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C. Allen Butler
C. Allen Butler
Dr. Allen Butler (UICC, 1987) is Vice-President and Chair of the Board of Directors of Daniel H. Wagner Associates, Inc., a small consulting firm focusing on mathematics and scientific software development (www.wagner.com). A former member of MAA’s Board of Governors, he currently serves as the Treasurer of the MAA and is an active member of a number of other Professional Organizations (e.g., AMS, SIAM, IMSI, CNU’s PCSE Industrial Advisory Board). Reading, International travel, Texas Holdem, Blackjack, and golf comprise his primary interests outside work.
Bayes’ Theorem – Making Rational Decisions in the Face of Uncertainty
Abstract: A statement of Bayes’ Theorem (aka Bayes’ Rule) can be written very succinctly, but this belies its far-reaching consequences. In this talk, I will provide a little of the history behind Bayes’ Theorem, a derivation of the mathematical basis in probabilistic terms, and a description of the less formal basis where it is viewed as a form of evidential or inferential reasoning. I will illustrate the utility of Bayes’ Theorem by describing applications from the work of my former company, Daniel H. Wagner Associates, Inc. One of these resulted in the location and recovery of the “Ship of Gold”, the SS Central America, a side-wheel steamer carrying nearly six hundred passengers returning from the California Gold Rush, which sank in a hurricane two hundred miles off the Carolina coast in September 1857.
Eric Hsu
Eric Hsu
Dr. Eric Hsu earned his A.B. in mathematics from Harvard College before going on to earn his Ph.D. from UC Berkeley. Dr. Hsu's research lies in mathematics education and he has led numerous projects related to math education at the primary, secondary, and collegiate level. In addition to his faculty position at San Francisco State University, he is the Director of the Center for Science and Mathematics Education.
Letting Students Freely Choose Their First-Year Math Courses
Abstract: What happens when you give students the freedom and agency to choose their own first-year math courses? Will they rush into the quickest coursework and fail? Will they rise to the occasion? In Fall 2021, San Francisco State University moved from mandatory math support courses to a directed self-placement system. We’ll discuss the motivations (including a COVID-caused defect in the systemwide multiple measures) and design of the advising process. We will also share the surprising results from the first semester and contemplate the way forward.
Sarah Koch
Sarah Koch
Dr. Sarah Koch earned her B.S. in mathematics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute before going on to earn a masters in mathematics from Cornell University and dual Ph.D.s from Cornell University and Université de Provence. Specializing in complex analysis and dynamics, Dr. Koch is also the recipient of numerous teaching awards and the director of a summer camp for middle and high school students in mathematics.
Complex dynamics and moduli spaces
Abstract: This talk will be a guided tour of the field of complex dynamics. We will start by introducing the moduli space of quadratic polynomials (where the Mandelbrot set lives), and we will then advance to the moduli space of quadratic rational maps. We will present some recent work and open problems in the subject. There will be lots of pictures and movies: all are welcome!
Emille Davie Lawrence
Emille Davie Lawrence
Dr. Emille Davie Lawrence earned her B.S. in mathematics from Spelman College before going on to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Georgia. Her research focuses on low-dimensional topology. Dr. Lawrence devotes significant time to mentorship and enhancing diversity in the AWM, EDGE Program, NAM, and the MAA. She is currently the Officer-at-Large for the MAA Congress.
Exploring Mathematics Across Civilizations
Abstract: Close your eyes and ask yourself, “Who are the greatest contributors to modern mathematics?” Do you have your answer? There is a good chance that one of Newton, Gauss, Euler, Galois, Cauchy, Cantor, or Noether appeared on your list. While these are indeed important figures in today’s mathematical landscape, what is largely absent from our mathematics education are the contributions of African, Indigenous, Oceanic, and people from other non-European cultures. The aim of this talk will be to provide thought-provoking insight into the mathematics of cultures that are often overlooked in American schools and universities. We will also highlight how these ideas can be presented in our own teaching as we work towards culturally responsive ways to engage students and towards presenting mathematics as a diverse human experience.
Talithia Williams
Talithia Williams
Dr. Talithia Williams earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics from Spelman University before going on to earn a masters degree in mathematics from Howard University and a Ph.D. in statistics from Rice University. Now a professor at Harvey Mudd College, her research focuses on statistical approaches to understanding spatiotemporal data primarily in the realm of environmental applications. Dr. Williams is an active member of the mathematics community, serving in the EDGE Foundation, SACNAS, and the MAA.
Power in Numbers: The Rebel Women of Mathematics
Abstract: The movie “Hidden Figures” brought visibility to the lives of African American women who served as NASA “human computers” in the 1960s, women who dreamed the impossible in a field where their presence was lacking. When it comes to inspiring the future productivity and innovation of our nation, women mathematicians are on the front lines. In this talk, I'll discuss my personal journey as a woman of color in mathematics and share ways we can excite public interest in mathematics, building upon the rich legacy of the Hidden Figures that have come before us. As we shift the fixed mindset around mathematics ability, we can begin conversations that improve public perception of STEM and bring people from all backgrounds into this important work.
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