panelist will present for 15 minutes; the remaining 20 minutes will consist of discussions between the panelists and audience. Dr. Marilyn Carlson will focus on the analysis of calculus final exams including what is known about the foundational ideas in precalculus needed for understanding key ideas of calculus. Dr. Pablo Mejia-Ramos will talk about the development and validation of reliable assessments for undergraduate students’ comprehension of mathematical proofs that they read. Dr. Sandra Laursen will focus on methods for characterizing teaching in undergraduate mathematics classrooms based on recent research and program evaluation studies. She will discuss how the goals of such characterizations depend on the study goals. Dr. William Martin will talk about his experience on assessment in mathematics departments; development and implementation of assessment systems for units with programs in education. Panelists are Marilyn Carlson, Arizona State University, Pablo Mejia-Ramos, Rutgers University, Sandra Laursen, University of Colorado Boulder and William Martin, North Dakota State University.
MAA-SIAM-AMS Hrabowski-Gates-Tapia-McBay Session, organized by Ricardo Cortez, Tulane University; Wednesday, 9:00–10:20 am. The Hrabowski-Gates-Tapia-McBay Session is named after four influential scientists of color: (1) Freeman Hrabowski, President of the University of Maryland at Baltimore County; (2) James S. Gates, University of Maryland, College Park; (3) Richard Tapia, Rice University; and (4) Shirley McBay, President of Quality Education for Minorities (QEM). Through multiple mechanisms, these Sessions expect to facilitate and accelerate the participation of scientists in the building of sustainable communities of mathematicians and mathematical scientists. In particular, the intention is to systematically recruit, welcome, encourage, mentor, and support individuals from underrepresented groups in the USA. This year the session will consist of a lecture at 9:00 am given by Talithia Williams, Harvey Mudd College, Mathematics for the masses, and a short panel discussion after the talk at 9:50 am. The 2018 panel will focus on Access to Quality Mathematics by All. Panelists and attendees will discuss issues related to removing roadblocks in mathematics education (e.g. Tracking, placement, ‘weed out’ courses, etc) as well as hiring or award selection practices that tend to favor the majority groups that have influence. Panelists will also address the question: What are the roles and responsibilities do mathematicians and mathematics educators have in creating a just and accessible system? Panelists will include Ron Buckmire, National Science Foundation, James Alvarez, University of Texas at Arlington and Talithia Williams, Harvey Mudd College. This event is sponsored by the MAA Committee on Minority Participation in Mathematics, SIAM and the AMS.
MAA Panel: Mathematicians’ Work in Creating Open Education Resources for K–12, organized by William McCallum, University of Arizona, Wednesday, 9:35–10:55 am. Since the writing of the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics, mathematicians have played a central role in a number of projects dedicated to producing freely available curriculum for K–12 aligned to the standards, including Engage NY/Eureka Math, the Utah Middle School Math Project, and the Illustrative Mathematics middle school curriculum. Leads from each of these projects will address questions about the role of mathematicians in writing K–12 curriculum, such as: Do mathematicians bring a particular sensibility to this work that makes the end product distinctive? What is the nature of the collaboration between mathematicians and other experts, such as classroom teachers and mathematics education researchers? What general lessons can be drawn from mathematicians’ experience in this work that can inform future collaborations? What are the implications for teacher preparation classes? What are the constraints and affordances of working with open licenses? Panelists are Scott Baldridge, Louisiana State University, Hugo Rossi, University of Utah and Kristin Umland, Illustrative Mathematics.
MAA Panel: What Every Student Should Know about the JMM, organized by Violeta Vasilevska, Utah Valley University; Wednesday, 9:35–10:55 am. Navigating a large conference can be overwhelming, even for those who have previously attended such an event. Panelists Joyati Debnath, Winona State University; Michael Dorff, Brigham Young University; and Frank Morgan, Williams College, will provide guidance for students attending the Joint Mathematics Meetings, including answers to some common questions: How do I get the most out of the program? What sessions are especially for students? What other events should I be on the lookout for? Will I understand any of the invited addresses or should I not bother attending them? If I am presenting a poster, where do I go to set it up? How can I get some cool, free math stuff? Students and their faculty mentors are encouraged to attend. Panelists are: Joyati Debnath, Winona State University, Michael Dorff, Brigham Young University and Frank Morgan, Williams College. This panel is sponsored by the MAA Committee for Undergraduate Student Activities and Chapters (CUSAC).
MAA Panel: Ethics, Morality and Politics in the Quantitative Literacy Classroom, organized by Ethan Bolker, University of Massachusetts Boston, and Maura Mast, Fordham University; Wednesday, 2:15–3:35 pm. If you mine the daily news for examples to use in your Quantitative Literacy class you will soon need answers to pedagogical questions like these that rarely come up in Calculus or College Algebra:
- How do you navigate a discussion of topics that touch on politics without bringing in your personal views?
