General Sessions: The 2023 MAA-SE Section Meeting will feature three plenary sessions including the following speakers.
Vicki Powers (Emory University), MAA-SE Section Lecturer
Think Positive, You Might Be a Square!
If a real polynomial 𝑓 in 𝑛 variables can be written as a sum of squares of real polynomials, then clearly 𝑓 must take only nonnegative values in R𝑛 , since the square of a real number is always nonnegative. This simple but powerful fact and generalizations of it underlie a large body of theoretical and computational results concerning positive polynomials and sums of squares. A natural question, which goes back to work of David Hilbert in the late 19th century, is whether a polynomial that takes only nonnegative values in R𝑛 can be written as a sum of squares. Hilbert showed that in general the answer is “no”. In this talk we take a leisurely stroll through results on sums of squares and positive polynomials. We will discuss the history of this topic, look at some famous results, and discuss a few of the many applications.
Vicky Klima (Appalachian State University), 2022 Distinguished Teaching Award winner
Mathematics, Music Theory, and Mentoring
In this talk, I will highlight some connections between algebraic structures and microtonal music theory, which, like many of my professional interests, began with a question from an undergraduate student. Much of what I have learned about mentoring has been obtained experimentally, through listening to students, and working with them as we explore their ideas together. This talk will emphasize how those lessons may translate into today’s classroom.
Toyin Alli (University of Georgia), 2022 Distinguished Beginning Teaching Award winner
Building Students’ Confidence in Introductory Mathematics Courses
It can be challenging to engage introductory level students who have a fear of math or believe they can never learn mathematics. Building an inclusive and encouraging classroom environment is at the forefront of my teaching approach. Entry activities for immediate participation along with group work and solution presentations build my students’ confidence and provide a framework for solving problems on their own.
Candice Price (Smith College), MAA NAM Section Lecturer
Can we make grace the norm in our classrooms?
For much of my life, I have been confused about the way that people perceive the relationship between students and instructors in the classroom, especially in mathematics. There is such an adversarial relationship that even sharing my career choice with strangers leads to groans and stories of trauma. I believe this is the impact of creating a classroom without grace. So, when we add grace the opposite should happen, right? During our time together, I hope to discuss with you the ways that I incorporate grace into my classroom… and why many people think it is radical. I invite everyone to attend and reflect on ways they can make grace the norm in their classrooms and spaces.
Distinguished Lectures for Students:
Nicole Panza (Francis Marion University)
Wave Hello to Mathematical Modeling
Mathematical modeling is an important area because it allows us to use mathematics in interesting and robust ways to address issues in the world that are too costly or unsafe to investigate in actuality. Modeling is used in biology to accomplish just that. Two or three ovarian follicle waves typically occur per menstrual cycle. Nonlinear differential equation models representing the hormonal regulation of the menstrual cycle for a two-wave and a three-wave cycle are presented. The model is used to explore phenomena such as early menopause and superfecundation. An overall introduction to modeling and differential equations and this specific model and its applications will be presented.
Aziza Jefferson (National Security Agency)
Secret Lives of Mathematicians
Mathematics can be more than just a subject in school; it can be a career. The government is the number one single employer of mathematicians in the country. Many of those mathematicians end up at the National Security Agency, where they find careers in research, information assurance, and cryptanalysis. This talk will be an introduction to the roles of mathematicians at NSA, as well as basics of cryptography.