Programs of Other Organizations
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
The AAAS-AMS Invited Address will be given by Philip Maini, University of Oxford, Are we there yet? Modelling collective cell motion in biology and medicine, Friday, at 11:10 am.
Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences (ACMS)
Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences (ACMS) Reception and Lecture, Thursday, 6:00–8:00 pm. The reception will take place between 6:00–7:00 pm, followed by a short program and 20-minute talk. Students are encouraged to attend.
Joint Policy Board for Mathematics (JPBM)
Lectures
JPBM Communications Award Lecture, Saturday, 10:05–10:55 am. Presented by Jordan S. Ellenberg, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Outward-facing mathematics
JPBM Communications Award Lecture, Thursday, 3:50–4:00 pm. Presented by Grant Sanderson, 3blue1brown, Raising the ceiling and lowering the floor of math exposition
JPBM Communications Award Lecture, Saturday, 1:00–1:50 pm. Presented by Talithia Williams, Harvey Mudd College, The power of talk: Engaging the public in mathematics
MAA Project NExT
Workshops
Workshops coordinated by Sybil Prince Nelson, Washington & Lee University, and Gabriel Martins, CSU Sacramento.
Navigating the Early Years of the Faculty Experience, Wednesday, 4:30–5:45 pm. With ever-changing and evolving teaching, research, and service responsibilities, the early years of tenure-track faculty can be a nontrivial and challenging experience. This special session will host a 75-minute panel of three established faculty members who have successfully navigated their early years. The panel will first introduce themselves, speak about their experiences, discuss a predetermined topic of interest to early career faculty, answer selected pre-polled questions from the MAA Project NExT community, and finally answer questions from the audience.
Potential topics of interest include:
- Progress report on your first years
- Conquering Imposter Syndrome
- Navigating student evaluations
- Work-life balance
- Dealing with Interdepartmental issues
Session Organizers: Darryl Chamberlain, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Sean Gasiorek, CalPoly SLO, and Bahar Acu, Pitzer College.
Fostering an Equitable Classroom Environment through Course Design, Thursday, 1:00–2:15 pm. A necessary, but not sufficient, condition to create an equitable classroom environment is careful course design. We often hear phrases like “working with the students you have” or “meeting students where they are”, but many times we don’t drill into the details of how we set up our courses to successfully meet these ideals. This session will explore some of the details of how we can design our courses to serve the needs of student bodies with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and abilities and achieve more equitable learning outcomes for all students. Session Organizers: Kristopher Hollingsworth, University of Delaware; Murong Xu, University of Scranton; and Hunter Lehmann, Georgia Institute of Technology.
Jumpstarting Undergraduate Research, Thursday, 3:00–4:15 pm. In addition to being a great way to broaden students’ understanding in their respective disciplines, undergraduate research experience is a powerful and exciting learning activity. Moreover, it provides students the opportunity to hone their problem-solving skills, gain greater confidence and independence, and have a better understanding of their academic journey and future plans. As a result, something this important deserves utmost attention. Early career faculty members may need some guidance to jumpstart their undergraduate research programs in order to create a solid plan and promote effective learning. In this light, this session’s speakers will talk about various topics including but not limited to creating good problems for students, helping students communicate their results, successful past projects, funding opportunities, etc. Session Organizers: Adam L. Schultze, St. Olaf College; Changningphaabi Namoijam, Colby College; and Md Istiaq Hossain, Pennsylvania State University. Session Speakers: Pamela E. Harris, University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee; Vinodh Kumar Chellamuthu, Utah Tech University; and Lara Pudwell, Valparaiso University.
Designing and Implementing Inquiry Based POGIL Activities for Introductory and Advanced Mathematics Courses, Friday, 1:00–2:15 pm. Overall, research is in favor of an active-learning approach to the teaching and learning of undergraduate mathematics. In this 75-minute workshop, we will introduce the active learning approach of Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL). In a POGIL-implemented classroom, students work through activities in groups specifically designed according to the POGIL learning framework of exploration, concept invention, and application. We will all engage in a discussion of challenges to consider regarding the implementation of active learning strategies such as time, student evaluations, inclusivity, and rigor. This workshop involves active participation. In order to create a comfortable atmosphere, we ask that participants provide consent to active participation and engagement. Panelists: Dr. Catherine Bénéteau, University of South Florida; Dr. Jill Guerra, Harvard University. Session Organizers: Nadun Mudiyanselage, Appalachian State University; Jessi Lajos, Colorado State University; and Antonio Martinez, CSU Long Beach.