- When they do show (as they will), how do you prevent students from thinking that they should agree with you in order to get a good grade?
- How do you encourage reasoned answers when there are “facts”—alternative or otherwise—that students think they know?
- How do you avoid arbitrarily defined “balance” when controversies arise that numbers could resolve?
- How do you deal with anecdotal arguments based on personal experience that may not hold up to quantitative or statistical analysis, while still respecting students’ views, perspectives and opinions?
- How do you address questions like “What is a fair tax policy?” that come with an implicit moral dimension?
The panelists will talk about their successes (and failures) dealing with classroom moments that prompt these questions. Members of the audience may submit their own examples and classroom situations for the panelists to discuss. Moderator for this panel will be Ethan Bolker, University of Massachusetts Boston. Panelists are David Lavie Deville, Northern Arizona University, Kira Hamman, Pennsylvania State Mont Alto, Gizem Karaali, Pomona College, David Kung, St. Mary’s College of Maryland and Rob Root, Lafayette College. This panel is sponsored by SIGMAA QL
MAA Panel: NSF Funding Opportunities to Improve Learning and Teaching in the Mathematical Sciences, organized by Ron Buckmire, Sandra Richardson, and Lee Zia, Division of Undergraduate Education, NSF, Karen Keene, NSF, Karen King, Division of Research on Learning, NSF, Tara Smith, Division of Graduate Education, NSF, and Swatee Naik, Division of Mathematical Sciences, NSF. Wednesday, 2:15– 4:00 pm. A number of NSF divisions offer a variety of grant programs that support innovations in learning and teaching in the mathematical sciences. These programs will be discussed along with examples of successful projects. Anticipated budget highlights and other new initiatives for the next fiscal year, as appropriate, will also be presented. Panelists are Ron Buckmire, Sandra Richardson, and Lee Zia, Division of Undergraduate Education, NSF, Karen King, Division of Research on Learning, NSF, Tara Smith, Division of Graduate Education, NSF, and Swatee Naik, Division of Mathematical Sciences, NSF.
MAA Panel: A Mathematician Teaches Statistics: The Road Less Traveled, organized by Stacey Hancock, Montana State University; Wednesday, 3:10– 5:10 pm. With the recent rapid growth in statistics programs and the large number of required statistics courses in other disciplines, many statistics instructors do not have a graduate degree in statistics. Especially at smaller institutions without separate statistics departments, trained mathematicians who may not have taken a data analysis course are commonly asked to teach applied statistics courses, either voluntarily or involuntarily. Our panel will host several members of the mathematics and statistics community from a variety of institutions that were trained in mathematics and transitioned to teaching statistics. Panelists will share their journey and experiences in successfully transitioning from teaching mathematics to statistics, including how teaching statistics differs from teaching mathematics and advice for other mathematicians that find themselves in the same situation. Panelists are Patti Frazer Lock, St. Lawrence College, Chris Oehrlein, Oklahoma City Community College, Sue Schou, Idaho State University and Charilaos Skiadas, Hanover College. This panel is sponsored by the SIGMAA on Statistics Education.
Town Hall Meeting: Current Questions and Opportunities in Undergraduate Education, Wednesday, 4:30–5:30 pm. The MAA Committee on the Mathematical Education of Teachers invites you to join us for informal discussions about changes in the national educational landscape. 2017 rocked the educational world and there are surely more changes to come as the current president continues to implement his vision. Bring your thoughts, ideas, and an open mind for a roundtable discussion. This session is sponsored by the MAA Committee on Faculty and Departments. This session is sponsored by the MAA Committee on the Mathematical Education of Teachers (COMET).
MAA Panel: Implicit Bias and Its Effects in Mathematics, organized by Semra Kilic-Bahi, Colby-Sawyer College, Maura Mast, Fordham College at Rose Hill, Naomi Cameron, Lewis & Clark College, Andrew Cahoon, Colby-Sawyer College and Charles Doering, University of Michigan; Wednesday, 4:15–5:35 pm. Implicit bias occurs when someone explicitly rejects stereotypes and prejudices, but unconsciously holds negative (mostly) associations. People are not hiding their prejudices, but rather, they just do not know they have these unconscious feelings or thoughts that affect their decision-making and behavior. Social scientists are identifying implicit biases as one of the most pervasive barriers to equal opportunities for minorities and women in today’s society. This panel discussion addresses how implicit bias might manifest and affect our classrooms, departments, and campuses in terms of academic and scholarly opportunities and evaluations. Panelists are Ron Buckmire, National Science Foundation, Jenna P. Carpenter, Campbell University, Lynn Garrioch, Colby-Sawyer College, Joanna Kania-Bartoszynska, National Science Foundation and Francis Edward Su, Harvey Mudd College. This panel is sponsored by the MAA Committee on the Participation of Women in Mathematics; Committee on the Minority Participation in Mathematics; Association for Women in Mathematics; National Association of Mathematicians; and the Joint Committee on the Participation of Women in Mathematics.
