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Page Modified Oct 14, 2008 12:15 am

Department Of Mathematics, Kansas State University


<< Events Calendar - FALL 2008 (Reset) >>

MONDAY Aug. 25 : Undergraduate Lecture
Title: How to Be the Best Math Student You Can Be
Marianne Korten
Professor, Department of Mathematics, Kansas State University
Abstract: This talk collects what I wished I had known when I started college, and what I think would have helped the students I taught over the last 20+ years. I spiced it up with snippets of a talk Suzanne Franks used to give to middle school girls and conversations with colleagues of our own and other departments. I expanded it watching my graduate students look for jobs and after writing recommendation letters for them and my graduating undergrads. I hope you have fun and that what you hear will be of good use.
Time and Place: 1:30 PM CW 122
WEDNESDAY Aug. 27 : Analysis Seminar
Title: A formula for p-harmonic functions
Peiyong Wang,
Wayne State University
I will do some elementary calculus to deduce a formula for smooth solutions of the p-Laplacian. A formula for solutions of the infinity Laplacian follows from it. Such a formula can also characterize a viscosity solution of the infinity Laplacian to a certain degree.
Time and Place: 4:30 PM Cardwel1 120
Analysis Seminar
Title: A formula for p-harmonic functions
Peiyong Wang,
Wayne State University
I will do some elementary calculus to deduce a formula for smooth solutions of the p-Laplacian. A formula for solutions of the infinity Laplacian follows from it. Such a formula can also characterize a viscosity solution of the infinity Laplacian to a certain degree.
Time and Place: 4:30 PM Cardwel1 120
TUESDAY Sep. 02 : COLLOQUIUM
Title: Many-Body Wave Scattering and Creating Materials With A Desired Refraction Coefficient
Alexander Ramm
Kansas State University

Abstract: Many-body scattering problem is solved asymptotically when the size of the particles tends to zero and the number of the particles tends to infinity.

A method is given for calculation of the number of small particles and their boundary impedances such that embedding of these particles in a bounded domain, filled with known material, results in creating a new material with a desired
refraction coefficient.

The new material may be created so that it has negative refraction, that is, the group velocity in this material is directed opposite to the phase velocity.

Another possible application consists of creating the new material with some desired wave-focusing properties. For example, one can create a new material which scatters plane wave mostly in a fixed given solid angle. In this application it is assumed that the incident plane wave has a fixed frequency and a fixed incident direction.

An inverse scattering problem with scattering data given at a fixed wave number and at a fixed incident direction is formulated and solved.

Time and Place: 2:30 PM CW 122
Number Theory
Title: Recent Progress on Lehmer's Question and New Research Directions
John Garza
Kansas State University

Abstract: I will review the Mahler measure of polynomials in one variable and Lehmer's question. Recent progress towards a solution will be described and compared to the existing knowledge on the subject. In particular I will discuss Lehmer strength bounds for the Mahler measure in
the case of total ramification and lower bounds for the Weil height for relatively nonreciprocal algebraic integers. I will also identify some new research projects in this area that seem promising over the short term.

Time and Place: 3:30 PM CW120
THURSDAY Sep. 04 : COLLOQUIUM
Title: Calibrating Mathematical Complexity
Joe Mileti
Dartmouth College

Abstract: How complicated are ideals of a ring relative to the complexity of the operations of the ring? How about the complexity of the maximum values of a continuous functions on [0,1] relative to the function? Or of matchings relative to the complexity of a graph? The area of computability theory has tools for making such questions precise and methods relevant to their answers. In particular, it provides various hierarchies by which we can measure the complexity of rings, functions, graphs, and other objects, and techniques for carrying out such measurements. After introducing the relevant background from computability theory, we will discuss some particular examples from combinatorics (in Ramsey theory) and algebra (in ideal theory).

A successful analysis of a mathematical theorem using these techniques gives information about how complicated the sets involved in any proof must be. Furthermore, this study unearths some interesting connections between various theorems across different areas of mathematics.

