Calendar of Events

September 13, 2018

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium

Title:	Casino Carnival Games: Past, Present, and Future
Speaker:	Mark Bollman Professor of Mathematics Mathematics and Computer Science Albion College Albion, MI
Abstract:	Beyond the "big four" casino table games of baccarat, blackjack, craps, and roulette, over 1000 different games have been designed, proposed for casino use, and approved by the state of Nevada. In this presentation, we shall look at the math behind some of the games that have fallen by the wayside and at the mathematical issues that arise in designing a new game of chance. An opportunity to investigate the mathematics behind a new game proposal will be announced.
Location:	Palenske 227
Time:	3:30 PM

September 20, 2018

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium

Title:	Planning for Graduate Study in Mathematics and Computer Science
Speaker:	David A. Reimann Professor Mathematics and Computer Science Albion College Albion, Michigan
Abstract:	A degree in mathematics or computer science is excellent preparation for graduate school in areas such as mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering, finance, and law. Come learn about graduate school and options you will have to further your education after graduation.
Location:	Palenske 227
Time:	3:30

September 27, 2018

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium

Title:	Reducibility and Balanced Intransitive Dice
Speaker:	Michael Ivanitskiy1 and Michael A. Jones2 1University of Michigan; 2Mathematical Reviews Ann Arbor, MI
Abstract:	We will review some results about balanced intransitive $n$-sided dice and what it means for a set of dice to be reducible based on a concatenation operation. Using data from the Online Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences, the lexicographical ordering of dice, and permutations, we are able to construct new integer sequences representing the number of $n$-sided reducible and irreducible dice. We define a notion of margin and explain how margins are effected by concatenation. We introduce a new splicing operation that generalizes concatenation and give conditions for when the resulting dice are balanced and irreducible. Finally, we construct new integer sequences for the number of fair, balanced dice and the largest margins for $n$-sided, balanced intransitive dice. Bonus: You will either get to make or will be given a set of balanced, intransitive dice.
Location:	Palenske 227
Time:	3:30 PM

October 4, 2018

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium

Title:	Multi-Lens Analysis of Office Dynamics and Space Usage
Speaker:	Angela Morrison, '17 Graduate Student Mathematics Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan
Abstract:	Workplace optimization is critical for organizations to make the most of their real estate as well as help employees stay more productive at work. Steelcase Space Analytics equips organizations with tools and data needed to measure and improve the effectiveness of the workplace by applying their proprietary sensing capability. This project aims to analyze office space dynamics and usage by investigating correlations between and within sensing and survey datasets sourced from Steelcase's 2 West (2W) facility. The data consists of sensor output that describes how often spaces are in use, as well as survey data that reports how the 2W employees feel about using certain spaces. Clustering analysis was developed to study the hidden trends of the sensor data and generalized linear mixed model (GLLM) was constructed to investigate the correlations between the sensor data and space traits data. The results showed that the significant space traits indicated by the GLMM were also the popular ones from survey data analysis.
Location:	Palenske 227
Time:	3:30 PM

October 11, 2018

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium

Title:	Spherical Panoramic Photographic Processing
Speaker:	David A. Reimann Professor Mathematics and Computer Science Albion College Albion, Michigan
Abstract:	Conventional cameras view a small solid angle, limiting the both the field of view and projective distortion. However, multiple individual pictures are need to have full spherical coverage. Cameras that can directly take spherical panoramic photos, such as the Ricoh Theta S, have become available as relatively inexpensive consumer products. Unlike a traditional camera, this camera has two hemispherical lenses, allowing it to see simultaneously in every direction around the camera. These cameras produce an equirectangular projection, where each latitude row has the same number of pixels, which has severe distortion at the poles. One approach to hardcopy display is to map the image onto the surface of a small polyhedron, such as a Platonic or Archimedean solid, which reduces the distortion. Using such polyhedra resembles the process artist Dick Termes uses for painting on a sphere, which he calls a Termesphere. These techniques force the viewer to see the world inside-out. This work maps the spherical photo to the inside of a large polyhedra to create a miniature pavilion which can be entered for a personal panoramic experience. Other interesting applications and issues will be discussed.
Location:	Palenske 227
Time:	3:30 PM