MAA Panel: Communicating Mathematics to a Wider Audience, organized by Joel Cohen, University of Maryland and Paul Zorn, St Olaf College; Thursday, 9:00–10:20 am. Panelists will address questions like the following: ow can we mathematicians better tell our stories? How can we speak to government decision-makers and the general public about the importance, applicability, and beauty of our subject? What can we learn from social scientists about principles of effective communication to broad audiences? Panelists to be announced. This panel is sponsored by the MAA Science Policy Committee.
MAA Session for Chairs: Bridging the Gap, organized by Catherine Murphy, Purdue University Northwest, Linda Braddy, Tarrant County College Northeast Campus and Daniel Maki, Indiana University Bloomington; Thursday, 9:00– 10:20 am. One of the major responsibilities of department chairs is serving as a communication link between faculty and dean/other academic administrators. In this time of significant change in higher education, this role is even more important. The four panelists are either current or recent chairs of mathematics departments who will share how they “bridge the gap,” that is advocate for faculty as well as provide faculty with the information needed to understand and address issues/mandates from administration. About a third of this session will be devoted to conversations among attendees and with panelists. Attendees are encouraged to share their questions, concerns and expertise. Panelists are Michael Dorff, Brigham Young University, Lewis Ludwig, Denison University, Alycia Marshall, Anne Arundel Community College and Karen Saxe, Macalester College.
MAA Poster Session: Mathematical Outreach Programs, organized by Betsy Yanik, Emporia State University; Friday, 10:00 am–12 noon. This poster session is designed to highlight special programs which have been developed to encourage students to maintain an interest in and commitment to succeeding in mathematics. These programs might include such activities as after school clubs, weekend activities, one day conferences, mentoring opportunities, summer camps, etc. This poster session encompasses a wide variety of outreach efforts for a variety of age groups. For example, programs might be designed to reach out to underrepresented groups. The projects supported by MAA Tensor and Summa grants will find this an ideal venue in which to share the progress of their funded projects. Another possible type of outreach might involve mathematical enrichment programs. Other examples might include innovative programs to motivate undergraduates to study mathematics. We encourage everyone involved with offering mathematical outreach activities to consider submitting an abstract to the session organizer, Betsy Yanik, eyanik@emporia.edu. This session is sponsored by the Committee on the Participation of Women.
Town Hall Meeting: Revising MAA Guidelines on the Work of Faculty and Departments: Supporting Student Success, organized by Tim Flowers, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Thursday, 10:35–11:55 am. The MAA Committee on Faculty and Departments (formerly called the Committee on the Status of the Profession) invites ideas and suggestions regarding ongoing updates and revisions to The Guidelines for Programs and Departments in Undergraduate Mathematical Sciences. These Guidelines are intended to be used by mathematical sciences programs in self-studies, planning, and assessment of their undergraduate programs, as well as by college and university administrators and external reviewers. In order to have the future online statements in the Guidelines be as complete and useful as possible, the committee is soliciting input from MAA members. In this session, panelists and committee members will take comments and questions from the audience regarding the statement on students. Specific topics will include guidelines related to the following: recruiting, retaining, and supporting a diverse student population; evaluating the placement process for introductory courses; providing academic, career advice to students in mathematical sciences, including job placement; sponsoring co-curricular organizations and competitions; and leading undergraduate research projects. Moderator for this panel will be Edward Aboufadel, Grand Valley State University. Panelists are Mary Beisiegel, Oregon State University, Suzanne Dorée, Augsburg College, Tyler Jarvis, Brigham Young University and Benedict Nmah, Morehouse College. This session is sponsored by the MAA Committee on Faculty and Departments.
MAA Panel: Effectively Chairing a Mathematical Sciences Department, organized by Kevin Charlwood, Washburn University, Robert Buck, Slippery Rock University and Joanna Ellis-Monaghan, Saint Michael’s College; Thursday, 1:00–2:20 pm. We plan to host an 80-minute panel with 5 panelists from a variety of institutions, with two panelists having administrative experience outside the department. The target audience is those faculty who expect to Chair their units someday, but all are welcome to attend. Some talking points, used at the 2015 AMS Chair’s workshop at the San Antonio JMM: 1. Why did you want to (or agree to) be Chair? 2. What are/were your goals as Chair: (A) Are there/were there new initiatives you/your colleagues wanted to see? (B) Problems needed fixing? (C) Existing programs to improve upon or grow? (D) Or, hoping to maintain status quo? 3. What is your main challenge/challenges in accomplishing these goals? Panelists are Curtis Bennett, Loyola Marymount University, Karrolyne Fogel, California Lutheran University, Matthew Koetz, Nazareth College, Sergio Loch, Grand View University and Joe Yanik, Emporia State University.
