Contributed Session 1
Session 1.0
3:00 to 3:20
9-201
Vinicius Bilinski*
Florida Atlantic University WHC
Mathematical approach to Morphing Aerostructures
Modern aerospace engineering is transforming transportation through shape-shifting materials and biomimetic designs that improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise. This innovation presents a fundamental mathematical challenge: a wing must be rigid enough to carry aerodynamic loads yet flexible enough to change shape. We explore initial approaches to this “stiffness–compliance conflict” by modeling a wing’s internal skeleton as a mathematical graph, where edges represent struts and vertices represent joints. Our long-term goal is to analyze how lattice connectivity drives the transition from rigid structures to movable mechanisms and to develop a Python simulation for designing adaptive aerostructures.
Session 1.0
3:00 to 3:20
9-202
Matthew Kimm
University of West Florida
An Application of Mathematics to Information Systems
In this talk, we pose an advanced search capability problem and consider a collaborative editing problem as an extension. For the advanced search capability problem, we solve a constraint satisfaction problem by finding a perfect matching on a bipartite graph. For the collaborative editing problem, we discuss techniques used for collaborative editing.
Collaborators: Jay Sparks, Brian Le, Gary Marmon, Kelie Kan, and Anthony Okafor-University of West Florida
Session 1.0
3:00 to 3:20
9-203
jacci White
Saint Leo University
From Placement to Performance: What We Know and What You Know
Effective mathematics placement is critical for student success in introductory and advanced courses. This session will explore what works in placement strategies, including assessment tools, advising practices, and data-driven approaches. We will examine evidence on how accurate placement correlates with performance and persistence in subsequent mathematics courses. Participants will gain insights into best practices and common challenges, and have an opportunity to share their own experiences and solutions. Join us for an interactive discussion aimed at improving placement processes and fostering student achievement in mathematics programs.
Collaborators: Monika Kiss and Abigail Burrows Saint Leo University
Session 1.0
3:00 to 3:20
9-210
Warren McGovern
Wilkes Honors College, FAU
Modern Algebra -- What Next?
Most math majors take a semester of Modern Algebra. The talk will be centered on what kinds of things could come next. Focus will be n Ring Theory.
Session 1.0
3:00 to 3:20
9-212
Joy D'Andrea
USF
Euler Characteristic Numbers and Fundamental Tranversals
In this talk we will discuss the extension of Euler's Polyhedron Theorem applied to fundamental transversals. Fundamental transversals are unions of connected orbits that are intersected exactly once. We will primarily be focusing on convex polyhedra in this talk. The extension allows a deeper look into the topological invariants of the fundamental transversals.
Session 1.0
3:00 to 3:20
9-214
Daniela Genova
University of North Florida
Undergraduate Mathematics Research and Venues
Advising undergraduate research is not an easy task. Even when a student's journey is successful, there are many challenges ahead. Students need recognition for their hard work and finding the appropriate venues to present their research can be challenging. Applying for funding presents yet additional hurdles. In this talk, we outline the motivation, successes and challenges in envisioning, starting, and running a successful undergraduate mathematics conference. We hope our presentation encourages faculty to start their own undergraduate conference at their institution. Students will learn about the advantages of engaging in research early and how to navigate funding and recognition.
Collaborators: Jenna Bradley, Luminita Razaila, and Dennis Perusse/University of North Florida
Session 1.0
3:00 to 3:45
9-215
Anurag Katyal
Palm Beach State College
Different Ways of Looking at the Familiar
Over the past several years, I’ve noticed my intermediate algebra students making many of the same recurring mistakes. For my sabbatical project, I set out to examine familiar topics from fresh perspectives in hopes of reenergizing student learning. This work led to a set of meaningfully effective activities that invite students to take a constructivist approach to exploring mathematical relationships, while transforming traditional worksheets into interactive puzzles and games that students are genuinely excited to solve. In this talk, I will showcase several of these activities and offer the audience opportunities to experience some of the more hands-on problems themselves.