Time and Place: 2:30 PM CW 122
Function Theory Study Seminar
Title: "Another Characterization of BMO" by Coifman and Rochberg (PAMS Vol 79 #2,1980)
Sharad Silwal,
Kansas State University
Abstract
Time and Place: 4:00 PM Burt Hall 204
MONDAY Sep. 08 : Undergraduate Lecture
Title: The Career Fair, Internships, and Co-op Work Experiences
Karl Kandt
Assistant Director, College of Arts and Sciences Liason, Career and Employment Services, Kansas State University
Abstract: Discuss CES Services, career options for math majors, resume development, helpful websites to consider, CES events, fairs, and special programs.
Time and Place: 1:30 PM CW 041
Topology
Title: Geometry and Relativity: initial constraints
Dave Auckly
Kansas State University
There is a rich interaction between geometry and Einstein's
equations of relativity. In this talk, I'll describe how
the geometry leads to an interesting problem in the theory
of PDE.
Time and Place: 3:30 PM CW144
Algebra Seminar
Title: Geometry of triangulated categories. I
Alexander Rosenberg, Kansas State University

Abstract: The purpose of the talk is to sketch the
first notions and facts of pseudo-geometry (in particular,
descent) and geometry (that is spectral theory) of 'spaces'
represented by triangulated categories.
This is a simple, but, quite meaningful piece
of derived noncommutative algebraic geometry.
Time and Place: 4:30 PM CW 131
TUESDAY Sep. 09 : Number Theory Seminar
Title: Recent Progress on Lehmer's Question and New Research Directions II
John Garza
Kansas State University

Abstract: I will review the Mahler measure of polynomials in one variable and Lehmer's question. Recent progress towards a solution will be described and compared to the existing knowledge on the subject. In particular I will discuss Lehmer strength bounds for the Mahler measure in
the case of total ramification and lower bounds for the Weil height for relatively nonreciprocal algebraic integers. I will also identify some new research projects in this area that seem promising over the short term.

Time and Place: 3:30 PM CW120
WEDNESDAY Sep. 10 : Analysis Seminar
Title: Distortion Questions for Discrete Quasiconformal Groups
Petra Bonfert-Taylor,
Wesleyan University
A discrete quasiconformal group is a discrete group of quasiconformal homeomorphisms of R^n having a uniform (upper) bound on the dilatation. Somewhat surprisingly, there is a good theory for these groups involving an exponent of convergence, a Patterson-Sullivan measure,etc., and the limit set of the group. As to be expected from the loss of a conformal action, the theory, as initiated by Patterson, Sullivan, and Tukia, is considerably more complicated than the usual theory applied to discrete Möbius groups.

For a non-elementary discrete group of Möbius transformations it was shown that the exponent of convergence equals the Hausdorff dimension of the conical limit set of the group (Bishop & Jones, Patterson, Sullivan, andTukia). In this talk we will discuss a generalization of this result to discrete quasiconformal groups: The exponent of convergence is an upper
bound on the Hausdorff dimension of the conical limit set, with strict inequality possible. For planar quasiconformal groups, using Astala's results on the integrability of the Jacobian of a quasiconformal mapping,we establish sharp bounds on these two quantities in terms of each other and the dilatation of the group.

Time and Place: 4:30 PM Cardwell 120
THURSDAY Sep. 11 : COLLOQUIUM
Title: Quasiconformal Homogeneity of Hyperbolic Manifolds
Petra Bonfert-Taylor
Wesleyan University

Abstract: A hyperbolic manifold $M$ is $K$-quasiconformally homogeneous if for all $x,y \in M$ there exists a $K$-quasiconformal self-mapping of $M$ that maps $x$ to $y$.

After carefully defining the concept of quasiconformal homogeneity we will discuss geometric, topological and analytic properties of quasiconformally homogeneous hyperbolic manifolds. If time permits we will then focus planar domains and their homogeneity properties.

