MATH Club : Past Events
Past Seminars
The following seminars have already happened, you may instead view upcoming seminars in this series.
Oct. 21, 0226
Jie Yang of
UIC :
noon in SEO 1227
Abstract
In order to find D-optimal designs in statistics, we
often need to maximize a homogeneous polynomial as a function of proportions. We introduce two analytic approaches to solve D-optimal approximate designs under generalized linear models. The first approach provides analytic D-optimal allocations for generalized linear models with two factors. The second approach
leads to explicit solutions for a class of generalized linear models with more than two factors. There are many other similar optimization problems of homogenous polynomials that are open and have potential applications in statistics.
Oct. 9, 2017
Jānis Lazovskis of
UIC :
4 p.m. in seo 300
Oct. 16, 2017
Samuel Cole of
UIC :
4 p.m. in see 300
Abstract
tea
Oct. 23, 2017
Jerry Bona of
UIC :
4 p.m. in SEO 636
Oct. 30, 2017
Alex Furman of
UIC :
4 p.m. in seo 300
Nov. 6, 2017
Steven Jordan of
UIC :
4 p.m. in seo 300
Nov. 13, 2017
Ben Fish of
UIC :
4 p.m. in SEO 300
Abstract
While most intro talks to the computational complexity of algorithms start by introducing NP-hardness, I'll take a more optimistic approach by talking about the power of provably-correct approximation algorithms, using metric TSP as an example to show the power of approximate solutions over exact solutions, and to explain what all these words mean.
Nov. 27, 2017
Yunus Syed of
UIC :
4 p.m. in SEO300
Feb. 7, 2018
Robert Cappetta of
UIC :
5 p.m. in seo 300
Feb. 21, 2018
Lou Kauffman of
UIC :
5 p.m. in SEO 300
March 7, 2018
Jie Yang of
UIC :
5 p.m. in seo 300
Abstract
In order to find D-optimal designs in statistics, we
often need to maximize a homogeneous polynomial as a function of
proportions. We introduce two analytic approaches to solve
D-optimal approximate designs under generalized linear models. The
first approach provides analytic D-optimal allocations for
generalized linear models with two factors. The second approach
leads to explicit solutions for a class of generalized linear
models with more than two factors. There are many other similar
optimization problems of homogenous polynomials that are open and
have potential applications in statistics.
March 21, 2018
John Kopper of
UIC :
5 p.m. in SEO 300
April 11, 2018
Martina Bode of
UIC :
5 p.m. in seo 300
Oct. 7, 2022
Mustafa Nawaz of
UIC Student :
2 p.m. in 612 SEO
Oct. 14, 2022
Karoline Durbin of
UIC :
2 p.m. in 612 SEO
Abstract
Percolation is a probabilistic model for constructing random subgraphs of the n-dimensional grid by removing edges independently. Originally motivated by statistical physics, percolation has found purchase in many other areas of mathematics. Of particular interest is the fact that percolation undergoes a "phase transition" depending on the choice of the probability of removing an edge. In this talk, we will define precisely what this means, and outline a proof to show the existence of a critical threshold.
Oct. 21, 2022
Sung Min Lee of
UIC :
2 p.m. in 612 SEO
Nov. 11, 2022
Michael O'Leary of
Morningstar :
2 p.m. in 612 SEO
Abstract
In a twist on Claude Shannon’s famous paper “The Mathematical Theory of Communication,” this talk focuses on the more mundane challenge of bringing mathematical models to the public, namely by communicating mathematical concepts in non-technical language. Few people who consume information from mathematical models have a deep understanding of math. Perhaps more importantly for those embarking on a career in math outside academia, people making financial decisions rarely have the mathematical expertise of a math major. The only way decision makers will use a model is for them to believe in the model. Few, if any, will accept a model by faith alone. Therefore it is up to the experts to explain how the model works. A few practical examples from the nuclear power industry, criminal justice, wind power, and financial services are provided to illustrate how important it is to know your audience if you want to bring your models into production.
Nov. 18, 2022
Christof Sparber of
UIC :
2 p.m. in 612 SEO
Abstract
We survey various mathematical aspects of the uncertainty principle, including Heisenberg's inequality and its variants. The connection to quantum mechanics will also be discussed briefly.