MAA Panel: Out in Mathematics: Professional Issues Facing LGBTQ Mathematicians, organized by David Crombecque, University of Southern California and Christopher Goff, University of the Pacific; Thurs- day, 1:00–2:20 pm. This panel, organized by SPECTRA, the Association of LGBTQ Mathematicians, will address issues of concern for LGBTQ mathematicians, professionals or students. Panelists will share their personal experiences as OUT LGBTQ mathematicians, addressing key questions for LGBTQ career mathematicians such as: Should I come out during the job interview? … on the CV? As a graduate student, should I be out to my advisor? If I am treated/evaluated differently at work because of my gender identity/sexual orientation, what is my recourse? How can I navigate changing my employment/academic records to reflect my gender identity? Our panelists will discuss these and many more questions relevant to the well-being and inclusion of current and future successful LGBTQ mathematicians. Moderator for this panel is Lily Khadjavi, Loyola Marymount University. Panelists are Shelly Bouchat, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Juliette Bruce, University of Wisconsin Madison, Ron Buckmire, National Science Foundation, Frank Farris, Santa Clara University and Emily Riehl, Johns Hopkins University.
MAA Poster Session: Projects Supported by the NSF Division of Undergraduate Education, organized by Jon Scott, Montgomery College; Friday, 2:00–4:00 pm. This session will feature principal investigators (PIs) presenting progress and outcomes from various NSF funded projects in the Division of Undergraduate Education. The poster session format will permit ample opportunity for attendees to engage in small group discussions with the PIs and to network with each other. Information about presenters and their projects will appear in the program.
Estimathon!, organized by Andy Niedermaier, Jane Street Capital; Thursday, 2:30–4:15 pm. They’re called Fermi problems…
- How heavy is the Eiffel Tower?
- How many prime numbers have distinct digits?
- How many calories would you be eating if you had “one of everything” at the Cheesecake Factory?
If you’re looking for a mindbending mixture of math and trivia, look no further! Jane Street Capital presents The Estimathon contest: teams will have 30 minutes to work on 13 problems, ranging from totally trivial to positively Putnamesque. Can your team beat the all-time best score? The top teams will receive prizes!
We will run 2 contests. Feel free to show up to either one!
(Please show up 15 minutes before the start time of the contest you want to join.)
Our target schedule is as follows:
2:30 pm Welcome, overview of rules and scoring.
2:45 pm Estimathon contest #1
3:30 pm Estimathon contest #2
AMS-MAA Joint Committee on TAs and Part-Time Instructors Panel: Teaching-Focused Faculty at Research Institutions, organized by Angela Kubena, University of Michigan, Jean Marie Linhart, Central Washington University, Tom Roby, University of Connecticut and Michael Weingart, Rutgers University; Thursday, 2:30–3:55 pm. It is increasingly common that a portion of the teaching at research universities is done by full-time teaching-focused faculty (TFF). These faculty are not asked to do research but instead are asked to take on an expanded role in helping the department carry out its teaching. This session will discuss issues around this development, from how such faculty may be supported to issues of evaluating faculty whose primary role is teaching and integrating them into a department culture that is focussed on research. Moderator for this panel will be Tom Roby, University of Connecticut. Panelists are Amy Cohen, Rutgers University, John Eggers, University of California San Diego, Ellen Golstein, Boston College, Robin Gottlieb, Harvard University, and Amit Savkar, University of Connecticut. This panel is sponsored by the AMS-MAA Joint Committee on TAs and Part-Time Instructors.
The Dolciani Award: Mathematicians in K–16 Education, organized by David Stone, Georgia Southern University, Will Abram, Hillsdale College, Ken Gross, University of Vermont, Bill Hawkins, University of the District of Columbia, Glenn Stevens, Boston University, Ann Watkins, California State University Northridge and Susan Wildstrom, Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda MD; Thursday, 2:35–3:55 pm. The MAA Mary P. Dolciani Award, funded by the Dolciani Halloran Foundation, recognizes a pure or applied mathematician who is making a distinguished contribution to the mathematical education of K-16 students in the United States or Canada. Established in 2012, it is one of the MAA’s major awards. Its recipients form an impressive list of mathematicians who are widely recognized as having contributed to mathematics education:
2017 Tatiana Shubin, San Jose State University
2015 Sybilla Beckmann, University of Georgia
2014 Alan Schoenfeld, University of California at Berkeley
2013 Hyman Bass, University of Michigan
2012 William G. McCallum, University of Arizona.
The panel features two recipients of the award and one other distinguished mathematician who has been involved in mathematics education. The panelists will address why they believe it is important that research mathematicians become involved in K-16 mathematics education, can provide examples of positive engagement and provide a road map for others who wish to follow their lead. They will highlight the key issues, the roadblocks and rewards in such endeavors.
