PASSWORDMANAGEMENT
The San Marcos Informal Mathematics In-person Colloquium (SMIMIC)
Fall 2025
**Includes events that are not SMIMIC but may be of interest to the 爆料社区 math community.
- Thursday, September 25: Dr. Hanson Smith
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: A Research Story: Critical Points and Dynamical Monogenicity
Abstract: This talk will be a story of how research evolves and collaboration unfolds. It will also be a quick introduction to some ideas in algebraic number theory. Finally, it will survey some recent results on the monogenicity of iterates of polynomials.
A number field K is monogenic (over Q) if the ring of integers is generated by powers of one algebraic integer. In this case, we say that this algebraic integer is a monogenerator and that the minimal polynomial is a monogenic polynomial. In the context of arithmetic dynamics, it is natural to ask how monogenicity interacts with iteration. We will give an overview of work of the speaker, Joachim K枚nig and Zack Wolske that gives necessary and sufficient criteria for when the iterates of a polynomial are monogenic.
- Thursday, October 9: Summer Research Presentations
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Speaker: Jacob Bergsma
Title: Wasserstein Projections in the Distribution-Based Optimal Selling Problem
Abstract: The distribution-based optimal selling problem seeks to adjust a client-provided probability distribution to ensure attainability or to improve it via stochastic dominance. We frame this as a Wasserstein projection with a scaled mean constraint. For the 1-Wasserstein case, we show that drift curvature determines whether optimal solutions are unique or non-unique, with greedy transfer rules in the positive and negative drift regimes. We also outline preliminary extensions to the 2-Wasserstein setting and continuous distributions.
Speaker: Jacob Mendenhall
Title: Draws in Tic-Tac-Toe
Abstract: This presentation is concerned with draws in nd Tic-Tac-Toe, where n is board size, and d is dimension. For example, one result of the presentation is that there are no draws in 3^3 tic-tac-toe, which is Tic-Tac-Toe on a cube-shaped board. There are three separate results, each tackling a different question and using different logic.
Speaker: Eric Parrott
Title: 3-D Reflecting Brownian Motion in 饾浖-fair Workload Cones with Applications to Bandwidth Sharing Networks
Abstract: We investigate the existence of three-dimensional reflecting Brownian motion in 饾浖-fair workload cones, a diffusion model motivated by bandwidth sharing networks. An existing conjecture states that existence of such processes depends on a condition for the convex combination of normal vectors at boundaries where cone faces intersect. We show that this condition holds along intersections of any two workload cone faces for all 饾浖>0.
- Thursday, October 16 (Quaternion Day): Dr. Marshall Whittlesey
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: An introduction to Quaternions and Their Uses With Geometry and Vectors
Abstract: In 1843, Irish mathematician Sir William Rowan Hamilton was trying to figure out how to create a version of complex numbers in three dimensions. In particular, how could one define multiplication of ordered triples in the same way that complex numbers allow us to define products of ordered pairs (x,y)=x+yi? In a flash of insight, on Oct. 16, 1843, he realized that to do it right, one had to extend the product to ordered quadruples. We will discuss some elementary properties of quaternions and how they offer insight into geometry and vectors in three dimensions.
- Thursday, October 23: Dr. Gail Tang
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Creativity-fostering Teaching Actions and their Affective Outcomes
Abstract: In this talk, I鈥檒l present the Teaching for Mathematical Creativity Guide, which identifies four types of teaching actions that students in creativity-based Calculus I courses associated with their creativity: Task-Related, Holistic Teaching, Active Learning, and Teacher-Centered. Then, I鈥檒l discuss the five affective outcomes students reported in response to these actions鈥擡njoyment, Confidence, Comfort, Reframing, and Negative Feelings鈥攚ith Enjoyment, Confidence, and Comfort emerging most prominently. Enjoyment was most frequently linked to Holistic Teaching and Task-Related actions. Six concrete teaching actions surfaced from the analysis of teaching action-affect overlaps. A demographic breakdown of the students in the affective outcomes and teaching actions shows that creativity-fostering tasks have resonance among marginalized gender and racial identities in STEM鈥攅specially women of color. These findings demonstrate how creativity-fostering teaching actions can cultivate not only students鈥 mathematical creativity but also their affective engagement with mathematics.