Time and Place: 2:30 PM CW 122
This lecture is supported by an ADVANCE IAB grant.
Function theory study seminar
Title: "Another Characterization of BLO" by Colin Bennett (PAMS Vol 85 #4, 1982)
Sharad Silwal,
Kansas State University
Time and Place: 4:00 PM Burt 204
MONDAY Sep. 15 : Undergraduate Lecture
Title: Careers in Finance for Mathematics Majors
Roger Bey, Ph. D. Pennsylvania State University
Professor and Chairman, Department of Finance and Operations Management, University of Tulsa
Abstract: Roger Bey, Professor of Finance at the University of Tulsa, will be discussing how mathematics majors are ideal candidates for graduate programs in finance and why they are excellent candidates for finance careers. He will explain the interrelationship between mathematics and finance, how students can best prepare (select appropriate courses) for graduate business studies, and the various types of graduate business studies. In addition, he will describe the University of Tulsa’s MS in Finance (MSF) program and their dual degree MBA/MSF and MSF/MS in Applied Mathematics programs. Some of the aspects of the University of Tulsa’s programs to be discussed include areas of concentration, curriculum, admission requirements, graduate assistantships, fellowships, year-around corporate internships and placement. Go to http://www.cba.utulsa.edu/msfinance for program details.
Time and Place: 1:30 PM CW 122
Algebra Seminar
Title: Geometry of triangulated categories. II
Alexander Rosenberg
Kansas State University
Abstract:The purpose of the talk is to sketch the
first notions and facts of pseudo-geometry (in particular,
descent) and geometry (that is spectral theory) of 'spaces'
represented by triangulated categories.
This is a simple, but, quite meaningful piece
of derived noncommutative algebraic geometry.
Time and Place: 4:30 PM CW131
TUESDAY Sep. 16 : COLLOQUIUM
Title: The Schur Algorithm and Some of Its Extensions and Applications
Daniel Alpay
Ben Gurion University, Israel

Abstract: In a 1917 paper, I. Schur associated to a function analytic and contractive in the open unit disk a sequence of numbers in the open unit disk. This process, called the Schur algorithm, has many applications which range from classical function theory to the theory of linear systems and prediction theory of stochastic processes.

We will briefly review the Schur algorithm, and discuss its extensions to wider settings.

Time and Place: 2:30 PM CW 122
Number theory seminar
Title: Recent Progress on Lehmer's Question and New Research Directions III
John Garza
Kansas State University

Abstract: I will review the Mahler measure of polynomials in one variable and Lehmer's question. Recent progress towards a solution will be described and compared to the existing knowledge on the subject. In particular I will discuss Lehmer strength bounds for the Mahler measure in the case of total ramification and lower bounds for the Weil height for relatively nonreciprocal algebraic integers. I will also identify some new research projects in this area that seem promising over the short term.

Time and Place: 3:30 PM CW120
THURSDAY Sep. 18 : Graduate Faculty Meeting
Title: Graduate Faculty Meeting
.
Time and Place: 2:30 PM CW 122
MONDAY Sep. 22 : Undergraduate Lecture
Title: A Delicious Introduction to Auto Rates and the Actuarial Profession
Mark Lesperance, B. S. in Math 1990 and M. S. in Math 1991 Kansas State University
Actuary, Producers Agricultural Insurance Company, Amarillo, Texas
Abstract: The actuarial profession is a challenging and rewarding field and provides great opportunities to utilize math and statistics in real applications. This presentation will provide a brief background on actuarial careers and job prospects. Through audience participation, we will also discuss the complexities of insurance pricing and utilize M&M's to illustrate a simple example for auto insurance.
Time and Place: 1:30 PM CW 122
Algebra Seminar
Title: Geometry of triangulated categories. III
Alexander Rosenberg
Kansas State University
Abstract: The purpose of the talk is to sketch the
first notions and facts of pseudo-geometry (in particular,
descent) and geometry (that is spectral theory) of 'spaces'
represented by triangulated categories.
This is a simple, but, quite meaningful piece
of derived noncommutative algebraic geometry.
Time and Place: 4:30 PM CW131
Analysis Seminar
Title: Decay estimates and unique continuation properties of solutions to linear and non-linear Schrödinger equations (joint works with L. Escauriaza, C. E. Kenig, and L. Vega, and J. Nahas.)
Gustavo Ponce,
University of California, Santa Barbara
We shall present some results concerning decay properties of solutions of the Schrödinger equations. The first of them is related with estimates for the Leibnitz rule for fractional derivatives. The second one is concerned with exponential decay solutions for the Schrödinger equation. For the case of the free Schrödinger equation we deduce a convexity estimate for Gaussian weight, and the corresponding version of the Hardy's uncertainty principle. We present extensions of these results to the case of Schrödinger equation with potential (in both cases, with potential independent and depending on time). Finally, we apply some of these results to establish some unique continuation results for the semi-linear Schrödinger equation.
Time and Place: 4:30 PM Cardwell 120
Algebra Seminar
Title: Geometry of triangulated categories. III
Alexander Rosenberg
Kansas State University
Abstract:
The purpose of the talk is to sketch the
first notions and facts of pseudo-geometry (in particular,
descent) and geometry (that is spectral theory) of 'spaces'
represented by triangulated categories.
This is a simple, but, quite meaningful piece
of derived noncommutative algebraic geometry.
Time and Place: 4:30 PM CW 131
TUESDAY Sep. 23 : COLLOQUIUM
Title: Decay Properties of Canonical Dispersive Equations
Gustavo Ponce
University of California, Santa Barbara