Sept. 25, 2023
Kevin Tucker of
UIC :
1 p.m. in 636 SEO
Abstract
At its heart, group theory is the study of symmetries of objects, with wide ranging applications within mathematics and far beyond. In this talk, I'll give a brief invitation to the study of groups and permutations, with applications to how to apply these ideas to permutation puzzles of all kinds. In particular, we'll talk about how group theory can be used to figure out how to solve the Rubik's cube -- without simply memorizing a prescribed set of moves.
Oct. 2, 2023
Symbols of Inclusion of
UIC :
1 p.m. in 636 SEO
Abstract
Interested in applying for graduate school, or debating doing so alongside some other career options? Symbols of Inclusion will be hosting a panel with the Math Club on October 2nd to answer any questions you may have about the process. Sitting on the panel, we’ll have two first years, a third year, and a fourth year graduate student. Another fourth year will moderate. In this way, we hope to be able to accurately address questions about the process itself from students who just went through it, as well as any questions that require more experience in graduate school itself. Please come armed with questions!
Oct. 9, 2023
Zhehao Li of
UIC :
1 p.m. in 636 SEO
Oct. 16, 2023
Vignesh Jagathese of
UIC :
1 p.m. in 636 SEO
Abstract
Have you ever been sent a math problem meme by your friends and family? Did it have fruits in a system of equations, or a long line of equalities that conclusively proves that 2 = 1? Perhaps there was a hidden divide by zero, or maybe there were confusing parenthesis placements, or lack thereof. Regardless, there is always a taunt at the beginning of the problem claiming that "99% of people can't solve this!". As mathematicians, you could see the tricks and solve those problems with ease. In today's math club talk, I'll talk about a problem that lives up to this 99% claim, without the trickery common to the others.
Seemingly an innocent question that looks like all the other challenges you've seen, solving this problem will take us on a mathematical journey involving number theory, elliptic curves, abstract algebra, projective and birational geometry, topology, and more. In the end, we'll discuss similar problems and common obstacles to solving them.
Oct. 30, 2023
Matthew Harrison-Trainor of
UIC :
1 p.m. in 636 SEO
Nov. 6, 2023
Deven Gill of
UIC :
1 p.m. in 636 SEO
Abstract
The pigeon principle is a fundamental concept in combinatorics. Its applications are wide-reaching, extending well beyond the scope of combinatorics alone. The principle is summarized as follows: Given n+1 balls which we must distribute into n urns, there is at least one urn with two or more balls. A more general form states the following: Given n balls and k urns then there is at least one urn with at least ceiling(n/k) balls.
We'll look at a few applications of this principle to problems appearing in competition mathematics, number theory, and geometry. By the end of this talk, you should have acquired a sense of the pigeonhole principle's importance and utility.
Nov. 13, 2023
Dale Embers of
UIC :
1 p.m. in 636 SEO
Nov. 20, 2023
Symbols of Inclusion of
UIC :
1 p.m. in 636 SEO
Abstract
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
Nov. 27, 2023
Zurich of
Zurich North America :
1 p.m. in 636 SEO
Abstract
Learn more about the role of an actuary from Zurich! You'll also learn about opportunities to get involved with Math Club and resources from the LAS Career Development and Internships Office!
Sept. 3, 2025
Dr. Nathan Jones of
UIC :
1 p.m. in 636 SEO
Abstract
The Twin Prime Conjecture predicts that there are infinitely many primes p for which p+2 is also prime (in this case, we call the pair (p,p+2) a pair of twin primes). Despite a lot of recent progress on this conjecture, it remains unsolved today. In this talk, I will explain a heuristic argument leading to a precise form of the conjecture predicting an asymptotic formula as x goes to infinity for the number of twin prime pairs (p,p+2) with p ≤ x. If time permits, I will also discuss the Hardy-Littlewood Prime k-tuples Conjecture, which may be viewed as a generalization of the Twin Prime Conjecture.
