Fall 2025

Undergraduate Honors Presentations

Speakers: Sydney Hughes, Paris Lewis, Camden Toumbleston

Tuesday, December 2

Tiling the Aztec diamond with Dominoes

Speaker: Nathan Reading

Thursday, November 20

Abstract: The study of domino tilings goes back to early 20th century physicists, who used domino tilings in a statistical-mechanical model of diatomic molecules on a surface.  A domino is a 2x1 rectangle.  Tiling a region in the plane by dominoes means completely covering the region with non-overlapping dominoes. Consider the following simple question:  How many ways can a given region of the plane be tiled by dominoes? For example, there are two domino tilings of a 2x2 square.  For a general rectangular region, the formula looks strange and is difficult to prove.  For a different planar region called the Aztec diamond, the formula is quite simple.  We'll discuss and illustrate a beautiful proof of the formula due to Elkies, Kuperberg, Larsen, and Propp.  Time permitting, we'll also see what domino tilings have to do with the Arctic Circle.  The talk will be accessible to all undergraduates.  No prior knowledge of tilings will be assumed.

The shape of relations: games, knots and other stories

Speaker: Radmila Sazdanovic

Thursday, October 30

Abstract: Literature Nobel prize winner A. Solzhenitsyn wrote: "Topology! The stratosphere of human thought! In the XXIV century it might just possibly be of use to somebody, ...".  Developed in the XXI century,  Topological Data Analysis (TDA) offers powerful methods for uncovering patterns in complex datasets by analyzing their shape. In this talk, we will explore tools for visualizing high-dimensional maps and detecting relations between data sets with expected correlations. We will demonstrate the utility of these tools with real-world examples from game theory and cancer genomics, as well as from theoretical mathematics: knots and their invariants.

Career successes & mistakes, big & small

A panel featuring faculty, students, and alumni

October 9, 2025

Abstract: Some of the best ingredients for a successful and meaningful career are role models who provide an example of destinations we might like to reach.  If we are lucky, our role models can also illuminate the journey toward those destinations.  So in this event, we will hear from panelists on the ups and downs of pursuing various types of mathematical careers.  Everyone is welcome to be inspired by their successes, learn from their mistakes, and ask questions on everything in between.

Beyond the Paper Donut

Speaker: Stepan Paul

September 18, 2025

Abstract: In principle, the surface of a donut--called a torus--can be obtained by gluing the opposite edges of a rectangle to each other. So, what about in practice? Is it possible to literally bend/fold/roll a flat piece of paper and tape the opposite edges together? What about other surfaces? We'll explore these questions and illustrate with 3D models some of the mathematical concepts that underlie them. 

Tips, Tricks, and Other Thoughts on Applying to Graduate School

A panel featuring faculty and current graduate students

August 28, 2025

Whether you are a freshman or a senior, it is never too early to begin thinking about graduate school applications.  With application season just around the corner, this event will provide timely advice and insights on the process from start to finish.  Attendees will hear from faculty who have served on admissions committees, and from students who recently navigated the application process.  Even if you are not sure about pursuing a graduate degree, this event is an opportunity to ask questions and to learn what you can do now to prepare yourself for success.