Are Grades Failing Us? Redesigning Assessment for Student Success, Friday, 4:00–5:15 pm. Assessments and the grades that follow are often a necessary part of any mathematics course. Traditional methods of assessment and grading tend to narrowly measure student understanding while leaving the instructor with a large amount of work and students that view their final grade as the most, or even only, important part of a class. In this session, we will rethink both assessments and grading with the goal of finding alternative methods which are a pro-active part of our pedagogy, rather than a perceived barrier to student success. We will explore assessment design based on both learning outcomes and course format along with grading techniques including ungrading, mastery-based grading, and portfolio grading. Participants will reflect on how to make incremental adjustments to their current approach; we hope they take away at least one small change that will help grades work for both instructors and students. Session Organizers: Noah Hughes, Winston-Salem State University; Pushpi Paranamana, Saint Mary’s College; and Kenny Barrese, Brescia University.
Advancing your Career: Integrating Scholarship, Teaching, and Service, Saturday, 8:30–9:45 am. As academics, we strive to advance our careers and find our voices and places within the Math Community. Although there are different ways to achieve this goal, the three fixed pillars to any academic job are research, teaching, and service, with various levels of emphasis on each depending on the specific position. In this session, we bring together professional academics who will share their experience on how they advanced their careers. The session will combine short presentations and a panel discussion with speakers focusing on scholarship, teaching, and service, as well as their intersections. In particular, invited speakers will provide expertise on grant writing and funding opportunities, developing new teaching and research curricula and programs, and making the most out of professional society memberships. Each panelist will also speak about tools and techniques for maintaining the necessary balance among these three components. This is an interactive session in which participants are given time to ask questions and communicate with the panelists. Session Organizers: Olaniyi Iyiola, Clarkson University; Dania Sheaib, Florida Gulf Coast University; Jennifer Crodelle, Middlebury College; and Emmanuel Appiah, Prairie View A&M University.
Lecture
MAA Project NExT Lecture on Teaching and Learning, presented by Estrella Johnson, Virginia Tech, What the Research Says about Active Learning – and What it Doesn’t, Thursday, 11:10 am–12:00 pm. Organizers: Trish Hammer, Virginia Tech; Brian Katz, California State University, Long Beach; Dave Kung, Charles A. Dana Center, The University of Texas at Austin; Alicia Prieto Langarica, Youngstown State University; Stephanie Salomone, University of Portland
Reception
AMS Reception for Project NExT Cohorts, Friday, 8:00–10:00 pm. All Project NExT Fellows, consultants, and other friends of Project NExT are invited. Organizers: Trish Hammer, Virginia Tech; Brian Katz, California State University, Long Beach; Dave Kung, Charles A. Dana Center, The University of Texas at Austin; Alicia Prieto Langarica, Youngstown State University; and Stephanie Salomone, University of Portland.
Macmillan Learning
JMM Focus Groups
Macmillan Learning Focus Group- Teaching Precalculus with a Calculus Mindset, Thursday, 1:00–2:00 pm. Interested in supporting your precalculus students to set them up for success in calculus? Join Macmillan Learning for a focus group on our precalculus resources online in Achieve and in our new title “Preparation for Calculus.” We welcome your feedback! (Focus group open to instructors or precalculus or equivalent college algebra/trigonometry sequences.) Register Here
Macmillan Learning Focus Group- Building a Better OER Homework Companion in Calculus and Statistics, Thursday, 3:00–4:00 pm. Looking to keep costs low but still provide your students with learning and practice opportunities in online homework? Explore Achieve Essentials from Macmillan Learning and share your thoughts on what an OER-companion homework should look like. We want to build a better mousetrap, and that starts with your feedback! (Focus group is open to instructors of calculus or introductory-level statistics.) Register Here
Mathematicians of the African Diaspora (MAD)
Black Mathematicians Edit-A-Thon, organized by Edray Goins, Pomona College; Wednesday, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. The first African American to receive a doctorate in mathematics, Elbert Cox, did so in 1925; the first African American woman, Euphemia Haynes, in 1943. There are around 5000 Blacks who have earned a doctorate in the mathematical sciences. Until recently, there was no database of these individuals, their stories, or their work. This 5-hour session will provide space and training for students and faculty alike to (1) add biographies of Black mathematicians on Wikipedia, and (2) add biographies of Black mathematicians in the MAD Pages Database. Sign up for the event here.