In an address at a previous JMM, Hy Bass said, “There are three issues in which every mathematician should be engaged: research, applications and education.” This session is an opportunity to hear from mathematicians who have been leaders in all of these arenas.
The panel will conclude with an interactive Q&A session. Panelists are Jim Lewis, University of Nebraska, Alan Schoenfeld, University of California at Berkeley and Tatiana Shubin, San Jose State University. This panel is sponsored by the MAA Committee on the Mary P. Dolciani Award.
MAA Panel: What is a “Math Center” and What Can it do For Your Department?, organized by Christina Lee, Oxford College of Emory University and Jason Aubrey, University of Arizona; Thursday, 2:35–3:55 pm. Many mathematics departments around the country are dedicating significant resources and personnel to the work of supporting the students in our courses, encouraging them to continue to take mathematics courses, and recruiting them into the major. This support goes beyond what is typically offered by campus tutoring centers, as it often includes mentoring and academic/career advising. At some schools, these activities have been organized into dedicated units (sometimes called “Math Centers”), led by mathematics faculty, often with dedicated staff support and budget. There are many benefits of having such units, such as increased interest in mathematics and the recruitment and retention of minority students. Panelists are comprised of leaders of such units and will discuss the implementation and outcomes of having such a dedicated support system for mathematics students. Panelists are Jason Aubrey, University of Arizona, Christina Lee, Oxford College of Emory University, Rosalie Belanger-Rioux, Harvard University and Kaitlyn Gingras, Trinity College.
SIAM-MAA-AMS Panel on Multiple Paths to Mathematics Careers in Business, Industry and Government (BIG), organized by C. Allen Butler, Daniel H Wagner Associates, Rachel Levy, Harvey Mudd College, Douglas Mupasiri, University of Northern Iowa, Karen Saxe, American Mathematical Society, and Suzanne Weekes, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Thursday, 2:35-3:55 pm. The proportion of new mathematics doctoral recipients who are taking jobs in business, industry and government (BIG) is growing. Still, many mathematics PhD programs do not include preparation for non-academic career options as part of their standard curriculum. At this panel, you will have the opportunity to hear about multiple career paths to employment in BIG. Panelists will share (a) what they wish they had known and done as graduate students/postdocs, (b) what you can do at your career stage if you are interested in making connections with business, industry or government, and (c) what suggestions they have for math doctoral programs to increase preparedness of their students for work in BIG. The moderator for this panel will be Rachel Levy, Harvey Mudd College and SIAM. Panelists are Joe Callender, Ernst & Young, Skip Garibaldi, Center for Communications Research, La Jolla, Genetha Gray, Intel, Tasha Inniss, INFORMS, Former Deputy Division Director, NSF/HRD, Rolando Navarro, Jr., Options Clearing Corporation, and Bryan Williams, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command. Co-sponsors for this panel are AMS, MAA BIG SIGMAA, and SIAM Education Committee.
MAA Panel: Teaching Mathematics Content to Prospective Elementary Teachers: Strategies and Opportunities, organized by Lynn C. Hart, Georgia State University; Friday, 8:00–9:20 am. This panel will discuss issues that mathematics faculty may encounter when teaching content courses to prospective elementary teachers, suggesting strategies for teaching future elementary teachers mathematics in ways that will have a lasting positive impact on how they will teach to future generations. Specifically, the panel will discuss the following questions.
1. What are the considerations for writing cognitively demanding mathematical tasks and enacting them in ways that maintain the demand?
2. How can exploring children’s mathematical thinking support learning content by prospective elementary teachers?
3. What are mathematical habits of mind and why is it more important than ever for us to attend to them in content courses for prospective elementary teachers?
4. How does affect impact prospective elementary teachers learning in mathematics content courses?
5. How have institutions across 3 countries (US, Canada, Norway) developed curriculum approaches to address these challenges? Panelists are Christine Browning, Western Michigan University, Ziv Feldman, Boston University, Lynn C. Hart, Georgia State University, Jennnifer Holm, University of Alberta and Susan Oesterle, Douglas College.
