The San Marcos Informal Mathematics In-person Colloquium (SMIMIC)

Spring 2026

**Includes events that are not SMIMIC but may be of interest to the ��Ů math community.

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Thursday, February 19: Jacob Cordeiro
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Exponential generating functions and not-so-discrete math

Abstract: Herbert Wilf calls a generating function "a clothesline on which we hang up a sequence of numbers for display." But can the vocabulary of calculus really help us with counting? Who found it useful to decorate numbers with vectors?

These questions can follow you as you study your field of interest, because subjects demarcated as "discrete math" and "continuous math" are so intertwined that you can easily step into another field by accident. What do exponentials and logarithms have to do with cycle decomposition? Why do alternating permutations describe the tangent function? How did we get from the quadratic formula to the longest article in the OEIS?

We'll explore some familiar continuous spaces and the discrete constellations that shape them, reveal how different students of mathematics can have vastly different perspectives, and discover the beauty of communication between those perspectives.

Bio: Jacob Cordeiro studied mathematics and computer science at Harvey Mudd College and received an MS in mathematics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He continues to independently pursue his interests in math, education, game design, and music, while working as a software engineer at the Art of Problem Solving.
Thursday, March 5: Samantha Blattler
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: The Business Side of Math

Abstract: Finding a business application to a mathematics degree is the challenge I was facing. I wasn’t ready to teach; I wanted to experience a career outside of education before returning. An opportunity arose to join a niche team creating online technology solutions, and I decided to jump. That leap turned into a career, and I have been there ever since, still using the same technology but in more applications than I would have thought possible – in large part due to the creativity and determination of our team to say “yes” in a sea of “no’s”.
Thursday, March 12: Dr. Wayne Aitken
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Guitar Math for Math Majors

Abstract: The Pythagoreans discovered that there are basic mathematical relationships between harmonious musical intervals. Later the ancient astronomer and mathematician Ptolemy used mathematics to explain and design various musical scales. In this talk I will start by reviewing some of this history including how the Pythagorean theory of means (arithmetic means, geometric means, and harmonic means) can be used to explain and build musical scales.

One particular harmonic interval is built on the ratio 3:2, which today we call "the fifth". I will explain the Pythagorean idea of iterating this ratio to generate scales. There is a sense that the fifth (the ratio 3:2) has order "almost" 12 in the circle group. This will lead us to the "circle of fifths", our modern 12 note system (with "equal temperament"), and various scales built out of these basic 12 notes. I will then explain how group theory can be used to explain some of the basic patterns that arise in our 12 note system and its relationship with the circle of fifths.

Along the way, I will illustrate these ideas with the guitar. For example, I hope to address the unusual standard tuning of the guitar in light of these ideas.
Thursday, March 19: Dr. Qidi Peng
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Fractional Brownian Motion: Small Increments and First Exit Time from One-sided Barrier

Abstract: The talk introduces a conjecture on the first exit time of fractional Brownian motion: the upper-tail probability for a fractional Brownian motion to first exit a positive-valued barrier over time T has the exact asymptotic rate T^(H-1), where H is the Hurst parameter of the fractional Brownian motion. The talk tries to understand this conjecture by providing several equivalent statements. We then introduce the best effort made in the current literature towards solving this conjecture.
Thursday, April 9: Linghao Zhang
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Learning Polynomial Activation Functions for Deep Neural Networks

Abstract: Activation functions are crucial for deep neural networks. This novel work frames the problem of training neural network with learnable polynomial activation functions as a polynomial optimization problem, which is solvable by the Moment-SOS hierarchy. This work represents a fundamental departure from the conventional paradigm of training deep neural networks, which relies on local optimization methods like backpropagation and gradient descent. Numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of optimum parameter recovery in presence of noises.
Tuesday, April 14: Dr. Steve Butler
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Q&A, meet and greet, and lunch with students.
**Tuesday, April 14: Dr. Steve Butler Delivers the Reid Lecture
- TIME: 6:00-7:00PM
- LOCATION: USU Ballroom
- Reid Lecture Information
**Thursday, April 16: Marvin Pena Master's Defense
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Thursday, April 23: Dr. Cameron Parker
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206

Fall 2025

**Includes events that are not SMIMIC but may be of interest to the ��Ů math community.

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Thursday, September 25: Dr. Hanson Smith
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: A Research Story: Critical Points and Dynamical Monogenicity

Abstract: This talk will be a story of how research evolves and collaboration unfolds. It will also be a quick introduction to some ideas in algebraic number theory. Finally, it will survey some recent results on the monogenicity of iterates of polynomials.