National Security Agency (NSA)
National Security Agency Networking Event, Thursday, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, organized by Theresa Rahikka, NSA and co-organized by Diane Horn, NSA
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Sessions
NSF Session: How to Get Your DMS Proposal Declined, organized by Junping Wang, National Science Foundation, and Henry Warchall, Division of Mathematical Sciences, National Science Foundation; Thursday, 3:00 – 4:30 pm. NSF’s Division of Mathematical Sciences receives over 2500 research proposals each year. Anyone can give you advice on writing a good proposal – in this interactive game show, you'll learn some tips on how to do poorly!
NSF Education Programs in the Mathematical Sciences, organized by Mindy Capaldi, Division of Undergraduate Education, National Science Foundation, Michael Ferrara, Division of Undergraduate Education, National Science Foundation, John Haddock, National Science Foundation, Elise Lockwood, Division of Undergraduate Education, National Science Foundation, and Lee Zia, National Science Foundation; Friday, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm. A number of NSF divisions offer a variety of grant programs that promote innovations in learning and teaching and/or infrastructural support in the mathematical sciences. Following a short presentation about these programs, the remainder of the session will feature opportunities to engage in small group discussions with NSF staff about program features, current NSF policy changes, proposal preparation guidance, and other related topics.
Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
***CANCELLED***SACNAS Reception, Thursday, 12:00 – 1:00 pm. Please JOIN US at the SACNAS reception to celebrate diversity and learn about our inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM. Meet fellow mathematicians who have benefited from what SACNAS has to offer and learn about opportunities such as leadership development, undergraduate research, community engagement and participation in the National Diversity in STEM Conference.
Special Interest Groups of the MAA (SIGMAA)
SIGMAA on Environmental Mathematics (SIGMAA EM)
JMM Workshop on Math for Sustainability: Quantitative and Ethical Reasoning in General Education Mathematics, organized by Russ deForest, Pennsylvania State University; Wednesday, 1:00–3:00 pm. Would you rather learn the quadratic equation or would you rather save the world? For many students in non-technical majors, college algebra serves as a (sometimes dreaded) "terminal math course." Math for Sustainability is a capstone general education math course offered at Penn State that engages students in a quantitative approach to sustainability questions. Students are introduced to sophisticated mathematical ideas in a context requiring minimal mathematical background, build their skills in quantitative reasoning, and are empowered to engage with and create quantitative arguments addressing issues they are passionate about.
We view quantitative and ethical reasoning as part of a broader set of essential skills for citizens who are prepared to be engaged in sustainability questions and we develop mathematical topics in the course with this purpose in mind. This workshop will introduce participants to course content and engage participants in examples of active learning. We will discuss an integrated ethical framework and demonstrate its use fostering student-centered discussions of ethical issues that connect naturally with course topics. Participants will be provided with course materials that may be adapted for lessons in general education and lower-division mathematics courses, including a copy of our textbook, Mathematics for Sustainability, Springer (2018), example assignments and rubrics, syllabi, and an extensive collection of problems and in-class activities. Sponsored by SIGMAA on Environmental Mathematics.
Lightning Talks in Environmental Mathematics, organized by Russ deForest, Pennsylvania State University; Thursday, 6:00–7:00 pm. Students! Pitch your work in environmental mathematics in a 3 minute "elevator talk" during this lightning talk session hosted by SIGMAA EM. Participating students will give three-minute, one-slide talks highlighting their work in environmental mathematics. Prizes will be awarded based on multiple categories. This 60 minute session will preceed the SIGMAA EM Reception and Guest Speaker.