- **Tuesday, November 4: Jesse Stevenson Master's Defense
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Introduction to Hilbert's Fifth Problem
Abstract: When are topological groups Lie? This a modern restatement of David Hilbert鈥檚 famous fifth problem he gave in the year 1900. In this talk, we explore what this question is asking, a solution to this question, as well as some of the background mathematical topics needed to answer this question ranging from selected topics in differential topology to selected topics in functional analysis and representation theory.
- Thursday, November 6: Dr. Anthony Matranga
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Supporting mathematics teachers鈥 implementation of ambitious instructional practice with online professional development and generative artificial intelligence
Abstract: The broad goal of my work is better understanding how to support mathematics teachers to incorporate ambitious instructional practices into their classrooms. In this talk, I will share two recent studies that address this goal from complementary angles: (1) a study of mathematics teachers鈥 persistence in a multi year online mathematics teacher professional development program focused on noticing and wondering and examining student work, and (2) a study of how a generative Artificial Intelligence (genAI) tool designed to provide students with evidence-based and individualized feedback reshapes relational dynamics in mathematics classrooms.
In the persistence study, I show how emerging (mis)alignments between mathematics teachers perceived utility of online professional development and perceived expectations for instruction in their local school contexts influence their long-term participation. In the genAI study, I document how incorporating genAI into classroom activity can increase mathematics teachers鈥 capacity to implement ambitious instructional practices - such as providing individualized feedback - while also introducing tensions in how students and teachers work together to learn mathematics. Together, these studies highlight the evolving challenges and opportunities of supporting ambitious and equitable mathematics teaching in both digital and AI-augmented environments.
- **Tuesday, November 18: Dylan Scofield Advancement to Candidacy
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: From Dedekind鈥揔ummer to Ore: Factorization of Ideals in Number Rings
Abstract: This talk traces the historical and mathematical development of factorization into prime ideals in number rings. We begin with the Dedekind鈥揔ummer theorem, which describes the factorization of all but finitely many integral primes. We then introduce Ore鈥檚 factorization theorem, which uses Newton polygons to handle the remaining 鈥渂ad鈥 primes in most situations.
- Thursday, November 20: Dr. Jeffrey Hatley
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Leonhard Euler's Big Break
Abstract: The year is 1735. Memes haven't been invented yet, so instead, people trade challenging math problems. One particularly vexing problem has been stumping the world's best mathematicians for 85 years. On a (doubtlessly) cold and snowy December day in St. Petersburg, Russia, the young Swiss-born mathematician Leonhard Euler presents a solution, and in so doing, instantly writes himself into the annals of mathematics.
In this talk, we'll explore some connections between number theory and calculus as we study the Basel Problem, its solution, and its enduring legacy.
- **Thursday, December 4: CUGR Student Poster Showcase
- TIME: 12:00-1:00PM
- LOCATION: USU Ballroom
- **Friday, December 5: Yoko Peters Advancement to Candidacy
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
-
LOCATION: Markstein 203
Title: Controversy of the abc Conjecture
Abstract: The abc Conjecture is one of the most important unsolved problems in number theory, not only for its striking implications but also for the deep controversy its claimed proof has generated. This thesis presents a comprehensive survey of the conjecture, explores the consequences and mathematical history, analyzes the international controversy sparked by Shinichi Mochizuki鈥檚 work, and reflects on implications for mathematical practice.
- **Monday, December 8: Marvin Pena Advancement to Candidacy (Rescheduled)
- TIME: 12:30-1:20PM
-
LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: The Stationary Distribution of a Diffusion Model for a Shortest Remaining Processing Time Queue
Abstract: We study a diffusion model introduced in Banerjee, Budhiraja, and Puha (2022). In that work, this diffusion model was shown to be a heavy traffic approximation for a shortest remaining processing time queue with a heavy tailed service time distribution. Here we are interested in characterizing the stationary distribution of this diffusion model. Of particular interest is to show its existence and uniqueness and describe its distributional properties.