Session 1.0
3:00 to 3:45
9-216
Shelletta Baker
Valencia College
Metacognitive Tools for Math Success
Are students prepared for exams? This faculty – driven discussion introduces structured transferrable strategies to build students’ metacognitive skills in mathematics courses. During the session Dr. Baker will model approaches designed to help Liberal Arts Mathematics, College Algebra and Introductory Statistics students learn from mistakes, retrieve information, study strategically and create exam routines. Participants will experience adaptable activities and implementation strategies that can be embedded into their own educational settings. This session will reinforce the use of practical, low-stakes, minimal effort interventions that can improve exam performance, deepen mathematical thinking, and promote student agency.
Session 1.0
3:00 to 3:20
9-218
Ted Andresen
SPC & Honeywell Avionics
Terms that graduates may encounter during job interview
This presentation for cover topic and terms that a graduate may encounter during interview process.
Session 1.0
3:00 to 3:20
9-219
John Pfeilsticker
Santa Fe College
Some Accessible Problems in the theory of Partitions
The theory of integer partitions and their associated generating functions impact research areas from combinatorics and computer science to the study of modular forms. This talk aims to introduce the listener to the duality between hypergeometric series identities and bijective combinatorial arguments for enumerating integer partitions, demonstrate a few well known examples, and tempt new developments by presenting a few surprisingly accessible open problems.
Session 1.0
3:25 to 3:45
9-201
Vi Nguyen*
University of North Florida
Error-Correcting Convolutional Neural Networks
This project demonstrates how coding theory can enhance the accuracy and robustness of Convolutional Neural Networks in image recognition. The approach aims to reduce classification errors and improves the model's resilience to noise and mislabeling. The findings highlight the potential of combining deep learning with coding theory.
Session 1.0
3:25 to 3:45
9-202
Dylan Hewlett*
University of North Florida
Undecidability and Reducibility: From Diagonalization to Mapping Reductions
Computability theory can be used to demonstrate that certain problems cannot be solved by any algorithm. After recalling Turing machines and the Church–Turing Thesis, we present the acceptance problem as a central example and prove its undecidability using a diagonalization argument. Mapping reducibility is then discussed as a method for transferring undecidability from one problem to many others. The talk concludes with a discussion of Rice’s Theorem, which shows that every nontrivial property of a Turing machine’s language is undecidable, illustrating broad limits on automated program analysis.
Session 1.0
3:25 to 3:45
9-203
Keshav Acharya
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Strengthening Study Skills through Problem Based Learning with Student Partner
This study investigates the effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) combined with a Student Partner (SP) model in strengthening students’ study skills in a Calculus III class. The PBL activities were integrated with traditional lecture-based instruction rather than replacing it. A senior undergraduate student helped develop application-based problems drawn specifically from aerospace engineering courses, enabling students to connect calculus concepts with disciplinary applications. The student partner also supported learning through peer mentoring and collaborative facilitation. Data from surveys, reflections, and classroom observations indicate improvements in students’ time management, motivation, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving abilities. The results suggest that combining traditional lectures with PBL and a student partner model enhances active learning and strengthens core study skills in Calculus III.
Session 1.0
3:25 to 3:45
9-210
Douglas Pfeffer
University of Tampa
Dimensional Slicing in Euclidean and non-Euclidean Geometries
In 1901, Schl\"{a}fli established that the number of dimension-$k$ regions that result when $\mathbb{R}^k$ is sliced by $n$ dimension-$(k-1)$ hyperplanes in general position is equal to $\sum_{i=0}^k \binom{n}{i}$. We generalize this result to count the number of dimension-$j$ objects that result from this slicing for $0\leq j\leq k$. We then establish analogous results for spherical and hyperbolic geometries.
Session 1.0
3:25 to 3:45
9-212
Gregory Goeckel
Presbyterian College
SUDOKU AND UNIMODULAR HYPERGRAPHS
In this paper, I explore the properties of unimodular hypergraphs and hypergraphs with a full set of dispersion free states. From these hypergraphs, I provide a property of bistochastic matrices that can be applied to a solved sudoku puzzle.