A number field K is monogenic (over Q) if the ring of integers is generated by powers of one algebraic integer. In this case, we say that this algebraic integer is a monogenerator and that the minimal polynomial is a monogenic polynomial. In the context of arithmetic dynamics, it is natural to ask how monogenicity interacts with iteration. We will give an overview of work of the speaker, Joachim König and Zack Wolske that gives necessary and sufficient criteria for when the iterates of a polynomial are monogenic.
Thursday, October 9: Summer Research Presentations
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Speaker: Jacob Bergsma

Title: Wasserstein Projections in the Distribution-Based Optimal Selling Problem

Abstract: The distribution-based optimal selling problem seeks to adjust a client-provided probability distribution to ensure attainability or to improve it via stochastic dominance. We frame this as a Wasserstein projection with a scaled mean constraint. For the 1-Wasserstein case, we show that drift curvature determines whether optimal solutions are unique or non-unique, with greedy transfer rules in the positive and negative drift regimes. We also outline preliminary extensions to the 2-Wasserstein setting and continuous distributions.

Speaker: Jacob Mendenhall

Title: Draws in Tic-Tac-Toe

Abstract: This presentation is concerned with draws in n^d Tic-Tac-Toe, where n is board size, and d is dimension. For example, one result of the presentation is that there are no draws in 3^3 tic-tac-toe, which is Tic-Tac-Toe on a cube-shaped board. There are three separate results, each tackling a different question and using different logic.

Speaker: Eric Parrott

Title: 3-D Reflecting Brownian Motion in 𝛼-fair Workload Cones with Applications to Bandwidth Sharing Networks

Abstract: We investigate the existence of three-dimensional reflecting Brownian motion in 𝛼-fair workload cones, a diffusion model motivated by bandwidth sharing networks. An existing conjecture states that existence of such processes depends on a condition for the convex combination of normal vectors at boundaries where cone faces intersect. We show that this condition holds along intersections of any two workload cone faces for all 𝛼>0.
Thursday, October 16 (Quaternion Day): Dr. Marshall Whittlesey
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: An introduction to Quaternions and Their Uses With Geometry and Vectors

Abstract: In 1843, Irish mathematician Sir William Rowan Hamilton was trying to figure out how to create a version of complex numbers in three dimensions. In particular, how could one define multiplication of ordered triples in the same way that complex numbers allow us to define products of ordered pairs (x,y)=x+yi? In a flash of insight, on Oct. 16, 1843, he realized that to do it right, one had to extend the product to ordered quadruples. We will discuss some elementary properties of quaternions and how they offer insight into geometry and vectors in three dimensions.
Thursday, October 23: Dr. Gail Tang
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Creativity-fostering Teaching Actions and their Affective Outcomes

Abstract: In this talk, I’ll present the Teaching for Mathematical Creativity Guide, which identifies four types of teaching actions that students in creativity-based Calculus I courses associated with their creativity: Task-Related, Holistic Teaching, Active Learning, and Teacher-Centered. Then, I’ll discuss the five affective outcomes students reported in response to these actions—Enjoyment, Confidence, Comfort, Reframing, and Negative Feelings—with Enjoyment, Confidence, and Comfort emerging most prominently. Enjoyment was most frequently linked to Holistic Teaching and Task-Related actions. Six concrete teaching actions surfaced from the analysis of teaching action-affect overlaps. A demographic breakdown of the students in the affective outcomes and teaching actions shows that creativity-fostering tasks have resonance among marginalized gender and racial identities in STEM—especially women of color. These findings demonstrate how creativity-fostering teaching actions can cultivate not only students’ mathematical creativity but also their affective engagement with mathematics.
**Tuesday, November 4: Jesse Stevenson Master's Defense
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Introduction to Hilbert's Fifth Problem

