Coffee Time
Coffee Time is a series of presentations geared toward students and designed to engage students and faculty in discussions of mathematical and statistical topics. Talks in the series are generally brief in order to allow time for questions and conversations afterward. Coffee and snacks are available before each presentation.
For more information, please e-mail Dr. Lisa Kay at lisa.kay@eku.edu.
Department of Mathematics and Statistics Coffee Time Series
Spring 2018
Dr. Shane Redmond
Eastern Kentucky University
Geometry and Gerrymandering
April 24, 2018 @ 5:00 p.m., Wallace 149
Abstract:
Gerrymandering is manipulating the way political maps are drawn in order to favor one party or group over another. This is often done by drawing bizarrely shaped voting districts. But what does it mean to be “bizarrely shaped”? This talk will examine some simple mathematical ways to analyze how districts are drawn, including the Polsby-Popper method, the Reock method, and the convex hull method. We will discuss how these methods were used in the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court case that resulted in the state redrawing its congressional map last February.
The mathematics discussed during this talk is fairly basic and accessible to anyone.
Dr. Buz Buskirk
Eastern Kentucky University
Slide Rules: What They Are and How to Use Them
March 29, 2018 @ 2:00 p.m., Wallace 344
Abstract:
Learn how to work the analog calculator that was used by
- Astronauts on Apollo moon missions.
- Engineers of almost every bridge, skyscraper, aircraft, and dam builts before 1970.
- Almost all math, science, and engineering students through the 1970s.
- Loadmaster on Cold-War and WWII USAF and USN aircraft.
See some Cold War slide rules, U.S. and Soviet. I will provide some actual classroom rules for students to practice on. Nothing says, "I'm a geek and proud of it," like a slide rule.
Dr. Joseph D. Fehribach
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Kirchhoff Graphs and Chemistry
February 27, 2018 @ 5:00 p.m., Wallace 446
Abstract:
How can someone graphically display a network of chemical reactions? One answer is a Kirchhoff graph. Kirchhoff graphs can be used as circuit diagrams for chemical reaction networks. This talk will explain how this is done, as well as discussing the basic mathematical properties of Kirchhoff graphs. It should be accessible to students currently taking second-year undergrad mathematics courses; no particular background in chemistry is assumed. The last 10-15 minutes of the talk will discuss the WPI graduate mathematical sciences programs.
Fall 2017
Dr. Shane Redmond
Eastern Kentucky University
Gerrymandering, Math, and the Supreme Court
November 17, 2017 @ 2:30 p.m., Wallace 446
Abstract:
Gerrymandering, the practice of drawing voting districts in a way that favors one party or interest group, has been in the news quite a bit lately and was the subject of a Supreme Court case last month. We’ll briefly discuss what Gerrymandering is and look at some examples. Then, we’ll examine three mathematical measures associated with Gerrymandering: the efficiency gap, partisan symmetry, and the “winner’s bonus.” This talk has lots of examples and only a few minutes of deep mathematics, so it should be accessible to almost anyone.
Sierra Chugg, Dalton Hopper, Claire Crouch, Zachary Morgan, & Jenna Johnson
Eastern Kentucky University
Student Panel: Academic Enrichment Activities
October 9, 2017
Abstract:
Looking for applied activities or research opportunities to complement your academic experience? Searching for something exciting to do next summer? Come and talk to our panel members about their experiences with internships and summer programs.
Dr. George Cobb, Professor Emeritus of Statistics
Mount Holyoke
Why look for an antiderivative when your laptop can just play Monopoly?Markov Chain Monte Carlo as the second revolution in the 2500-year history of calculus
September 22, 2017
Abstract:
The ideas of calculus go back 2500 years, to the paradoxes Zeno of Elea, to Pythagoras and Euclid, and to Archimedes. How to put their ideas to work has a much shorter history. Over the thousands of years since Zeno, there have been just two big breakthroughs, both computational. You know the first: In the late 1600s, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus made it possible for scientists to compute definite integrals (area, distance traveled, etc.) by finding antiderivatives. Newton used this calculus to derive Kepler’s three laws of planetary motion from the single law of gravitation. His use of calculus opened the door to what we now call The Enlightenment
You may not know the second breakthrough: In the 1940s a chance-based method, now known as Markov Chain Monte Carlo, or MCMC, made it possible for scientists to compute integrals that had defeated old approaches. Even with electronic computers, those old approaches sagged and buckled under the burden of new scientific challenges. If you have tens of thousands of unknowns, Newton’s calculus collapses. MCMC was the second revolution in the history of the integral.
