Speaker: Lisa DeMeyer

Title: Riemannian Geometry: Theorems on Manifolds of Negative Curvature and Positive Curvature

Abstract: In this talk I will introduce Riemannian manifolds. I will state classic theorems on manifolds of strictly negative curvature and theorems on manifolds of strictly positive curvature which highlight the interplay between geometry and topology.

Speaker: Xiaoming Zheng

Title: Tumor Modeling

Abstract: Tumor growth is a very complicated biological process, involving dozens of cell types and hundreds of chemical molecules. In this 20-minutes talk, I will present a brief review of the development of mathematical modeling of tumor growth and a promising modeling approach.

Speaker: Chin-I Cheng

Title: Bayesian Smoothing Spline ANOVA

Abstract: Smoothing spline ANOVA extends traditional ANOVA modeling to models that include nonparametric function estimates. We introduce suitable priors for computing Bayes factors to test all of the elements in the model. The priors selected for hypothesis testing may be different from those for estimation. We also use the Bayes factors for variable selection. Monte carlo integration, Laplace approximation and importance sampling are adapted to evaluate the marginal distribution for Bayes Factors. The methods are illustrated using a real dataset from an experiment measuring potassium in dogs.

Speaker: Kahadawala Cooray

Title: Parametric Lifetime Distributions in Survival Analysis

Abstract: Complex distributional shapes lifetime data are frequently encountered in survival analysis for medical research. Therefore, well-known basic probability distributions are not appropriate for modeling such lifetime data. Consequently, numbers of probability distributions are currently being introduced to overcome such limitation. In this talk, I will discuss some general guidelines to construct useful lifetime distributions in survival analysis by providing odd Weibull as an example.

Speaker: Ana Dias

Title: Critical Action Research in Mathematics Education

Abstract: The aim of the critical action researcher is to engage practitioners in reflection about the contradictions inherent in educational practice. In this talk I will delineate some of the theoretical foundations of action research and critical ethnography. I will illustrate how these methodologies were used in a study in the context of adult numeracy, and describe how they are shaping a project for investigation of mathematics curricula in career and technical education.

Speaker: Dennis St. John

Title: CAS + CCT + College Algebra = ?

Abstract: While graphing calculators are widely used in mathematics classrooms, the use of Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) is not widespread. The use of Classroom Communication Technologies (CCT) designed to provide more interaction between the instructor and students is also rare.  One such system, the TI-Navigator allows students and teachers to work in a networked environment with many powerful options. This qualitative study sought to study the impact of the TI-Navigator system and CAS calculators on student engagement and learning. More specifically the study attempted to unveil:

• students' interaction with the TI-Navigator tool and Computer Algebra System (CAS) calculators,
• students’ discourse and interactions during class activities,
• the impact of CAS and TI-Navigator on problem solving strategies for College Algebra problems.

"In the mind of every mathematician, there is a tension between the general rule and exceptional cases. Our conscience tells us we should strive for general theorems, yet we are fascinated and seduced by beautiful examples."

Stillwell then gives some examples of exceptional objects along with a historical perspective of later developments. In our talk, we discuss a few of these along with some of my other favorite examples.