Past conferences

Kansas Mathematics Graduate Student COnference History

As sister research institutions in Kansas, the math graduate students at Kansas State University (K-State) and the University of Kansas (KU) sought out opportunities to connect with one other to discuss and share mathematical ideas in a low-pressure environment where the focus would be on building a network with fellow students across different areas. Thus, in the semester of Fall 2021, the Kansas Mathematics Graduate Student Conference (KMGSC) was born. First held on December 5th, 2021 at KU, KMGSC is held every fall and spring, hosted by KU and K-State respectively. The conference is organized entirely by graduate students, and is designed specifically for graduate students, as well as undergraduates and postdocs. To create a more relaxed atmosphere for students still growing in their career, professors and faculty are not invited to the events.

KMGSC was immediately popular amongst graduate students from both universities, featuring talks from a wide range of areas of mathematics as well as stages of research. KMGSC welcomes talks on a broad range of topics in the mathematical sciences, including pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, and interdisciplinary research. Previous instances of the conference have featured talks on algebraic geometry, functional analysis, cryptography, networks, differential topology, and more. Though perhaps one of the most favored aspects of KMGSC is the opportunity to give expository talks on subjects of interest, even if it is not original research. This provides younger graduate students a unique and valuable opportunity to present prior to beginning their own research.

With the success of KMGSC, the organizing graduate students wish to continue, enhance, and expand participation at the conferences to include students from schools outside of the two host universities. We are excited to invite participants and speakers from outside of Kansas and provide a space where early career mathematicians can connect with others in the Great Plains region. In the summer of 2023, we were awarded an NSF grant to assist with travel and lodging costs for those traveling from nearby universities. We look forward to connecting with graduate students from universities across the Great Plains Region.