Department of Mathematics
Seminar Series
Upcoming Seminars
Date and Time: Friday, April 25, 2025, at 9AM
Location: PB 390 or on Zoom
Speaker: Oscar Vega, Ph.D.
Title: Old and New Results of TSG(Γ)
Abstract: A spatial graph is the image of an embedding of a (combinatorial) graph into S3. A nicely symmetric graph (diagram) may have a spatial graph that has no non-trivial symmetries because the embedding has stretched, twisted, bent, etc. the original graph (diagram). In this talk we will explore the Topological Symmetry Group of spatial graphs (TSG(Γ)), which consists of all the symmetries of a spatial graph that are induced by homeomorphisms of S3. What subgroups of the automorphism group of the original graph can be TSG(Γ), for some spatial graph Γ?
Recent Seminars
Date and Time: Friday, April 11, 2025, at 9AM
Location: PB 138
Speaker: Mario Bencomo, Ph.D.
Title: The Dirac Delta Function: Theory, Approximations and Applications
Abstract: The Dirac delta function is a fundamental mathematical tool used extensively in engineering and physics to represent phenomena that are highly localized in space and/or time. In seismology, for instance, it serves as a model for earthquakes and airgun arrays, which are considered point sources due to their spatial localization relative to the wavelengths of the seismic waves they generate.
In this presentation, I will introduce the Dirac delta function, provide a formal definition, and explore its key properties. I will also discuss a method for approximating the delta function and its derivatives using the finite difference method, with a focus on applications in simulating seismic waves generated by point sources.
This talk is intended as an accessible introduction for undergraduate students who have completed Calculus III. I will conclude with time for an open discussion about research in applied mathematics, offering insights from my own experience.
Date and Time: Friday, March 21, 2025, at 9 AM
Location: PB 390 or Zoom
Speaker: Yaomingxin Lu, Ph.D.
Title: The Essential Role of Qualitative Research in Mathematics Education
Abstract: While quantitative research has traditionally dominated mathematics and science education,
qualitative approaches are crucial for capturing the depth and complexity of students'
learning experiences. This discussion highlights the essential role of qualitative
research in mathematics teaching and learning, focusing on its ability to uncover
students' reasoning processes, problem-solving challenges, and the instructional strategies
that support their development. Through case studies, interviews, and classroom observations,
qualitative methods provide
rich, contextual insights into the cognitive and socio-cultural factors shaping students'
learning—insights that quantitative data alone cannot fully capture. By exploring
these dimensions, qualitative research contributes to curriculum development, enhances
pedagogical practices, and bridges the gap between educational theory and classroom
instruction.
FALL 2024
Date and Time: Friday, November 8, at 9 AM
Location: PB 390 or Zoom
Speaker: Steve Chung, Ph.D.
Title: Forecasting Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT): Time Series Approach
Abstract: Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) is a key metric for policymakers and transportation experts, with ongoing analysis spanning many years. The Federal Highway Administration projects a 22% increase in national VMT by 2049, emphasizing VMT's influence in shaping transportation policies. This presentation begins with an introduction to time series analysis and several forecasting techniques applied to a collected VMT dataset. We then share preliminary results, fitted models, and outline future directions for this research.
Date and Time: Friday, November 1, at 9 AM
Location: on Zoom - preregister to obtain the link
Speaker: Andrew Gillette, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Title: Data science opportunities at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Abstract: As a national security lab, LLNL necessarily cares about data science and related technologies,especially the opportunities and challenges they present for our mission spaces. Our unique combination of experimental facilities, large-scale computing resources, and massive datasets makes LLNL an exciting place to be during the current data science + machine learning + AI renaissance. Our Data Science Institute (DSI) is the hub for a huge range of activities in these fields, building a community both inside and outside the Lab. These activities include consultations on mission-critical projects; staff training and development; student internships; workshops, seminars, and our regional Women in Data Science conference; data sharing standards and advocacy; and much more. Join this seminar to learn more about how data scientists work with domain scientists and engineers, what kinds of national security projects benefit from data science expertise, and how students and faculty can collaborate with us.
Date and Time: Friday, October 25, at 9 AM
Location: PB 390 and Zoom
Speaker: Khang Tran, Ph.D.
Abstract: This is a joint work with Ashish Goswami, a high school student from Saratoga High School. We study a class polynomials obtained from an enumeration of the number of queen paths. In particular, we find the generating function for the diagonal sequence of this table and the zero distribution of a sequence of related polynomials.