If you have taken first-semester calculus you know what an integral is. If you have played Monopoly you know what a Markov chain is. My goal in this talk is to invite you to figure out how modern science depends on putting these two powerful ideas together.
(I assume you have taken a one-semester course in calculus.)
Spring 2017
Dr. Pat Costello
Eastern Kentucky University
A Few of My Favorite Things
April 28, 2017
Abstract:
In this talk, some of my favorite natural numbers, their definitions, their sizes, and their properties will be discussed. Even a proof that all natural numbers are inherently interesting will be given. In 1959, Disney and Donald Duck helped to popularize some of the numbers mentioned. A few EKU students have done some excellent research on a several of the different types of numbers. Their results will be mentioned.
Jason Rollins
Eastern Kentucky University
Minesweeper—NP or Not NP? That Is the Question
March 29, 2017
Abstract:
In his paper, "Minesweeper is NP-Complete" (Math. Intelligencer, 22(2):9-15, 2000), Richard Kaye proved that the game Minesweeper is in the computational complexity class NP-Complete. He did so by basically showing that it is possible to build a computer out of Minesweeper board configurations. In this presentation, I will show both how he was able to accomplish this task as well as how I was able to use his research to build a full adder circuit capable of performing addition on two 1-bit numbers.
Dr. Rachel Bishop-Ross, Dr. Jason Gibson, Dr. Jeff Neugebauer, & Dr. Michelle Smith
Eastern Kentucky University
Graduate School Panel
February 27, 2017
Abstract:
Considering going to graduate school? Come and talk to our panel members about their experiences with graduate school. Get advice about how to choose a school and how to make your applications look good. Join us for this unique Coffee Time presentation!
Fall 2016
Dr. Shane Redmond, Dr. Patti Costello, & Dr. Lisa Kay
Eastern Kentucky University
The Modern Master’s Degree in Mathematics: What Does It Look Like?
November 11, 2016
Abstract:
Inspired by regular reports on the state of undergraduate and doctoral education, the authors undertook a nationwide survey of master’s degree programs in the mathematical sciences. We believe this to be the first comprehensive study of the master’s degree in mathematics in over 100 years! The authors will share some of the highlights of their 2013 survey on the nature, practices, and composition of master’s degree programs across the United States. If you are interested in graduate school, come hear about the different types of master’s programs that are out there.
Dr. Noah Aydin
Kenyon College
The Legacy of Medieval Islamic Math and Science in the Modern World
October 7, 2016
Abstract:
Some of the most fundamental notions of modern mathematics and science are a legacy of the medieval Islamic civilization. Although current research is far from giving us a full account of their contributions, we know that this legacy includes the number system that we use today, the fields of algebra and trigonometry, the concept of algorithm, foundations of optics, the scientific method, and important works in astronomy that played a crucial role in the Copernican revolution. Yet, these contributions are generally not known, not only in the West but in the Islamic World either. In this presentation, we will highlight a sample of such contributions and briefly introduce a few of the great scientists from that period. We will also discuss some of the reasons behind the lack of awareness on this topic and the role of religion in the remarkable rise of mathematical sciences in the medieval Islamic civilization.
Nathan Russell
Eastern Kentucky University
The Mathematics of My Life and Industry
September 23, 2016
Abstract:
Sometime during the 1980s (no need for exact dates), I was born to a family with a long history in the logistics industry. I always felt like I had a strong familiar sense of the industry. It was not until I stepped into the brokerage office building that I realized how complicated it is to get something moved from point A to point B. Starting from preteen years I developed my programming skills which later inspired a love for mathematics and economics. This talk will demonstrate how I have used mathematics and computers to optimize load selections, prevent and predict diesel engine failures, identify dangerous driver behaviors, and gain a solid foothold in an industry known for breaking dreams. My personal live load board, live truck tracking data, and routing invoices will be provided to demonstrate the mathematics. Come listen! I believe you will be entertained and surprised at the technical level of the industry. Planned guests include a vice president of operations for a regional distributor and the regional manager of the northeast region for the largest refrigerated logistics company.