Abstract: Starting with the notion of well posedness we discuss the strongest possible decay (in space) of solutions to some well known dispersive models, including the nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation, the generalized Korteweg-de Vries equations, the Benjamin-Ono equation, the
Camassa-Holm equations, etc. We relate these results with some unique continuation properties of these models.

Time and Place: 2:30 PM CW 122
This lecture is supported in part by the ADVANCE Distinguished Lecture Series.
Seminar
Title: Warings Number over Number Fields
Ala Alnaser
Kansas State University
Abstract:I will Start by defining Waring's number modulo a positive integer m and
list the results that we obtained over the integers. Next I will explain
how the problem can be lifted to a number field setting, and list the
conditions required to generalize our results from the integers modulo
powers of primes to the integer ring of the number field modulo prime
ideal powers. I will also list some of the results we obtained in the
number fields setting.

Time and Place: 3:30 PM CW 120
THURSDAY Sep. 25 : Special
Title: Research Grant Proposal Workshop
Zongzhu Lin, mediator
Kansas State University
Abstract: The target dates for several disciplines in Mathematics for NSF proposals are approaching. This workshop is to help the PI's understand NSF's proposal guidelines, review process, and review criteria. These have been gradually changed during last 15 years. We will ask those who have served on NSF's panels to share their experience as well as those who have been successful in getting outside funding to share their experience. All faculty members are welcome. Junior faculty members and graduate students are strongly encouraged to attend.
Time and Place: 2:30 PM CW122
Function Theory Study Seminar
Title: "Dynamics on the unit disk", by Curt McMullen
Pietro Poggi-Corradini
Kansas State University
Abstract: We will discuss the paper "Dynamics on the unit disk: short geodesics and simple cycles" by Curt McMullen.
Time and Place: 3:30 PM CW120
MONDAY Sep. 29 : Undergraduate Lecture
Title: Undergraduate Research
Dave Auckly, Director of the I-Center, Department of Mathematics, Kansas State University
Abstract: There are many interesting problems in mathematics that are accessible to undergraduates. In this talk we will explain an interesting relationship between rational numbers and DNA together with a number of freely associated research problems.
Time and Place: 1:30 PM CW 122
Seminar
Title: Frobenius Twisted Conjugacy Classes
Zongzhu Lin
Kansas State University
Abstract: One of the important question related to many different representation theories is the classification of conjugacy classes in matrices and more general reductive algebraic groups and their Lie algebras. In this talk, I will talk about the questions of Frobenius twisted conjugacy classes and questions related to representations of quivers, and other directions such as wonderful compactifications of reductive algebraic groups.
Time and Place: 4:30 PM CW131
TUESDAY Sep. 30 : COLLOQUIUM
Title: Solving the Quartic With A Pencil
Dave Auckly
Kansas State University

Abstract: In this talk we will explain one general solution to the quartic equation, and the geometry behind the solution. The talk would be suitable for undergraduates, but it will also cover recent results in geometry that will be of interest to experts.