MAA Panel: The New AP Calculus Curriculum -The First Round of Testing, organized by James Sellers, Pennsylvania State University; Friday, 9:35– 10:55 am. In May of 2017, students across the country took the new AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC exams, the first that reflected the updated AP Calculus courses. This session will provide details on how the AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC courses have changed both in terms of course content and student expectations, and how students performed on these new examinations. The panel will include representatives from College Board, the college professor in charge of scoring these exams (aka, the Chief Reader), and some of the authors of the AP Calculus Curriculum Framework. There will be time in the session for the panelists to answer questions from the audience. Panelists are Gail Burrill, Michigan State University, Stephen Davis, Davidson College, Ben Hedrick, College Board and James Sellers, Pennsylvania State University.
MAA Panel: Pathways Through High School Mathematics: Building Focus and Coherence, organized by Karen J. Graham, University of New Hampshire; Friday, 1:00–2:20 pm. In Fall 2016, the NCTM Board of Directors appointed a task force whose members represent various constituencies from the larger mathematics education community including K-12 and post-secondary education. The task force was charged with addressing the purpose of high school mathematics and defining a set of curricular pathways that lead to college, career, and citizen readiness. This panel presentation will focus on the recommendations of the task force and the potential implications for post-secondary mathematics education. Members of the task force will discuss aspects of the document scheduled for release at the NCTM Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington in April 2018 and engage the audience in a discussion of important themes and next steps. Panelists are Gail Burrill, Michigan State University, Yvonne Lai, University of Nebraska Lincoln, Matt Larson, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Francis Su, Harvey Mudd College and Dan Teague, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics.
AMS-MAA Joint Committee on TAs and Part-Time Instructors Panel: Panel on The Experiences of Foreign Graduate Students as GTAs, organized by John Boller, University of Chicago, Solomon Friedberg, Boston College and Edward Richmond, Oklahoma State University; Friday, 1:00–2:30 pm. Foreign graduate students make up a significant fraction of all math graduate students. When they serve as GTAs, these students must not only learn how to take on the role of teacher, but must do so in a system and culture that are unfamiliar to them. The goal of this session is to highlight the unique challenges that foreign graduate students encounter as GTAs so that the math community can better help them succeed. The panelists will draw from their own previous experiences as students living in the US for the first time as graduate students, and will offer their perspectives on what is most helpful in supporting similar students as they take on teaching responsibilities in the US. The moderator for this panel will be Solomon Friedberg, Boston College. Panelists will be composed of current graduate students and recent PhDs who lived in North America for the first time as graduate students. This panel is sponsored by the AMS-MAA Joint Committee on TAs and Part-Time Instructors
Town Hall Meeting: Creating Engaging, Meaningful Experiences for Teachers and Future Teachers, Friday, 1:00–2:00 pm. The MAA Committee on the Mathematical Education of Teachers (COMET) invites you to a networking event on creating experiences for pre-service and in-service math teachers. As we strive to actively engage teachers and pre-service teachers in meaningful and engaging mathematical activities, the sharing of ideas and what works across campuses is crucial. Please bring your thoughts, ideas, and your lunch for this roundtable discussion This session is sponsored by the MAA Committee on the Mathematical Education of Teachers (COMET).
NSF Town Hall Meeting with Joan Ferrini-Mundy, organized by Lee Zia and Jim Lewis, National Science Foundation, Friday, 1:00–2:00 pm. Joan Ferrini-Mundy is Chief Operating Officer for the National Science Foundation, having served previously at NSF as Assistant Director for Education and Human Resources since 2011 and before that at Michigan State University, where she was a University Distinguished Professor of Mathematics Education in the Departments of Mathematics and Teacher Education, and Associate Dean for Science and Mathematics Education in the College of Natural Science. This town hall meeting will provide a platform for Dr. Ferrini-Mundy to update the mathematics community on NSF issues and a forum for individuals in the community to ask questions of their own.
MAA Panel: Career Trajectories Involving Administrative Roles: What You May Want to Consider, organized by Ryan Zerr, University of North Dakota and Edward Aboufadel, Grand Valley State University; Friday, 2:35–3:55 pm. Because a move into administration can involve a major change in a mathematician’s career trajectory, and require a variety of skills that may differ from those which have led to prior success, this panel discussion will solicit the advice and perspectives of mathematicians with administrative experience. What was their path to an administrative position? What are their responsibilities, and which new skills or abilities are required for success? Has their mathematical training helped them in their administrative roles? What impact has the move had on their teaching or research agendas? What can be expected upon a return to the non-administrative ranks? Topics such as these will be explored by the panelists. Panelists are Martha Abell, Georgia Southern University, Edward Aboufadel, Grand Valley State University, Jenna Carpenter, Campbell University, Rick Gillman, Valparaiso University and Jennifer Quinn, University of Washington Tacoma. This panel is sponsored by MAA Project NExT.