Spring 2016
Dr. Jeff Neugebauer
Eastern Kentucky University
Fractional Calculus
April 20, 2016
Abstract:
Fractional calculus is a generalization of ordinary differentiation and integration to arbitrary order. After some historical background is given, we will introduce the concept of fractional integrals and fractional derivatives. We will start by looking at fractional derivatives of power functions and exponential functions. Then the definitions of the Riemann-Liouville fractional integral and the Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative will be developed. Finally, some applications and different definitions of fractional derivatives will be given.
Rebecca Thiem, Dr. Michelle Smith, & Dr. Lisa Kay
Eastern Kentucky University
Do Study Halls Produce Valedictorians?
March 30, 2016
Abstract:
One of the greatest honors a graduating high school senior can receive is the title of "Valedictorian." Many students set this goal prior to high school and will forgo taking a study hall or free period in order to enroll in more weighted classes and useful electives. However, not taking a study hall may be causing these students to lose the "Number 1" ranking. This project compares prevalent methods for calculating high school GPAs and demonstrates the paradox of lowering class ranking by taking more classes. We will provide suggestions and options for school administrators to improve their ranking methods in order to ensure that the top student receives their due honor.
Dr. Benjamin Braun
University of Kentucky
Information about Applying to Graduate Programs in Mathematics
February 4, 2016
Abstract:
One goal of the mathematical community is to increase the number of students who study mathematics at all levels. However, applying to graduate school in mathematics can seem like a daunting task for many students. In this presentation I will discuss basic information about the application process and provide helpful suggestions and tips for students considering graduate school in the mathematical sciences. There will be plenty of time to discuss questions from students.
Fall 2015
Dr. Atilla Sit
Eastern Kentucky University
Geometric Buildup Algorithm with Applications to Molecular Modeling
October 27, 2015
Abstract:
When coordinates of points in 3D space are known, the distances among them can be computed using the distance formula. How about the inverse problem? If the distances are given, can we find the coordinates of the points satisfying the given distances? The latter problem is called the distance geometry problem in mathematics. It requires the solution of a system of equations, and it has applications such as protein structure determination and sensor network localization. We seek the solution of the problem using a geometric buildup algorithm. Central to this approach is the idea that the algorithm determines one point at a time, with available distances from the determined points to the undetermined ones. We present the general algorithm and review its recent development. We show the results from applying the algorithm to some problems and explain its use in protein modeling.
Dr. Kari Everett
Eastern Kentucky University
Fractal Geometry: Geometry of Nature
September 16, 2015
Abstract:
Have you ever looked around and wondered how you would describe a leaf or a tree in terms of shapes to someone who had never seen one? The geometry of nature helps us to do that. We will explore the origins of fractals and how computers revived the study of fractals. The geometry of nature is explored through applications in areas such as banking, literature, and art. Also, chaos theory and its connection to fractals will be explored with the use of spreadsheets and applets.
Spring 2015
Deanna Pelfrey, Chris Phillips, & Chris Sears
Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Somerset Community College, & Maysville Community and Technical College
Panel Presentation: Teaching Mathematics at a Community College
April 21, 2015
Abstract:
Do you think you might want to teach at a community college someday? Come and talk to our panel members about their job experiences. Join us for this unique Coffee Time presentation!
Dr. Jeff Neugebauer
Eastern Kentucky University
An Introduction to Time Scales
March 11, 2015
Abstract:
In this talk, we will introduce the field of time scales, a field that was developed to unify integral and differential calculus with the calculus of finite differences. Key concepts of time scales calculus, including the forward jump, backward jump, graininess, derivative, and integral operators will be defined. Many examples and applications will be discussed. Bring a pencil and paper to work along with the examples!