Time and Place: 2:30 PM CW 122
Seminar
Title: Warings number over number fields
Ala Alnaser
Kansas State University
Abstract:I will Start by defining Waring's number modulo a positive integer m and
list the results that we obtained over the integers. Next I will explain
how the problem can be lifted to a number field setting, and list the
conditions required to generalize our results from the integers modulo
powers of primes to the integer ring of the number field modulo prime
ideal powers. I will also list some of the results we obtained in the
number fields setting.
Time and Place: 3:30 PM Cardwell 120
WEDNESDAY Oct. 01 : Analysis Seminar
Title: Uniqueness for the two phase Stefan problem
Charles Moore,
Kansas State University
I will show a uniqueness theorem for solutions of the two-phase Stefan problem.
Time and Place: 4:30 PM CW 120
WEDNESDAY Oct. 08 : Analysis Seminar
Title: Uniqueness for the two-phase Stefan problem, part II
Chuck Moore,
Kansas State University
I will show a uniqueness theorem for solutions of the two-phase Stefan problem.
Time and Place: 4:30 PM Cardwell 120
THURSDAY Oct. 09 : Function Theory Study Seminar
Title: "Dynamics on the unit disk: short geodesics and simple cycles" by Curt McMullen. Part II.
Pietro Poggi-Corradini
Kansas State University
Abstract: We will discuss the paper "Dynamics on the unit disk: short geodesics and simple cycles" by Curt McMullen.
Time and Place: 3:30 PM CW120
MONDAY Oct. 13 : Undergraduate Lecture
Title: My Journeys with Mathematics
April Cordry-Moore, B. S. in Math and B. S. in Math Ed 2003 Kansas State University
Youth Development Volunteer, Peace Corps; Math Teacher, Lancaster High School, Texas
Abstract: The topic of this speech is discussing how Ms. Cordry-Moore's math degree has opened doors of opportunity for her since her graduation in 2003. After graduating from Kansas State, Ms. Cordry-Moore served in the Peace Corps as a Youth Development Volunteer. Many of the activities during her Peace Corps service were supported by her math and education degrees. In 2005 she returned to the United States and began teaching math as a high school teacher. This opened up a window of opportunity to a research internship at Southwestern Medical University to use MatLab to analyze antibody staining procedures on human cancer cells. University News Release
Time and Place: 1:30 PM CW 122
Geometry, Topology & Physics Seminar
Title: Bad points are good: more of a good thing
Dave Auckly
Kansas State University
We saw that finding the critical values of a `complex' morse
function led to the general solution of a general quartic
equation. In this talk, we will cover more examples of
ways of getting interesting information from critical values.
In particular we will review Morse theory and discuss Lefschetz fibrations and their broken and wrinkled generalizations.
Time and Place: 3:30 PM CW 120
WEDNESDAY Oct. 15 : Analysis Seminar
Title: Two short analysis talks
Maria J. Carro and Javier Soria,
University of Barcelona, visiting KU

Maria J. Carro: End-point estimates for several kind of operators.
The purpose of this talk is to present 3 different problems in Harmonic Analysis that can be studied using the so-called Yano's extrapolation theory. This theory started in 1951 when Yano proved that if a sublineraroperator is bounded from L^p into L^p with constant 1/(p-1) then it is bounded in the Orlicz space L \log L. In our days, the theory is still of great interest since there are many open questions to be solved.

Javier Soria: When is a quasi-norm equivalent to a norm? Applications to weak-type spaces.
We will review a necessary and sufficient condition for a quasi-norm to be normable, which leads us to consider the decomposition norm. For particular examples (weak-type and other Banach function spaces) we will find the best constants for the equivalence of norms, showing also the optimal triangle inequality.