Date and Time: Friday, September 13, at 9 AM
Location: PB 390 and Zoom
Speaker: Earvin Balderama, Ph.D.
Title: 193C: Earvin's Version
Abstract: MATH 193C is a one-unit “capstone” course requirement for Math majors with a Statistics
option. In my version of the course, I incorporate elements of entrepreneurship learning,
hoping to give students valuable experience in taking on real-world challenges to
produce meaningful results with real stakeholders. Because of the unique course design,
this course can potentially be taken by students from many different majors. In this
talk, I will explain what this course traditionally consisted of, and what I did to
transform it into a team-oriented, project-based course, where students work together
to provide statistical solutions to real-world problems. I will also showcase the
projects that students have
worked on. The transformation of the course was motivated and supported by the Johanson
Entrepreneurship Fellows program.
AY 2023-2024 Seminars
Date and Time: Friday, May 3, 2024
Location: PB 390 or Zoom
Speaker: Steve Chung, Ph.D.
Abstract: Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) serves as a crucial measure for policymakers and transportation specialists, undergoing extensive and ongoing analysis over many years. Its importance in shaping transportation policies is highlighted by the Federal Highway Administration's prediction of a 22% national VMT rise by 2049. Consequently, precise estimation and forecasting of VMT become crucial. This presentation will delve into estimating and predicting VMT, explore the complex interplay between VMT and demographic, economic, and environmental factors at the county level, and demonstrate the predictive power of penalized regression models.
Date and Time: Friday, April 26, 2024
Location: PB 390 or Zoom
Speaker: Oscar Vega, Ph.D.
Title: Special Graphs (they are spatial and special)
Abstract: Spatial Graphs is the name given to embeddings of an abstract graph into (really, ). Given that a spatial graph is a ‘real object’, and not a purely combinatorial object anymore, many of the symmetries an abstract graph may admit could be lost once distances, angles, etc. must also be considered. In simple terms, our quest is to find out what symmetries of the abstract graph are also rigid motions of the embedded graph. Rigid motions are homeomorphisms of that are obtained via a space isotopy that takes the graph and ‘continuously deforms’ it in space only to obtain the same graph as the end object.
In this presentation we will go over the ideas needed to study the symmetry groups of spatial graphs: combinatorics, abstract algebra, topology, knot theory, and some coding and geometry. Also, we will talk about where the theory on spatial graphs is as of now, and we will take a glance at work that the presenter and one of his students (Audrey Baumheckel) are currently doing.
Date and Time: Friday, April 19, 2024
Location: Register to obtain the Zoom link: CRLC registration
Title: AI for Healthcare and Biomedicine
Date and Time: Friday, March 22, 2024, at 9 AM
Location: PB 390
Speaker: Michael Bishop, Ph.D.
Title: The Generalized Uncertainty Principle Approach to Quantum Gravity
Abstract: Reconciling theories of quantum mechanics with gravity general relativity is an open problem in mathematical/theoretical physics. Most theorists believe that there should be some minimum length scale beyond which no particle can localize. One mathematical framework to study this problem is via the Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP): the standard position and momentum operators are modified thus modifying the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and potentially providing a strictly positive lower bound on the uncertainty in position, that is, how localized the particle is. In this talk, I will provide background and history on the GUP approach, discuss generalizations to three dimensional space, and potential experimental frameworks to prove or disprove these theories.
Date and Time: Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 12 PM
Location: Zoom (hosted by the Computational Research Leadership Council (CRLC))
Speaker: Diane Oyen (Los Alamos National Lab)
Title: Can we trust machine learning predictions to answer science questions?
Date and Time: Friday, October 13, 2023, at 12 PM
Location: PB 013
Speaker: Dr. Jesus Juyumaya (Universidad de Valparaiso, Chile) (visiting Fresno State)
Title: The Homflypt Polynomial
Abstract: In this talk, I will explain the construction of the Homflypt polynomial by Vaughan Jones. This knot polynomial invariant, together with the Kauffman polynomial, are fundamental pieces of modern knot theory. The talk will begin by giving the necessary concepts of knot theory and some elements of algebra to follow up the talk. Additionally, I will do explicit calculations of the Homflypt polynomial and I will show a sketch of the construction of the Kauffman polynomial due to Birman and Wenzl.