Session 1.0
3:25 to 3:45
9-214
Michael Brilleslyper
Florida Polytechnic University
Rational Approximations to Irrational Square Roots
Finding sequences of rational numbers that approximate irrational square roots is an old and rich topic. In this talk, we explain how an unrelated question concerning the Fibonacci sequence (and some of its closely related cousins) led to an unexpected rediscovery of famous rational approximations to certain irrational square roots. While the results are not new, the way in which they came about demonstrates the value of simply playing around with well-known mathematical topics and finding unexpected connections. The topic is well-suited to an undergraduate project.
Session 1.0
3:25 to 3:45
9-218
Bernadette Mullins
Florida Polytechnic University
Can Exam Reflections Improve Student Learning?
In an effort to enhance student learning, reduce DWF rates, and better understand how students perceive reflective assessment practices, instructors in Precalculus, Calculus I, and Calculus II required students to complete exam reflections and corrections. We administered a survey (n = 314) to examine students’ perceptions of the extent to which this practice supported their learning and other instructional components, including active learning, group work, quizzes, homework formats, and the use of AI tools. We summarize the key findings and discuss potential implications for instructional and assessment design. Future work will investigate themes in students’ written reflections and corrections.
Collaborators: Satyajith Boyana, Florida Polytechnic University, Jared Bunn, Florida Polytechnic University, Elizabeth Hale, Florida Polytechnic University, Reagan Kinsey, Florida Polytechnic University, Jaeyoun Oh, Florida Polytechnic University, Catherine Kenyon, Florida Polytechnic University, Dipali Swain, Florida Polytechnic University
Session 1.0
4:00 to 4:20
9-202
Deepak Bastola*
Florida Atlantic University
Identifying hidden crime patterns in Chicago neighborhoods using Hidden Markov Models
Urban crime exhibits temporal patterns that suggest underlying hidden states of neighborhood safety. This study applies Hidden Markov Models to Chicago crime data (2001-2025) to identify and predict latent crime regimes across different neighborhoods. We model safety as a discrete-state process where hidden states (Low Risk, Medium Risk, High Risk) emit observable crime events. Using the Viterbi algorithm, we decode state sequences and compare transition dynamics across neighborhoods. Our analysis reveals that high-crime areas exhibit more frequent state transitions and shorter persistence in low-risk states. HMM-based predictions outperform baseline methods for week-ahead forecasting. This research demonstrates HMMs' practical utility for evidence-based policing and urban safety planning.
Session 1.0
4:00 to 4:20
9-203
Tamara Johns
Palm Beach State College
So...Where's the Math?
Students in remedial mathematics courses such as Intermediate Algebra often struggle with foundational topics, including integer operations and order of operations, limiting their readiness for more advanced coursework. To support concept review and skill rebuilding, a game-based instructional model was implemented during Math Jumpstart, a weeklong mathematics boot camp for students entering Intermediate and College Algebra. The activities focused on strengthening number sense and reactivating prior knowledge in a low-stakes, engaging environment. Preliminary observations indicate that interactive mathematical games can improve student confidence and procedural fluency with essential pre-algebraic concepts.
Collaborators: Anurag Katyal, Palm Beach State College
Session 1.0
4:00 to 4:20
9-214
Sami M. Hamid
University of North Florida
Convergence Analysis of Ishikawa Iterations via Regular Matrices
This talk analyzes Ishikawa iterations using $A$-statistical convergence induced by non-negative regular matrices. For continuous mappings on closed, convex, bounded subsets of Banach spaces, under appropriate conditions on the parameters, $A$-statistical convergence of one iteration sequence implies both iteration sequences converge to the same fixed point.