Spring 2025
- Thursday, January 30: Stevie Ann Brosh
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Q&A with a Mathematician at the Naval Information Warfare Center
- Bio: Stevie Brosh holds a B.S. in Mathematics with an emphasis in Statistics from California State University, Long Beach and an M.A. in Mathematics with an emphasis in Teaching Services from San Diego State University. These academic achievements have provided her with a strong analytical background, quantitative skills, and a deep understanding of problem-solving techniques which have led to a successful professional career focused on software development, test, and delivery. Ms. Brosh currently works for the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific as a scientist in the Command and Control Department. During her time at the Center, she has been a software developer, a lead test engineer, and now a deputy project manager responsible for multiple software applications supporting the US Navy and its allies.
- Thursday, February 13: Dr. Shahed Sharif
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Scissors Beats Paper
Abstract: If I cut a piece of paper into many pieces, rearrange the pieces, and
then put them back together, what kind of shapes can I get? We'll give a
complete answer to this question, and then talk about how complicated it
gets when cutting solids in 3 dimensions. Paper and scissors will be
provided! However, rocks are prohibited. - Thursday, March 20: Dr. Daniel Chivers
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Mathematics at Leidos
Description: Dr. Daniel Chivers, Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering and Senior Director of Business Operations at the Information & Data Sciences Division of Leidos, will detail some of the ways mathematics is used in his division and answer questions from the audience. The department conference room is booked immediately following the talk for continued conversation.
- Thursday, March 27: Dr. Bennet Goeckner
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Manifold Matching Complexes
Abstract: Given a graph, a matching is a collection of its edges where no two of these edges share a common endpoint. The set of all possible matchings of a graph is called its matching complex. A great deal of research has been conducted on the topology of matching complexes for various graph families. We instead ask the opposite question: Given a manifold, when is it a matching complex? We completely characterize all graphs and manifolds that arise in this way. No previous knowledge of these topics will be needed for this talk.
- Thursday, April 10: AWM Pi a Professor
- TIME: 12:00-1:00PM
- LOCATION: Forum Plaza
- Thursday, April 17: Lunch with Dr. Ken Golden, Reid Lecture Series Speaker
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Come have lunch and an informal Q&A with Dr. Ken Golden!
- Thursday, April 17: Dr. Ken Golden delivers the Reid Lecture
Mathemagic of Sea Ice, Semiconductors, & Harry Potter
- TIME: 6:00-7:00PM
- LOCATION: USU Ballroom
- Tuesday, April 22: Math 495 Internship Info Session
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
- Thursday, May 1: Jack J. Garzella
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Beyond FOIL: The State of the Art in Polynomial Multiplication
Abstract: We will discuss how to multiply two polynomials. 鈥淗ow hard can this be?鈥 you may ask. Well, it turns out when the polynomials get big enough it gets quite hard. We鈥檒l describe one algorithm, the so-called 鈥淔ast Fourier Transform鈥, which works much faster in these cases.
Fall 2024
- Thursday, September 5: Dr. Brian Freidin
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: A generalized van der Waerden game on an infinite board
Abstract: We will discuss (and play!) some games on the integers. Van der Waerden's game asks you to color the integers {1,2,...,n} using r colors and avoid k of the same color in arithmetic progression. In a variation, two players take turns coloring previously unclaimed integers, and one player wins when the numbers in their color form a specific pattern. We will discuss whether these games must end, who has a winning strategy, and how efficient that winning strategy is. This is based on joint work with students in the Auburn graduate research seminar.
- Thursday, September 19: Anna Zelenak
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Careers in the Federal Government for Mathematicians
Abstract: Discover how the Federal Government employs mathematicians in the field of cryptanalysis. This presentation will provide an overview of mathematical applications at the National Security Agency (NSA) and explore the role of mathematics and cryptanalysis in solving complex cases at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). We will conclude with a hands-on session, analyzing real-life evidence from a federal RICO case investigated by the FBI.
- Thursday, September 26: CRESE Seminar
- TIME: 12:00-1:00PM
- LOCATION: Markstein 101
- Thursday, October 3: Summer Research Presentations
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Student Summer Research Presentations
Abstract: 爆料社区 students Alejandro Leon Figueroa, Carmen Gutierrez, Maxwell Kooiker, Noah Lowery, Brittany Russell, and Dylan Scofield will present on the mathematics they researched and studied over the summer.