SIGMAA on Environmental Mathematics Guest Lecture and Reception, Thursday 7:00–8:30 pm.
SIGMAA on Math Circles (SIGMAA-MCST)
Lauren L. Rose, Bard College, Brandy S. Wiegers, Central Washington University, Gabriella A. Pinter, and Nick Rauh, Julia Robinson Math Festivals. See the AMS-SIGMAA Special Session on Math Circle Activities as a Gateway into Mathematics.
SIGMAA on Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching (SIGMAA-MKT)
Yvonne Lai, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Tyler Kloefkorn, American Mathematical Society, Dave Kung, Charles A. Dana Center, The University of Texas at Austin, and Blain Patterson, Virginia Military Institute. See the AMS-SIGMAA Special Session on Mathematics Standards, Equity, Policy, and Politics.
SIGMAA on the Philosophy of Mathematics
SIGMAA on the Philosophy of Mathematics Guest Lecture, organized by Bonnie Gold, Monmouth University, and Jeff Buechner, Rutgers University; Friday, 6:00–7:30 pm. Russell Marcus, Hamilton College, A Philosophical Account of Mathematics that Won’t Make You Hate Philosophers
Bonnie Gold, Monmouth University, and Kevin Iga, Pepperdine University. See the AMS-SIGMAA Special Session on Current Directions in the Philosophy of Mathematics.
SIGMAA on Mathematical and Computational Biology
Timothy D. Comar, Benedictine University, Hannah Callender Highlander, University of Portland, and Anne E. Yust, University of Pittsburgh. Wednesday morning and afternoon. See the AMS-SIGMAA Special Session on Undergraduate Research Activities in Mathematical and Computational Biology.
SIGMAA on Undergraduate Research
JMM Panel: Mentoring Undergraduate Research in Data-Driven Research Projects, organized by Vinodh Chellamuthu, Utah Tech University, and Allison Henrich, Seattle University, Wednesday, 1:00–2:30 pm. In recent years, data-driven undergraduate research projects and increasing collaboration with business, industry, and government (BIG) in undergraduate research have provided excellent opportunities for students and faculty mentors in terms of professional development and innovative undergraduate research opportunities. As this trend in these areas will grow and become more prominent in the undergraduate research community, it is necessary to address the unique challenges and benefits associated with mentoring students in BIG projects. In this session, panelists will address these challenges and benefits. For instance, how does research driven by BIG problems differ from traditional undergraduate research? How does working on BIG projects help students develop the skills necessary for the demanding job market? How do problems from industry lead to new and interesting mathematics? Panelists are Michael Dorff, Brigham Young University, Diana Thomas, United States Military Academy, Mark Ward, Purdue University, and Suzanne Weekes, SIAM. This panel is sponsored by the SIGMAA on Undergraduate Research.
JMM Panel: A DEI Perspective on Undergraduate Research, organized by Vinodh Chellamuthu, Utah Tech University, and Allison Henrich, Seattle University, Thursday, 1:00–2:30 pm. Panelists are Rebecca Garcia, Sam Houston State University, Edray Goins, Pomona College, and Pamela Harris, Williams College. As we continue to respond to the damaging effects of the pandemic and persistent inequities in our educational system, the need for the math community to create more inclusive, supportive environments for our student researchers feels more urgent than it ever has. While many faculty mentors are eager to adapt their mentoring practices to help their students thrive, they may be unsure of how to get started. A panel of successful undergraduate research mentors will share their insights around fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive research environment. They will also share concrete strategies that participants can incorporate into their own undergraduate research mentoring. This panel is sponsored by the SIGMAA on Undergraduate Research.
WeBWork Project
Workshop: Using WeBWorK, an Open Source Math Homework Platform, Thursday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm. This is a workshop for users and potential users of WeBWorK, an open-source online homework and assessment system with a focus on mathematics. It will have two 2-hour sessions aimed at new users of the system and one 2-hour session on advanced topics for existing or more advanced users. Information and registration information is available on the WeBWorK Project's website.
Women in Mathematics Society (WiMS)
National Security Agency Networking Event, Thursday, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, organized by Theresa Rahikka, NSA and co-organized by Diane Horn, NSA