Session 1.0
4:00 to 4:45
9-216
Scott Hochwald
University of North Florida
Probability Tales From the Harmonic Series
We will talk about coin tossing space and interesting mathematical connections that come with it. This probability space is the natural setting for analyzing convergence of a harmonic series with randomly assigned plus and minus signs. We will talk about the probability that two numbers are relatively prime and some discrete probability problems that lead to truncated harmonic series.
Session 1.0
4:25 to 4:45
9-201
Reese Gomez*
Florida Atlantic University
Exploring Dynamics of Large Neural Networks
A neural network (NN) can be viewed as a universal function approximator mapping R^m \to R^n. Its output is obtained through compositions of linear functionals applied to an input vector, with each functional corresponding to a hidden layer. This presentation introduces the compositional representation of neural networks, outlines the gradient descent method for training, and explores the limiting dynamics of networks as width and depth approach infinity.
Session 1.0
4:25 to 4:45
9-202
Dennis Perusse***
University of North Florida
3D printing for math projects and manipulatives
This talk will show examples of 3D designs and projects using the OpenSCAD 3D modeling programming language. This includes a truth table board game, inverse function and derivative manipulatives to see and feel the operations.
Session 1.0
4:25 to 4:45
9-203
Jay Sparks
University of West Florida
Predicting Graduation Timelines Based on Course and Program Factors
Timely graduation is synonymous with student success and institutional effectiveness in higher education. Prior research has primarily focused on the prediction of graduation as a binary problem, classifying students as either on-time or delayed, which limits insight into variation in academic progression. This study reframes graduation as a continuous process by predicting the total number of semesters to degree completion. Using longitudinal student-level administrative data, key predictors of graduation timing are constructed, including cumulative university credit hours, accumulated course failures and withdrawals (DWF hours), cumulative GPA, program on-time rate based on entry major, and a course impact score capturing course sequencing effects. Multiple linear regression is employed as an interpretable baseline model, while Random Forest and XGBoost are applied to model nonlinear relationships and interaction effects. Findings demonstrate that other machine learning approaches outperform linear regression in estimating graduation timelines, indicating the presence of nonlinear academic progression dynamics.
Collaborators: Matthew Kimm, Brian Le, Gary Marmon, Kelie Kan, and Anthony Okafor -University of West Florida
Session 1.0
4:25 to 4:45
9-210
AJ Alnaser
Florida Polytechnic University
A Mathematician’s Point of View on Autonomous Vehicles
The advent of autonomous vehicles (AVs) presents both tremendous opportunities and challenges in the realm of transportation safety and efficiency. This paper explores the critical role of mathematics in addressing these challenges, particularly in the testing and verification of AV tech?nologies. We discuss current advancements, the interdisciplinary nature of AV development, and propose frameworks for integrating mathematical models into the decision-making processes of autonomous systems.
Session 1.0
4:25 to 4:45
9-212
Bernhard Klingenberg
New College Florida
Mobile Apps for Stats & Data Science Education
In this workshop, I will introduce the Art of Stat mobile app for iOS and Android to explore and illustrate statistical concepts effortlessly and interactively. The app includes eight modules on topics such as Probability Distributions (Normal, Binomial, …), Statistical Concepts (i.e., Central Limit Theorem), Exploratory Data Analysis, Linear and Logistic Regression, and Machine Learning. Together with the audience, I will demonstrate how these modules can be effectively integrated into classroom teaching (both in-person and remote), used on homework assignments, and incorporated into student projects. The app ships with a wide selection of built-in datasets to motivate each statistical method.
Session 1.0
4:25 to 4:45
9-218
Joseph Ours
State College of Florida
Increasing Mathematical Processes
This talk presents the development and initial validation of the Increasing Mathematical Processes: Opportunities for Vital Engagement (IMPrOVE) instrument, designed to provide instructors practical guidance for developing students’ mathematical processes. These processes include problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, connections, and representation and are the habits of mind of successful mathematicians. Instrument development occurred across three phases: item development, expert review and cognitive interviews, and pretesting. Evidence supported validity based on content, response processes, and related variables.