Sept. 10, 2025
Thomas Insley of
UIC :
1 p.m. in 636 SEO
Abstract
: In 1901 Bertrand Russell published a simple and concise paradox - expressed in the language of set theory - which challenged the understanding of mathematical logic at the time and played a part in leading to the modern understanding of set theory today. In this accessible talk we will introduce sets, understand Russell's paradox, note some responses to the paradox, and discuss classes.
Sept. 17, 2025
Yijia Chen of
UIC :
1 p.m. in 636 SEO
Oct. 15, 2025
Wouter Van Limbeek of
UIC :
1 p.m. in 636 SEO
Abstract
In 1924, Banach and Tarski proved the following amazing theorem: You can cut up a ball in Euclidean space into some finite number of pieces and reassemble these pieces in such a way that you get two copies of the original ball! We will discuss the proof of this crazy result, what this has to do with a deep notion in group theory called amenability, and why we have not solved the problem of world hunger by doubling and redoubling apples, oranges, potatoes and other spherical foodstuff. No background required except mathematical curiosity.
Oct. 29, 2025
Drew Shulman of
UIC :
1 p.m. in 636 SEO
Abstract
Leonhard Euler stands among the most influential mathematicians in history. One of his earliest and most remarkable achievements, which helped establish his reputation, was the evaluation of the infinite series of the reciprocals of the squares: 1 + 1/4 + 1/9 + 1/16 + ... now recognized as a p-series with p=2. In this presentation, we will explore Euler’s original proof of this celebrated result and examine how he extended his methods to determine the values of other p-series.
Nov. 5, 2025
Greg Taylor of
UIC :
1 p.m. in 636 SEO
Abstract
This talk aims to give an introduction to some key ideas in algebraic geometry, including intersections, projective space, tangent spaces, and singularities, via concrete examples of plane curves. The only prerequisite is understanding of the derivative.
Sept. 9, 2026
Josh Fletcher of
UIC :
noon in 1227 SEO
Abstract
For the first Math Club of the year, come hear about undergraduate opportunities in the Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science. Pizza will be provided (while it lasts) and students will have the opportunity to meet other math club members. Josh Fletcher, Director of Advising, Outreach, and Math Placement, will be hosting the first meeting.
Sept. 16, 2026
Evangelos Kobotis of
UIC :
noon in 1227 SEO
Abstract
This talk will be a crash course on the rudiments of groups. We will introduce groups, subgroups, normal subgroups, quotient groups, homomorphisms, kernel-image and cokernel of a homomorphism, Sylow theorems and we will give two proofs of the fact that every group with 90 elements has a non-trivial normal subgroup.
Sept. 23, 2026
Naima Nader of
UIC :
noon in 1227 SEO
Abstract
We will define projective space and the Grassmannian and explain how algebraic geometry can be used to solve counting problems.
Sept. 30, 2026
Dane Meade of
UIC :
noon in 1227 SEO
Abstract
In mathematics, we contend with very abstract ideas. Shapes, numbers, functions, algebraic structures, and many more. One is inclined to wonder if these things really exist, or if we're just playing word games. In this talk, we will explore a certain way to formally construct a few number systems using basic set theory, and in so doing, investigate how mathematicians reckon concretely with abstract objects.
Oct. 7, 2026
Greg Taylor of
UIC :
noon in 1227 SEO
Abstract
In algebraic geometry, singular spaces arise naturally. In this talk, we introduce the notion of a singularity, focusing on concrete examples of curves in the plane. We will also explore the blowup map which resolves singularities in these cases. The talk only assumes knowledge of some basic calculus.
Oct. 14, 2026
Luca Crone of
UIC :
noon in SEO 1227
Abstract
We all know the usual four axioms used in Euclidean geometry, namely;
1. A straight line can be drawn between any two points
2. Any straight-line segment can be extended indefinitely in a straight line
3. A circle can be drawn with any given radius and centre
4. All right angles are congruent
However, Euclid had a 5th postulate, which can be simplified to the following: given one point, there is only one parallel line that can be drawn through it. The proof of the 5th perplexed mathematicians for 2,000 years and eventually led to non-Euclidean geometry, one of these being Hyperbolic Geometry.