- Thursday, October 17: Rob Howard
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: My Journey from 爆料社区 Math Graduate to Data-Driven Entrepreneur
Abstract: I鈥檒l share my unique career path after graduating with a B.S. in Mathematics from 爆料社区 in 1999. My initial aspirations were to become a high school math teacher, but after successfully navigating the challenging B.S. coursework, I found myself wondering 鈥渨hat else could I do with my Math degree?鈥 This presentation will explore how a B.S. in Mathematics from 爆料社区 prepared me for a rewarding and exciting career as a statistical analyst and business owner. I鈥檒l share what a typical day looks like in my career and how the skills I learned over 25 years ago continue to play a crucial role in my success.
Bio: Rob Howard graduated in 1999 with a B.S. in Mathematics from California State University, San Marcos. Since then, he has enjoyed a rewarding career as a data analyst in the pharmaceutical industry and uses SAS to perform statistical analysis of clinical trial data in a wide range of therapeutic areas. In 2007, Rob founded Veridical Solutions and has been an independent consultant providing his analysis services to pharmaceutical companies. In 2020, he co-founded Emanate Biostats, Inc. further expanding his business endeavors in the industry.
- Thursday, October 24: CRESE Seminar
- TIME: 12:00-1:00PM
- LOCATION: Markstein 101
- CRESE Seminar
- Tuesday, November 12: Internship Presentation and Q&A
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: From Data to Dialogue: Developing the Ask Margot Chatbot for Travel Nurses
Abstract: Discover how Haley Lorenz鈥檚 Math 495 internship project with Ask Margot leverages data science to support travel nurses in finding hospitals that align with their preferences. Haley will present the development of a chatbot using Amazon Lex, designed to interpret and respond to user queries based on reviews from travel nurses.
Haley鈥檚 presentation will be followed by an internship Q&A with her, CSTEM Career and Internship specialist Breanna Caso, Career Center Internship coordinator Monica Gillie, and Math 495 faculty advisor Dr. Andre Kundgen.
- Thursday, November 14: Dr. Andr茅 K眉ndgen
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: How to guard an art gallery
Abstract: Consider an art gallery formed by a polygon on n vertices. The basic question is how many guards does it take to supervise the whole gallery? We will answer this question in the worst case, even when we allow some interior walls. Here an interior wall is any interior diagonal of the gallery connecting two vertices. Each interior wall has an arbitrarily placed, arbitrarily small doorway connecting the rooms on either side.
- Thursday, November 21: CRESE Seminar
- TIME: 12:00-1:00PM
- LOCATION: Markstein 101
- Website
The SMIMIC Archives
- Spring 2024
- Dr. Brian Katz, Professor, Mathematics Education and coordinator for the Math Single Subject , CSU Long Beach
- Dr. Kate Stevenson, Professor of Mathematics, CSU Northridge
- Dr. Mary Pilgrim, Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics & Statistics, San Diego State University
- Dr. Laird Kramer, Professor, Physics Education Research, Florida International University
- Dr. Badal Joshi, Professor, Department of Mathematics, CSU San Marcos
- Dr. Amy Buchmann
- Dr. 脕lvaro Lozano-Robledo, Professor of Mathematics, University of Connecticut (2024 Reid Lecture Series speaker)
- Dr. Nathan Kaplan, Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics, UC Irvine
- Advancement to Candidacy: Guillermo Jimenez, Iryna Razhkova
- Fall 2023
- Dr. Sixian Jin, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, CSU San Marcos
- Dr. Eva Loeser, Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Department of Statistics & Operations Research Department, UC Chapel Hill
- Dr. Emily Cilli-Turner, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, University of San Diego
- Advancement to Candidacy: Dylan Scofield
Individuals with disabilities who would like to attend this event please contact the 爆料社区 Mathematics Department at mathdept@csusm.edu regarding any special accommodation needs. It is requested that individuals requiring auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify the event sponsor at least seven working days in advance. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.