Abstract: When are topological groups Lie? This a modern restatement of David Hilbert’s famous fifth problem he gave in the year 1900. In this talk, we explore what this question is asking, a solution to this question, as well as some of the background mathematical topics needed to answer this question ranging from selected topics in differential topology to selected topics in functional analysis and representation theory.
Thursday, November 6: Dr. Anthony Matranga
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Supporting mathematics teachers’ implementation of ambitious instructional practice with online professional development and generative artificial intelligence

Abstract: The broad goal of my work is better understanding how to support mathematics teachers to incorporate ambitious instructional practices into their classrooms. In this talk, I will share two recent studies that address this goal from complementary angles: (1) a study of mathematics teachers’ persistence in a multi-year online mathematics teacher professional development program focused on noticing and wondering and examining student work, and (2) a study of how a generative Artificial Intelligence (genAI) tool designed to provide students with evidence-based and individualized feedback reshapes relational dynamics in mathematics classrooms.

In the persistence study, I show how emerging (mis)alignments between mathematics teachers perceived utility of online professional development and perceived expectations for instruction in their local school contexts influence their long-term participation. In the genAI study, I document how incorporating genAI into classroom activity can increase mathematics teachers’ capacity to implement ambitious instructional practices - such as providing individualized feedback - while also introducing tensions in how students and teachers work together to learn mathematics. Together, these studies highlight the evolving challenges and opportunities of supporting ambitious and equitable mathematics teaching in both digital and AI-augmented environments.
**Tuesday, November 18: Dylan Scofield Advancement to Candidacy
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: From Dedekind–Kummer to Ore: Factorization of Ideals in Number Rings

Abstract: This talk traces the historical and mathematical development of factorization into prime ideals in number rings. We begin with the Dedekind–Kummer theorem, which describes the factorization of all but finitely many integral primes. We then introduce Ore’s factorization theorem, which uses Newton polygons to handle the remaining “bad” primes in most situations.
Thursday, November 20: Dr. Jeffrey Hatley
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Leonhard Euler's Big Break

Abstract: The year is 1735. Memes haven't been invented yet, so instead, people trade challenging math problems. One particularly vexing problem has been stumping the world's best mathematicians for 85 years. On a (doubtlessly) cold and snowy December day in St. Petersburg, Russia, the young Swiss-born mathematician Leonhard Euler presents a solution, and in so doing, instantly writes himself into the annals of mathematics.

In this talk, we'll explore some connections between number theory and calculus as we study the Basel Problem, its solution, and its enduring legacy.
**Thursday, December 4: CUGR Student Poster Showcase
- TIME: 12:00-1:00PM
- LOCATION: USU Ballroom
- Office of Graduate Studies website
**Friday, December 5: Yoko Peters Advancement to Candidacy
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Markstein 203
Title: Controversy of the abc Conjecture

Abstract: The abc Conjecture is one of the most important unsolved problems in number theory, not only for its striking implications but also for the deep controversy its claimed proof has generated. This thesis presents a comprehensive survey of the conjecture, explores the consequences and mathematical history, analyzes the international controversy sparked by Shinichi Mochizuki’s work, and reflects on implications for mathematical practice.
**Monday, December 8: Marvin Pena Advancement to Candidacy (Rescheduled)
- TIME: 12:30-1:20PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: The Stationary Distribution of a Diffusion Model for a Shortest Remaining Processing Time Queue

Abstract: We study a diffusion model introduced in Banerjee, Budhiraja, and Puha (2022). In that work, this diffusion model was shown to be a heavy traffic approximation for a shortest remaining processing time queue with a heavy tailed service time distribution. Here we are interested in characterizing the stationary distribution of this diffusion model. Of particular interest is to show its existence and uniqueness and describe its distributional properties.