October 25, 2018

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium

Title:	Solving an Easy Equation in an Interesting Way
Speaker:	Mckenzie West Visiting Assistant Professor Mathematics Kalamazoo College Kalamazoo, Michigan
Abstract:	In number theory, we are interested in studying the behavior of integers. For example, Fermat's Last Theorem classifies all triplets of integers that satisfy $x^n+y^n=z^n$. In this talk, we will look at a special collection of "integers", the $S$-units, and determine every solution to the equation $x+y=1$. We will draw from areas such as linear algebra, geometry, and computer algorithms in this talk as we cover my relation to the $S$-unit equation and its applications.
Location:	Palenske 227
Time:	3:30 PM

November 8, 2018

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium

Title:	Mathematics and Computer Science in Sports
Speaker:	Jon Lorenz Business Analyst Business Strategy and Analytics Detroit Lions Detroit, MI
Abstract:	The sports industry is incredibly competitive. How do we find business advantages through computer science and mathematics? I will walk through my own personal path to working in the NFL, what kind of analysis and contributions I make on a daily basis, how math and CS are essential to best business practices, and what opportunities are arising with the Lions this winter.
Location:	Palenske 227
Time:	3:30 PM

November 15, 2018

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium

Title:	The Geometry of Polynomials
Speaker:	Matt Boelkins Professor of Mathematics, Grand Valley State University Mathematics Grand Valley State University Allendale, MI
Abstract:	In the geometry of polynomials, we seek to understand relationships among certain sets connected to polynomial functions. For example, Marden's Theorem reveals stunning connections between the critical numbers of a cubic polynomial with complex zeros and the inscribed in-ellipse of the triangle whose vertices are the polynomial's zeros. In this talk, we'll discuss several important historical results from the geometry of polynomials and survey developments in the past 25 years that are centered on polynomial root-dragging, the study of how continuously changing one or more roots of a polynomial function affects various properties of the function. We will encounter some surprising structural results about polynomial functions that deserve to be more well-known and also see beautiful interplay between calculus and Euclidean geometry.
Location:	Palenske 227
Time:	3:30 PM

November 29, 2018

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium

Title:	Random Walks and Ito Calculus with Applications to Finance
Speaker:	Darren E. Mason Professor Mathematics & Computer Science Albion College Albion, MI
Abstract:	Rational pricing of many financial products rely on mathematical modeling of random phenomena (e.g. the time evolution of a stock price). In this talk I will discuss the fundamental ideas of random walks, Brownian motion, and Ito Calculus, with applications actuarial science and finance. This presentation also serves as a nice introduction to what can be expected by students in the last portion of the topics course Math 389 being offered in Spring 2019.
Location:	Palenske 227
Time:	3:30 PM

February 14, 2019

Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium

Title:	Fibonacci's New Math
Speaker:	Ellen Kamischke Instructor Mathematical Sciences Michigan Technological University Houghton, MI
Abstract:	The publication of Liber Abaci, Leonardo Pisano's book of calculation, in 1202 introduced the use of the Hindu-Arabic numeration system across Europe. The techniques of arithmetic and problem solving explained here were drawn from Leonardo's education and travels throughout the world of the late 12th century. Leonardo, who was also known as Fibonacci, wrote several books on mathematics following the Liber Abaci. While not widely appreciated, this work along with Fibonacci's other writings, played an important first role in reviving mathematics in Europe. In this talk we will examine some of the techniques introduced in the Liber Abaci and explore some of the problems presented there using both his methods and those of contemporary algebra. We will also look at some of the techniques presented in this book from 1202 that are still in use today.
Location:	Palenske 227
Time:	3:30 PM

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