Date and Time: Friday, September 22, 2023 at 9 AM
Location: PB 390
Speakers: Katherine Kelm, Ph.D.; Mario Banuelos, Ph.D.; Howie Hua, M.A. (Fresno State)
Title: Group Contracts: an Essential Team-Building Tool (Dr. Kelm); Equitable Grading Practices and Rethinking Assessments (Dr. Banuelos); We are better together (Mr. Hua)
Abstracts:
Group Contracts: an Essential Team-Building Tool: In order for students to work successfully in teams, it is essential to scaffold team-building basics in the course. In particular, having student teams write their own contracts encourages them to visualize how they will complete tasks as a group, to have conversations on their expectations for what constitutes a good team player, and to get practice writing a clear agreement on these principles. In this brief talk I will describe the activities and prompts I give in my classes in order to help guide teams toward effective contracts. I will also show samples of student-written contracts for both upper- and lower-division courses.
Equitable Grading Practices and Rethinking Assessments: This talk will cover some equitable grading practices in assessments and the influence of bias in grading. Examples will be highlighted and will also include alternative summative assessments in STEM courses.
We are better together: This talk will cover how I implement study guides so students can help each other at any time.
Date and Time: Friday, September 8, 2023 at 9 AM
Location: PB 390
Speaker: Khang Tran, Ph.D. (Fresno State)
Title: On the zeros of certain Sheffer sequences and their cognate sequences
Abstract: This is a joint work with Gi-Sang Cheon from Sungkyunkwan University and Tamas Forgacs from Fresno State. We study conditions under which the zeros of a sequence of Sheffer polynomials lie on a critical line Re(s)=c. Through this study, we find uniform asymptotic formulas for these polynomials and the limiting probability density function for the zeros of these polynomials on the critical line. Although the proofs are technical, the motivations and the statements of the results in this talk are accessible for students.
Date and Time: Friday, October 7, 2022 at 9 AM
Speaker: Yaomingxin Lu, Ph.D. (Fresno State)
Title: Use of Technology in Assessing Students’ Mathematical Understanding and Supporting their Productive Struggles
Abstract: In Math Education, tracking students’ thinking process is always a focus when studying students’ learning and struggles. However, previous research had mainly focus on students’ final product of their work (homework, tests, writing) instead of their moment-by-moment problem solving/proving processes. In this talk, I plan to explore students’ thinking process and struggles using Technology tools such as LiveScribe Pen. LiveScribe Pen captures both audio and real-time writing using a camera near end of the ballpoint pen with a special paper. The use of the Livescribe pen to capture students’ proving processes is relatively novel in mathematics education research (e.g., Lew & Zazkis, 2019; Savic, 2015) and, to my knowledge, has not yet been applied to examine undergraduate students’ struggles. Future research on processes can also adapt Livescribe to capture students’ moment-by-moment actions. If time allows, I will also talk about using of another technology tool to support students’ productive struggles in learning of mathematics.
Location: Zoom
Date and Time: Friday, September 23, 2022 at 10 AM
Speaker: Gabor Molnar-Saska (Fresno State)
Title: What is the role of mathematics in a big bank - An introduction to financial mathematics
Abstract: Pricing derivatives is one of the most difficult and exciting problems in the financial
industry. Although it is not possible to
prepare for every possible future scenario, to determine the fair price under certain
assumptions is a purely mathematical question. In this presentation, I will talk about
the basics of option pricing in the binomial world and show its relationship with
probability theory. At the end of the presentation, I will talk about the extension
of the basic model to the continuous world where elements of stochastic calculus are
used as tools.
Location: Zoom
Date and Time: Thursday, September 29, 2022 at 1 PM
Speaker: Gabor Molnar-Saska (Fresno State)
Title: Research in the Academy versus in the Financial Industry
Abstract: The economic world has been changing continuously and today is always different from what we have seen before in history. In this changing environment scientific research is very important not only in academia, but also in the financial industry. Being a practitioner in finance for more than 16 years and also teaching and supervising master students at the university, in this presentation I would like to highlight the main similarities and differences between these two fields.
Location: Zoom
If you need a disability-related accommodation or wheelchair access information, please contact the mathematics department at 559.278.2992 or e-mail mathsa@csufresno.edu. Requests should be made at least one week in advance of the event.