MAA Student Poster Session, organized by Chasen Smith, Georgia Southern University, and Eric Ruggieri, College of the Holy Cross; Friday, 4:30– 6:00 pm. This session features research done by undergraduate students. First-year graduate students are eligible to present if their research was completed while they were still undergraduates. Research by high school students can be accepted if the research was conducted under the supervision of a faculty member at a post-secondary institution.
Appropriate content for a poster includes, but is not limited to, a new result, a new proof of a known result, a new mathematical model, an innovative solution to a Putnam problem, or a method of solution to an applied problem. Purely expository material is not appropriate for this session.
Participants should submit an abstract describing their research in 250 words or less by midnight, Friday, October 6, 2017. Notification of acceptance or rejection will be sent by November 3, 2017. See www.maa.org/programs/students/undergraduate-research/jmm-student-poster-session for further information on what should be included in the abstract and a link to the abstract submission form.
Posters will be judged during the session, and certificates will be mailed to presenters afterwards. Trifold, self-standing 48” by 36” tabletop poster boards will be provided. Additional materials and equipment are the responsibility of the presenters. Participants must set up posters between 2:30 and 3:30 pm and must be available at their posters from 3:30 to 6:00 pm Judging will begin at 3:30 pm, and general viewing will begin at 4:30 pm Judges’ feedback will be available at the MAA Pavilion in the Exhibit Hall on Saturday. Questions regarding this session should be directed to Eric Ruggieri eruggier@holycross.edu and Chasen Smith csmith@georgiasouthern.edu. This session is sponsored by the MAA Committee on Undergraduate Student Activities and Chapters (CUSAC).
MAA Panel: the Evolving Career Outlook in Risk Management, organized by Kevin Charlwood, Washburn University, Michelle Guan, Indiana University Northwest, Steve Paris, Florida State University, Barry Smith, Lebanon Valley College, Sue Staples, Texas Christian University and Rick Gorvett, Casualty Actuary Society (CASACT); Friday, 5:00–7:00 pm. In recent years, many businesses have been hiring actuaries for data mining, predictive analytics, and many risk management tasks beyond the traditional financial or insurance based actuarial careers. Our panelists from the actuarial industry will examine possible directions where the actuarial profession may be headed and provide examples of new career options for actuarial students. For instance, opportunities in managing risk from cyber theft, from climate change, and from automated processes such as self-driving cars, may be discussed. As those in the audience are largely from academia, panelists from actuarial programs will then discuss how actuarial science programs at post-secondary institutions should respond in educating students to take positions in the future career climate. Representatives from the Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuary Society will also be present to discuss changes to the curriculum and associated professional exams. Panelists are Paul Bailey, Willis Towers Watson, Raya Feldman, University of California Santa Barbara, Zoe Rico, Aon and Barry Smith, Lebanon Valley College. This panel is sponsored by the MAA Committee on Actuarial Science Education.
Mathematically Bent Theater, featuring Colin Adams and the Mobiusbandaid Players; Friday, 6:00– 7:00 pm. What does it mean when someone says to you, “You are such an asymptote?” Is the plural of squadron squadra? After Alice Silverberg’s plenary talk at the Atlanta Joint Meetings, did you inadvertently walk off with my complimentary meeting bag containing my gummy bears and my entire worked out schedule for the meeting? These are just a few of the questions we will not answer in this theatrical presentation of several short mathematically inclined humorous pieces. The only prerequisite is a willingness to throw money rather than tomatoes.
Backgammon! organized by Arthur Benjamin, Harvey Mudd College; Friday, 8:00–10:00 pm. Learn to play backgammon from expert players. It’s a fun and exciting game where players with a good mathematics background have a decisive advantage. Boards and free lessons will be provided by members of the US Backgammon Federation. Stop by anytime!
MAA Panel: Student Perspectives and Feedback on REUs, organized by Gareth E. Roberts, College of the Holy Cross, Thomas P. Wakefield, Youngstown State University; and Aklilu Zeleke, Michigan State University; Saturday, 9:00–10:20 am. REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) programs provide an important opportunity for undergraduates to gain valuable experience conducting mathematical research. This panel will explore REUs from the student’s viewpoint. Recent attendees of summer research programs in mathematics will share their experiences, offer feedback, and provide insight into these programs. Students will discuss the benefits of participating in a summer research program, the impact it had on their academics and career planning, the challenges that arose, particular aspects of their programs that worked well, and places for improvement. This panel discussion is pertinent to both students interested in participating in an REU as well as faculty who have worked in or led such programs. Panelists are Katherine Tam Arneson, St. Olaf College; Colin Defant, University of Florida; Alexandra Embry, Indiana University Bloomington; Sumun Iyer, Williams College; Kathryn Leonard, California State University Channel Islands (moderator); Vincent Villalobos, University of Texas at Tyler; and Emily Winn, Brown University. Sponsored by the MAA Subcommittee on Research by Undergraduates.
