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Title: Finding Needles in Haystacks

Abstract: Finding and enumerating Boolean intervals in W(𝔖_n), the weak order of symmetric group 𝔖_n, can feel like trying to find needles in a haystack. However, through a surprising connection to the outcome map of parking functions we provide a complete characterization and enumeration for Boolean intervals in W(𝔖_n). We show that for any π ∈ 𝔖_n, the number of Boolean intervals in W(𝔖_n) with minimal element π is a product of Fibonacci numbers. This is joint work with Jennifer Elder, Jan Kretschmann, and J. Carlos Martínez Mori.

Bio: Dr. Pamela E. Harris, a Mexican-American mathematician, currently serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She earned her B.S. from Marquette University, followed by an M.S. and Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Dr. Harris specializes in algebraic combinatorics and has authored over 90 peer-reviewed research articles in esteemed journals. Recognized for her contributions, she is a Fellow of both the American Mathematical Society and the Association for Women in Mathematics. Dr. Harris's dedication to mathematical education has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious 2022 MAA Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Award for Excellence in Mathematical Education. Additionally, she has mentored over 120 undergraduate students, many who are members of groups historically excluded from higher education and facilitated undergraduate research programs at respected institutions. Beyond her academic achievements, Dr. Harris is also a leader in promoting diversity and inclusion in mathematics, serving as President and co-founder of Lathisms (lathisms.org) and cohosting the podcast Mathematically Uncensored, while coauthoring several influential books on advocacy in mathematics education.

Title: Math, Teaching, and Teaching Math in Community 

Abstract: No Abstract Submitted

Bio: Dr. Priya V. Prasad is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at UT San Antonio. She is interested in the knowledge, education, and development of math teachers at every level and has been teaching in high school and college classrooms for almost 20 years. 

Title: Using Loops to Make Good Maps

Abstract: If you know the general shape of an object, what kind of information do you need to determine its exact measurements? We're going to talk about this in two settings. One is figuring out the distance between locations on a map when you're only allowed to measure distance in loops. We’ll also talk about how this relates to some math research, which asks if knowing the lengths of the shortest loops on a surface are enough to identify the exact geometry of the surface.

Bio: Noelle Sawyer is an assistant professor at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. Her research lies in the intersections between dynamics, geometry and topology. She earned her doctorate in math from Wesleyan University, and her bachelor's degree in math and history from Vassar College.

Noelle’s heart lies in finding and cultivating community. When she’s not working on math and teaching, she’s probably perfecting a zucchini bread recipe, devouring a book, drinking tea, picking up a new craft, tackling crossword puzzles, or being the world’s coolest auntie to her twin nieces. Born and raised in The Bahamas, Noelle carries her roots close to her heart and returns there often to soak up family time and the Bahamian sun.