Spring 2025

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Thursday, January 30: Stevie Ann Brosh
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Q&A with a Mathematician at the Naval Information Warfare Center
- Bio: Stevie Brosh holds a B.S. in Mathematics with an emphasis in Statistics from California State University, Long Beach and an M.A. in Mathematics with an emphasis in Teaching Services from San Diego State University. These academic achievements have provided her with a strong analytical background, quantitative skills, and a deep understanding of problem-solving techniques which have led to a successful professional career focused on software development, test, and delivery. Ms. Brosh currently works for the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific as a scientist in the Command and Control Department. During her time at the Center, she has been a software developer, a lead test engineer, and now a deputy project manager responsible for multiple software applications supporting the US Navy and its allies.
Thursday, February 13: Dr. Shahed Sharif
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Scissors Beats Paper

Abstract: If I cut a piece of paper into many pieces, rearrange the pieces, and
then put them back together, what kind of shapes can I get? We'll give a
complete answer to this question, and then talk about how complicated it
gets when cutting solids in 3 dimensions. Paper and scissors will be
provided! However, rocks are prohibited.
Thursday, March 20: Dr. Daniel Chivers
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Mathematics at Leidos

Description: Dr. Daniel Chivers, Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering and Senior Director of Business Operations at the Information & Data Sciences Division of Leidos, will detail some of the ways mathematics is used in his division and answer questions from the audience. The department conference room is booked immediately following the talk for continued conversation.
Thursday, March 27: Dr. Bennet Goeckner
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Manifold Matching Complexes

Abstract: Given a graph, a matching is a collection of its edges where no two of these edges share a common endpoint. The set of all possible matchings of a graph is called its matching complex. A great deal of research has been conducted on the topology of matching complexes for various graph families. We instead ask the opposite question: Given a manifold, when is it a matching complex? We completely characterize all graphs and manifolds that arise in this way. No previous knowledge of these topics will be needed for this talk.
Thursday, April 10: AWM Pi a Professor
- TIME: 12:00-1:00PM
- LOCATION: Forum Plaza
- AWM's Pi a Professor Pi Day
Thursday, April 17: Lunch with Dr. Ken Golden, Reid Lecture Series Speaker
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Come have lunch and an informal Q&A with Dr. Ken Golden!
Thursday, April 17: Dr. Ken Golden delivers the Reid Lecture
Mathemagic of Sea Ice, Semiconductors, & Harry Potter

The Reid Lecture Series
- TIME: 6:00-7:00PM
- LOCATION: USU Ballroom
Tuesday, April 22: Math 495 Internship Info Session
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Thursday, May 1: Jack J. Garzella
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Beyond FOIL: The State of the Art in Polynomial Multiplication

Abstract: We will discuss how to multiply two polynomials. “How hard can this be?” you may ask. Well, it turns out when the polynomials get big enough it gets quite hard. We’ll describe one algorithm, the so-called “Fast Fourier Transform”, which works much faster in these cases.

Fall 2024

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Thursday, September 5: Dr. Brian Freidin
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: A generalized van der Waerden game on an infinite board

Abstract: We will discuss (and play!) some games on the integers. Van der Waerden's game asks you to color the integers {1,2,...,n} using r colors and avoid k of the same color in arithmetic progression. In a variation, two players take turns coloring previously unclaimed integers, and one player wins when the numbers in their color form a specific pattern. We will discuss whether these games must end, who has a winning strategy, and how efficient that winning strategy is. This is based on joint work with students in the Auburn graduate research seminar.
Thursday, September 19: Anna Zelenak
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Careers in the Federal Government for Mathematicians

Abstract: Discover how the Federal Government employs mathematicians in the field of cryptanalysis. This presentation will provide an overview of mathematical applications at the National Security Agency (NSA) and explore the role of mathematics and cryptanalysis in solving complex cases at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). We will conclude with a hands-on session, analyzing real-life evidence from a federal RICO case investigated by the FBI.
Thursday, September 26: CRESE Seminar
CRESE Seminar
Thursday, October 3: Summer Research Presentations
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: Student Summer Research Presentations