Time and Place: 4:30 PM Cardwell 146
THURSDAY Oct. 16 : THIRTY-SECOND WILLIAM J. SPENCER LECTURE
Title: Developing Students' Conceptual Foundations and Mathematical Thinking for Continued Mathematical Learning
Marilyn Carlson
Arizona State University

Abstract: Mathematics education research has uncovered essential understandings and reasoning abilities that students need to develop prior to and during their study of calculus. Multiple studies have revealed that students would benefit by greater instructional emphasis on learning key ideas such as rate of change and function, and acquiring the ability to solve novel problems. Fluency with mathematics notation, heuristics and procedures are also needed; however students benefit when they are taught in a meaningful context. Specific results from studying precalculus and beginning calculus students will be shared to reveal the foundational understandings and knowledge that lead to continued student course taking and learning. Select results from a study of mathematicians will be shared to illustrate the role of conceptual knowledge and specific mathematical dispositions, approaches and reasoning patterns for solving novel problems. Ideas for curricular and instructional approaches that are showing promising results for improving student learning and mathematical practices will also be discussed. Lastly, the Precalculus Concept Assessment (PCA) instrument, a validated tool that emerged from research will be shared.

Time and Place: 2:30 PM DU 1073
MONDAY Oct. 20 : Undergraduate Lecture
Title: A Wildcat's Random Walk to Berkeley and Beyond
Peter Pauzauskie, B. S. in Math and Chemistry and B. S. in Chemical Engineering 2002 Kansas State University, Ph. D. 2006 University of California, Berkeley
Research Scientist, Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Livermore, CA
Abstract: Mathematical thinking is a broadly-applicable and invaluable skill that appreciates with time. In this seminar I will discuss the highlights of my undergraduate math experience at KSU and how it has been put to use while earning a PhD in physical chemistry at UC Berkeley, and now as a post-doctoral fellow at the Lawrence Livermore National Lab. In particular, numerical approximations to partial differential equations will be discussed as a method for answering difficult physical questions and assisting in the realization of nuclear test-bans. Emphasis will be placed on what I value most from my time at KSU with a focus on the friends I have met along the way who are using their math degrees in diverse areas such as development and resource economics, engineering, computer science, and graduate studies in mathematics.
Time and Place: 1:30 PM CW 122
TUESDAY Oct. 21 : COLLOQUIUM
Title: Casting Shadows of Smooth 4-Dimensional Topology On the 2-Sphere
David Gay
University of Cape Town

Abstract: This title is a fanciful way of saying that we will be looking at ways of probing the topology of smooth 4-manifolds with maps from 4-manifolds to the 2-sphere. Generic maps from smooth manifolds to the real line (Morse functions) have been very useful in understanding differential topology and yield an essential tool in our modern way of understanding 4-manifolds, the theory of handle decompositions. But our understanding of smooth 4-manifolds is still very incomplete, so a natural idea is to try to extend this to maps from 4-manifolds to two dimensions, and for a variety of reasons the 2-sphere is a particularly nice target space in this setting. I will discuss some old and new results, some of it joint work with Rob Kirby, some of it due to many other people, and I will indulge in a fair amount of optimistic speculation. Every effort will be made to keep this talk accessible to graduate students and non-specialists.

Time and Place: 2:30 PM CW 122
WEDNESDAY Oct. 22 : Geometry, Topology & Physics Seminar
Title: From Lefschetz fibrations to generic maps from 4-manifolds to the 2-sphere
David Gay
University of Cape Town
This will be a continuation of my colloquium talk, geared towards a
topology seminar audience (although if you miss the colloquium I will
accommodate you). Algebraic geometers generalized Morse theory to the complex
setting with the idea of Lefschetz fibrations. Many smooth 4-manifold
topologists make a living stealing good ideas from algebraic geometry and
stripping away the algebra and the geometry. This is an example of that trend,
where we see what we can get for smooth 4-manifold topology from the idea of a
Lefschetz fibration, and are led to think about generic smooth maps to the
2-sphere. Some of the names related to the work I will discuss are: myself and
Rob Kirby, Auroux, Donaldson and Katzarkov,Tim Perutz, Yanki Lekili, Inanc
Baykur and Jonathan Williams, not to mention the whole singularity theory
lineage going back to Rene Thom.
Time and Place: 3:30 PM CW 120
Note the special day.
MONDAY Nov. 03 : Undergraduate Lecture
Title: TBA
Kent Letourneau, B. S. in Math Ed 1989 Kansas State University
Director, Analysis and Reporting, Process and Systems Optimization, PRA International, Lenexa, KS
Abstract: TBA
Time and Place: 1:30 PM CW 122
Algebra Seminar
Title: tba
Evgeny Mukhin
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Abstract: tba
Time and Place: 4:30 PM CW 131
TUESDAY Nov. 04 : COLLOQUIUM
Title: tba
Eugine Mukhin

