2024 Section meeting
Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV
Friday, April 5 - Saturday, April 6
Registration
Attendance registration: Link
MAA member: $30 by March 29 OR $40 on-site
MAA nonmember: $35 by March 29 OR $45 on-site
Student: $0
[Note: All attendance registration is now completed through a national MAA website. If you do not yet have an account with the MAA, you will need to create one. You do NOT need to be an MAA member to do this, and account creation is FREE. Further, after completing your registration, you may register additional attendees by using the “manage registration” button and then the “new attendee” option.]
Talk registration: Link
The deadline to submit a talk was Friday, March 29.
Schedules and Information
Meeting schedule: Link
Student talks: Schedule and Abstracts
Faculty talks: Schedule and Abstracts
Campus map: Link
Parking information:
Please use the guest parking garage, which is building “P” on the campus map.
Hotel information:
Fairfield Inn & Suites
27 Southland Dr, Fairmont, WV 26554
304-367-9150
The section has reserved standard rooms with either 2 double beds OR 1 king bed (both $89/night + 12% tax). Ask for the “math conference” block or use the group code FSUS. Other hotels are also available in the area.
Section NExT
Registration:
Registration for Section NExT is completed as part of registration for the main conference. (See information above.)
Those wishing to attend Section NExT remotely without attending the main conference should register here: Link
Information:
Date: Saturday, April 6
Location: Falcon Center Private Dining Room
1:00-1:30pm: Lunch
1:30-2:45pm: Workshop on developing mathematics research problems for undergraduates
Speaker: Dr. Pamela E. Harris, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Abstract: Research experiences in mathematics have become ubiquitous in undergraduate education. However, they have also become extremely competitive and often inaccessible to those who may most benefit from the experience. In this workshop, I provide ways in which faculty can incorporate research opportunities into their undergraduate courses through collaborative teamwork. I will also give advice on how to create open questions and how to evaluate and provide feedback on students' written work. The goal is for faculty to leave with some ideas and practical ways in which they can incorporate research in their courses.
Speakers
Dr. Pamela E. Harris, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Finding Needles in Haystacks: Boolean intervals in the weak order of Sn
Abstract: Finding and enumerating Boolean intervals in W(Sn), the weak order of symmetric group Sn, can feel like trying to find needles in a haystack. However, through surprising connection to the outcome map of parking functions we provide a complete characterization and enumeration for Boolean intervals in W(Sn). We show that for any ⫪∈Sn, the number of Boolean intervals in W(Sn) with minimal element ⫪, is a product of Fibonacci numbers. This is joint work with Jennifer Elder, Jan Kretschmann, and J. Carlos Martínez Mori.
Dr. Lisa Marano, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Mathematics and Service Learning
Abstract: First-year seminars, learning communities, service-learning courses, undergraduate research projects, and capstone experiences are among a list of high-impact educational practices compiled by George Kuh (2008), which measurably influence students’ success in areas such as student engagement and retention. It is recommended that all college students participate in at least two of these HIPs to deepen their approaches to learning, as well as to increase the transference of knowledge (Gonyea, Kinzie, Kuh, & Laird, 2008). In mathematics, if a student participates in service-learning, it is typically in the form of tutoring, in conjunction with a school or with an after-school program, or consulting for a non-profit by modeling or performing statistical analysis. I discuss a number of service-learning projects which were developed for mathematics courses, neither of which involves these traditional opportunities. I also describe my current research project which has potential impact on my community and yours.
Dr. Sarah J Greenwald, Appalachian State University
Mathematical Morsels from The Simpsons and Futurama
Abstract: Did you know that the animated shows The Simpsons and Futurama contain hundreds of humorous mathematical references? We’ll explore the content and educational value of related mathematical conjectures, theorems, and people during an interactive talk. Popular culture can reveal, reflect, and even shape how society views mathematics, and with careful consideration of the benefits and challenges, these programs can be an ideal source of fun ways to introduce important concepts and to reduce math anxiety. A calculator and writing utensil will be useful. For more information, check out SimpsonsMath.com and https://cs.appstate.edu/sjg/futurama/.