Abstract: ��Ů students Alejandro Leon Figueroa, Carmen Gutierrez, Maxwell Kooiker, Noah Lowery, Brittany Russell, and Dylan Scofield will present on the mathematics they researched and studied over the summer.
Thursday, October 17: Rob Howard
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: My Journey from ��Ů Math Graduate to Data-Driven Entrepreneur

Abstract: I’ll share my unique career path after graduating with a B.S. in Mathematics from ��Ů in 1999. My initial aspirations were to become a high school math teacher, but after successfully navigating the challenging B.S. coursework, I found myself wondering “what else could I do with my Math degree?” This presentation will explore how a B.S. in Mathematics from ��Ů prepared me for a rewarding and exciting career as a statistical analyst and business owner. I’ll share what a typical day looks like in my career and how the skills I learned over 25 years ago continue to play a crucial role in my success.

Bio: Rob Howard graduated in 1999 with a B.S. in Mathematics from California State University, San Marcos. Since then, he has enjoyed a rewarding career as a data analyst in the pharmaceutical industry and uses SAS to perform statistical analysis of clinical trial data in a wide range of therapeutic areas. In 2007, Rob founded Veridical Solutions and has been an independent consultant providing his analysis services to pharmaceutical companies. In 2020, he co-founded Emanate Biostats, Inc. further expanding his business endeavors in the industry.
Thursday, October 24: CRESE Seminar
- TIME: 12:00-1:00PM
- LOCATION: Markstein 101
- CRESE Seminar
Tuesday, November 12: Internship Presentation and Q&A
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: From Data to Dialogue: Developing the Ask Margot Chatbot for Travel Nurses

Abstract: Discover how Haley Lorenz’s Math 495 internship project with Ask Margot leverages data science to support travel nurses in finding hospitals that align with their preferences. Haley will present the development of a chatbot using Amazon Lex, designed to interpret and respond to user queries based on reviews from travel nurses.

Haley’s presentation will be followed by an internship Q&A with her, CSTEM Career and Internship specialist Breanna Caso, Career Center Internship coordinator Monica Gillie, and Math 495 faculty advisor Dr. Andre Kundgen.
Thursday, November 14: Dr. André Kündgen
- TIME: 12:00-12:50PM
- LOCATION: Commons 206
Title: How to guard an art gallery

Abstract: Consider an art gallery formed by a polygon on n vertices. The basic question is how many guards does it take to supervise the whole gallery? We will answer this question in the worst case, even when we allow some interior walls. Here an interior wall is any interior diagonal of the gallery connecting two vertices. Each interior wall has an arbitrarily placed, arbitrarily small doorway connecting the rooms on either side.
Thursday, November 21: CRESE Seminar
- TIME: 12:00-1:00PM
- LOCATION: Markstein 101
- CRESE Website

The SMIMIC Archives

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Spring 2024
- Dr. Brian Katz, Professor, Mathematics Education and coordinator for the Math Single Subject , CSU Long Beach
- Dr. Kate Stevenson, Professor of Mathematics, CSU Northridge
- Dr. Mary Pilgrim, Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics & Statistics, San Diego State University
- Dr. Laird Kramer, Professor, Physics Education Research, Florida International University
- Dr. Badal Joshi, Professor, Department of Mathematics, CSU San Marcos
- Dr. Amy Buchmann
- Dr. Álvaro Lozano-Robledo, Professor of Mathematics, University of Connecticut (2024 Reid Lecture Series speaker)
- Dr. Nathan Kaplan, Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics, UC Irvine
- Advancement to Candidacy: Guillermo Jimenez, Iryna Razhkova
Fall 2023
- Dr. Sixian Jin, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, CSU San Marcos
- Dr. Eva Loeser, Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Department of Statistics & Operations Research Department, UC Chapel Hill
- Dr. Emily Cilli-Turner, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, University of San Diego
- Advancement to Candidacy: Dylan Scofield

Individuals with disabilities who would like to attend this event please contact the ��Ů Mathematics Department at mathdept@csusm.edu regarding any special accommodation needs. It is requested that individuals requiring auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify the event sponsor at least seven working days in advance. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.

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