MAA Lecture: Interactive Lecture for Students and Teachers: Mathematics to the Rescue: How to Fold a Tie, organized by Elgin Johnston, Iowa State University; Saturday,10:00 –10:50 am Presenter, James Tanton, MAA Mathematician at Large, welcomes students of all ages, and teachers, parents, mathematicians, and math enthusiasts of all ages. James Tanton explains: I have a personal problem. I travel a great deal and often have to pack a tie in my suitcase. I can’t lay the tie out flat in the case, nor can I fold the tie in half and lay out the folded tie, as the case is too short. Folding the tie into quarters leaves a crease mark later visible on my chest. Ideally, I should fold my tie into perfect thirds. How does one do that? Actually, years of careful data gathering shows that I tend to wear my ties with twenty-seven sixty-fourths of their length showing at front. Can I fold my tie at that positon?Fortunately, brilliant mathematics can solve my personal tie folding problem. Let me show you how! (And can this mathematics solve other problems in my life too?) Sponsored by the MAA Council on Outreach.
MAA Panel: Tips and Tricks to Securing Funding for Undergraduate Research, organized by James P. Solazzo, Coastal Carolina University and Pamela E. Harris, Williams College; Saturday, 10:35–11:55 am. Undergraduate research in mathematics has gained immense popularity and support from math faculty and administrators across institutions in the last decade. This growth stems from the many benefits of undergraduate research, such as successful transitions into graduate programs and job preparation for non-academic careers in industry and government. Faculty in this panel share their experiences, offer feedback, and provide insight into the grant writing process needed to secure funding for undergraduate research. Funding opportunities as well as strategies for submitting competitive grant proposals will be discussed. This panel is pertinent to all faculty interested in learning about finding and obtaining funding for undergraduate research. Panelists include faculty members who have received grants to support undergraduate research and includes faculty who have run successful undergraduate research programs. Panelists are Michael Dorff, Brigham Young University, Tamas Forgacs, California State University Fresno, Rebecca Garcia, Sam Houston State University, Leslie Hogben, Iowa State University and Cindy Wyels, California State University Channel Islands. This panel is sponsored by the MAA Subcommittee on Research by Undergraduates.
MAA Panel: The Impact of Software on Learning in Upper Division Mathematics Courses, organized by Brittany Bannish, Liz Lane-Harvard and Sean Laverty, University of Central Oklahoma; Saturday, 1:00–2:20 pm. Computer labs are used to enhance a variety of college mathematics courses, but effectively implementing computer activities can be difficult. This panel session will focus on using mathematical software to facilitate teaching and learning in upper division mathematics courses. In particular, the session will focus on the incorporation of computer labs in Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, and Numerical Methods. Panelists will address available software options, how to successfully manage a wide range of student programming backgrounds, how to implement a lab for credit (or not for credit), whether students are allowed to work in groups, and lab write-up requirements. Panelists may also share difficulties encountered while implementing and assessing computer activities, and provide suggestions for avoiding these issues in the future. Audience members should come away from the panel with concrete ideas for successfully including computer activities in upper division math courses. Panelists are Robert Buchanan, Millersville University, Sean Laverty, University of Central Oklahoma, Steven Leon, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Frank Lynch, Eastern Washington University and Ann Stewart, Hood College.
Math Circle Demonstration, organized by Alessandra Pantano, University of California Irvine and Amanda Serenevy, Riverbend Community Math Center; Saturday morning. A math circle is an enrichment experience that brings mathematics professionals in direct contact with pre-college students and/or their teachers. Circles foster passion and excitement for deep mathematics. This demonstration session offers the opportunity for conference attendees to observe and then discuss a math circle experience designed for local students. While students are engaged in a mathematical investigation, mathematicians will have a discussion focused on appreciating and better understanding the organic and creative process of learning that circles offer, and on the logistics and dynamics of running an effective circle. The sponsor for this demonstration is SIGMAA MCST.
Math Wrangle, organized by Ed Keppelmann, University of Nevada Reno and Phil Yasskin, Texas A&M University, Saturday afternoon. The Math Wrangle will pit teams of students against each other, the clock, and a slate of great math problems. The format of a Math Wrangle is designed to engage students in mathematical problem solving, promote effective teamwork, provide a venue for oral presentations, and develop critical listening skills. A Math Wrangle incorporates elements of team sports and debate, with a dose of strategy tossed in for good measure. The intention of the Math Wrangle demonstration at the Joint Math Meetings is to show how teachers, schools, circles, and clubs can get students started in this exciting combination of mathematical problem solving with careful argumentation via public speaking, strategy and rebuttal. Sponsors for this event is SIGMAA for Math Circles for Students and Teachers (SIGMAA-MCST).