Department of Mathematics

Peter Pauzauskie, B. S. in Mathematics and Chemistry and B. S. in Chemical Engineering 2002, spoke on A Wildcat's Random Walk to Berkeley and Beyond. He said that he majored in math because of the intrinsic beauty of mathematical thought and because math was the abstract language of physical science. He said that "Mathematical thinking is a broadly applicable and invaluable skill that appreciates with time" and that "Math was a way to connect ideas and solve problems." Peter described what he loved about his undergraduate math education at K-State and how he put it to use while earning a Ph. D. in Physical Chemistry at the University of California at Berkeley and now as a post doctoral fellow at the Lawrence Livermore National Lab. In particular, he discussed numerical approximations to partial differential equations as a method for answering difficult physical questions about real world systems ranging from nanocircuitry development to nuclear arms testing. Peter also described how some of his friends are using their math degrees in diverse areas such as development and resource economics, engineering, computer science, and graduate studies in mathematics.

Kent Letourneau, B. S. in Mathematics Education 1989 and M. S. in Statistics 1994, spoke about Careers in the Pharmaceutical Industry for Mathematicians. He gave an overview of the drug development process and some background on PRA International which is a contract research organization that provides clinical drug development services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. He explained the roles of the biostatician and analysis programmer in the pharmaceutical industry. Biostatisticians design clinical trials, perform statistical analyses, and interpret results. Analysis programmers summarize data, report results, and ensure accuracy. He said that there is a shortage of analysis programmers in the pharmaceutical industry, and he provided details for a training program that PRA International has implemented for which they are recruiting new college graduates for careers as analysis programmers. They want graduates in quantitative fields such as math, statistics, and economics who have superior analytical and problem solving skills and logical thinking. Kent has worked in various roles for PRA International including biostatistician, Manager of Analysis Programming, and Director of Analysis and Reporting. He currently holds the title Director, Process and Systems Optimization for Global Analysis and Reporting.

Alyson Deines, B. S. in Mathematics 2007, spoke on The University of Washington and Math Computing. She talked about what it is like to attend the University of Washington for graduate study in math and how math computing and the development of the program SAGE is a large part of the experience. She said that SAGE is a free open-source mathematical software system that is being developed as an alternative to Magma, Maple, MatLab, and Mathematica. She described how SAGE is being developed and gave some of the math involved. She showed how SAGE can be used in scientific research such as primality testing. Alyson is studying combinatorial number theory and cryptography at the University of Washington at Seattle.

Xin Tang, Ph. D. in Mathematics 2006, gave a talk entitled Promoting Success in Your First Academic Job. Xin described some common challenges you will encounter in your first job in academia such as the expectations of the university, the department, and your students. You should determine what the job requires. Ask what is their mission? What are their plans and goals? How will they implement their plans and fufill their mission? What resources are available to achieve their goals? Xin also advised how to deal with the challenges of your first job. Apply for teaching resources and grants. Attend teaching workshops. Teach new classes each semester. Do a good job teaching. Get to know your students. Make sure you successfully convey the knowledge, concepts, and skills you expect them to learn. Get involved in student advising and mentor your students. Find out what they need. It is important to be a good teacher and a good researcher. Keep up your research projects, but develop new interests. Apply for research grants. Attend conferences and give talks. He also suggested how to prepare for your first job while in college and graduate school. Identify your interests and strengths. Get teaching experience. Be a tutor. Give a talk at a conference. Interact with professors at other universities. Prepare a resume and polish your interview skills. Xin is Professor of Mathematics at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina.

Lucian Ionescu, Ph. D. in Mathematics 2000, talked about Mathematics: Art, Science, and Trade - My Story and the Quantum Matrix which portrayed his winding path through quantum mathematical physics and detour through computer science which proved to be a valuable asset. Lucian gave his answers to some questions most students have about mathematical thinking and training and employment and research opportunities. He said that mathematics is a high level language for the sciences that you can use as a trade and have fun with as art. He said that "Interdisciplinary research is the key to success nowadays: biomathematics, mathematical physics, mathematical computer science, quantum computing, mathematical physical chemistry, etc." Lucian outlined his research in the formality theory of manifolds, Feynman processes, quantum information theory, digital theory, electric networks, traffic jams, and infotronics. He said that "Everything is quantum while entering the information era." Lucian is Professor of Mathematics at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois.

Robert Bowser, B. S. in Mathematics 1970 and M. S. and Ph. D. in Statistics 1973, gave a talk entitled My Life with Mathematics. Robert described his early interest in math, his experiences in school, and his life following school. He said that geometry was the most important class he ever took because of its emphasis on proving theorems. Many classes from high school and college continue to be important to what he does almost forty years later. His first job out of college was on the faculty of California State University at Bakersfield where he developed advanced statistics courses. His second job was at Kansas Electric Power Cooperative in Topeka where he started as a systems analyst, but gradually assumed the responsibilities of rate analyst and data analyst. Later he became responsible for power supply contracts and then for developing a local area network. More recently he developed a statewide area network and then a multiprotocol line switching network for system control and data acquisition. Robert stressed the importance of utilizing mathematical thinking in the everyday work life. He said that logical thinking and communication skills are important abilities for success in the work world. His experiences working with engineers, financial analysts, and other professionals will hopefully encourage others to be willing to use their mathematical abilities in the small business community. Robert is now Vice President of Kansas Electric Power Cooperative in Topeka.

Eric Mann, B. S. in Mathematics and Statistics 2006, and Kevin McBeth, B. S. in Mathematics, Statistics, and Economics 2007, talked about Finding an Actuarial Internship. They covered several important elements for finding an actuarial internship: passing an actuarial exam; performing well at college; looking for companies to apply to; preparing a resume and cover letter; and interviewing. They focused on resources available at K-State to make yourself a great internship candidate. Eric is an Actuarial Analyst for Allstate Insurance in Mount Prospect, Illinois, and Kevin is a Bond and Financial Actuary for Travelers Insurance in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Mark Lesperance, B. S. in Mathematics '90 and M. S. in Mathematics '91, gave A Delicious Introduction to Auto Rates and the Actuarial Profession. He described some great opportunities to utilize math and statistics in an actuarial career. He outlined the types of problems that actuaries solve and used snack packs of M&M's to help explain the complexities of auto insurance pricing. Mark prices crop insurance and develops new products as a Casualty Actuary working for Producers Agricultural Insurance Company in Amarillo, Texas.

Roger Bey visited Kansas State and gave a lecture on Careers in Finance for Mathematics Majors. Roger is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Finance and Operations Research at the University of Tulsa.

Dave Auckly spoke on Undergraduate Research. Marianne Korten spoke on How To Be the Best Math Student You Can Be. Dave and Marianne are Professors of Mathematics at K-State. Karl Kandt spoke on The Career Fair, Internships, and Co-op Work Experiences. Karl Is Assistant Director of Career and Employment Services at K-State.