Abstract: tba
Time and Place: 2:30 PM CW 122
THURSDAY Nov. 06 : THIRTY-THIRD WILLIAM J. SPENCER LECTURE
Title: Geometry of Groups, Random Walks, and Polynomial Maps Over Finite Fields
Mark Sapir
University of Vanderbilt

Abstract: I will show how to prove that most 1-related groups are residually finite (i.e. their finite index subgroups intersect trivially). Although the result is purely algebraic, the proof employs methods from very diverse areas of mathematics: from analysis (Brownian motion in Rn) to algebraic geometry (properties of quasi-fixed points of polynomial maps over fnite fields and p-adics, related to a Deligne conjecture).

This is a joint work with Alexander Borisov and Iva Kozakova.

Time and Place: 2:30 PM DU 1073
MONDAY Nov. 10 : Undergraduate Lecture
Title: TBA
Alyson Deines, B. S. in Math 2007 Kansas State University
Graduate Student, University of Washington, Seattle
Abstract: TBA
Time and Place: 1:30 PM CW 122
MONDAY Nov. 17 : Undergraduate Lecture
Title: Promoting Success in Your First Academic Job
Xin Tang, Ph. D. 2006 Kansas State University
Professor, Fayetteville State University, North Carolina
Abstract: In this talk, I will first discuss some common challenges and expectations in a first academic job. Then I will share with you some thoughts and experiences on how to deal with these challenges and expectations to promote career success. Finally, I will mention some essential early career preparations which we might make in colleges and graduate schools.
Time and Place: 1:30 PM CW 122
MONDAY Nov. 24 : Undergraduate Lecture
Title: On Mathematics: Art, Science and Trade - My Story and The Quantum Matrix
Lucian Ionescu, Ph. D. in Math 2000 Kansas State University
Professor, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
Abstract: I will speak about my winding path to quantum-mathematical physics and the detour through computer science, which turned out to be a valuable asset. Then I will try to answer some questions most students probably have about mathematical thinking and training, and present a few opportunities in quantum mathematical-physics related to the theory of quantum information, with immediate impact in modern science.
Time and Place: 1:30 PM CW 122
TUESDAY Nov. 25 : COLLOQUIUM
Title: On Superconformal Algebras
Elena Poletaeva
University of Texas Pan American

Abstract: \E'. Cartan classified infinite-dimensional "primitive" Lie algebras of vector fields on a finite-dimensional manifold.

Superconformal algebras are Lie superalgebras of vector fields of Cartan type. They are superextensions of the Virasoro algebra and have many applications in physics. We obtain new realizations of exceptional superconformal algebras as Lie subalgebras of pseudodifferential symbols. This allows to construct new representations of these superalgebras. They also have realizations as matrices over a Weyl algebra, which are connected with spin represenations of the orthogonal complex Lie algebras.

Time and Place: 2:30 PM CW 122
MONDAY Dec. 01 : Undergraduate Lecture
Title: TBA
Robert Bowser, B. S. in Math 1970, M. S. and Ph. D. in Stat 1973 Kansas State University
Vice President Kansas Electric Power Cooperative, Topeka, KS
Abstract: TBA
Time and Place: 1:30 PM CW 122
MONDAY Dec. 08 : Undergraduate Lecture
Title: TBA
Eric Mann, B. S. in Math and Stat 2006 Kansas State University
Actuarial Analyst, Allstate Insurance, Mount Prospect, IL
Kevin McBeth, B. S. in Math, Stat, and Econ 2007 Kansas State University
Actuarial Analyst, Saint Paul Travelers Insurance, Saint Paul, MN
Abstract: TBA
Time and Place: 1:30 PM CW 122

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