Dr. Kirk Jones
Eastern Kentucky University
Exploring Complex Power Series with Gaps
February 12, 2015
Fall 2014
Dr. Rachel Bishop-Ross, Dr. Kirk Jones, Dr. Jeff Neugebauer, Dr. Shane Redmond, Dr. Michelle Smith, & Dr. Steve Szabo
Eastern Kentucky University
Graduate School Panel
November 21, 2014
Abstract:
Considering graduate school? Come and talk to our panel members about their experiences with graduate school. Get advice about how to choose a school and how to make your applications look good. Join us for this unique Coffee Time presentation!
Dr. Guy Brock
University of Louisville
Beyond the t-test: Lessons Learned in the Life of One Humble Biostatistician
October 24, 2014
Abstract:
The world is awash with data. This talk will focus on several anecdotal lessons learned during my experiences as a collaborating biostatistician. These stories cover shortfalls of commonly applied approaches to analyzing public health/biomedical data and discuss application of more appropriate methodology in each case. Covered topics include how to compare response “curves,” the practical importance of missing data imputation, modeling response heterogeneity (and getting away with it), the need to account for trends in time series data, and how to handle mortality when considering other time-dependent outcomes.
Dr. Rachel Bishop-Ross
Eastern Kentucky University
Euler’s Theorem and Related Results
September 24, 2014
Abstract:
In this talk, Dr. Bishop-Ross will give the necessary background to understand Euler's Formula for planar graphs (V − E + F = 2), including the Handshaking Lemmas. She will give a proof of the theorem and proofs of some immediate important results. Time permitting, she will introduce vertex coloring on graphs and prove the Five Color Theorem for simple connected planar graphs.
Spring 2014
Josh Sparks
Eastern Kentucky University Alumnus
Hyperpower to the Max! An E-Z Look at Tetrations and Their Maximization
March 3, 2014
Abstract:
Just when you just felt safe with exponents . . . here comes the hyperpower. Also known as the tetration or the repeated exponent, the hyperpower takes a number, x, and forms a chain x^(x^(x^(x^ . . .) that, if extended to an infinite tower, tends to blow up pretty darn often. We will first explore a common math competition problem using this concept, and then look at graphical and calculus-based solutions to maximizing the function. From there we'll discuss the creation of Lambert's W function and the range of what values these infinite hyperpowers actually exist, overall showing that these crazy expressions are Easier than they appear!
Dr. Don Greenwell
The Odd Ball Problem and Mastermind
January 22, 2014
Abstract:
This talk will present similar solutions to two of my favorite problems: The Odd Ball Problem (aka Counterfeit Coin Problem): and the game of Mastermind. In the Odd Ball Problem, we are allowed to use a balance scale to find the odd ball among twelve balls, and determine if it is lighter or heavier than the other eleven. Mastermind is a game where one player (the codeguesser) is trying to guess the code selected by the other player (the codekeeper). The code is a sequence of four colors selected from six colors (repetitions are allowed).
We will discuss a common strategy of minimizing the worst possible outcome for each step in finding the answer, and also present solutions for each problem that uses the same steps every time (no thinking required).
Fall 2013
Nathan Russell
Eastern Kentucky University
A Few Real Abnormalities
November 18, 2013
Abstract:
Emile Borel made several contributions to mathematics in the areas of probability, measure theory, set theory, etc. This talk will focus on a particular set of numbers that have some interesting properties from a probabilistic and statistical point of view. This particular set of numbers is a subset of the irrational numbers that includes both algebraic and transcendental numbers. Defining the properties for elements in this set is fairly simple, but actually proving whether a specific number belongs to this set is nearly impossible. The interesting aspect of this research is not whether a number is a member of this set, but the circumstances where these numbers are present or not present and the inferences we can make about numbers that belong to this set. For example, it is easy to prove that the Cantor set will not contain any number belonging to this interesting set. In fact, if the conjecture posed by Borel about this set of numbers is true, then the irrationals in the Cantor set must be transcendental. So how rare are these numbers? Borel proved that nearly every real number will be an element of this set. By "nearly every" we mean that elements that are not a member of this set have Lebesgue measure zero. Should we call those elements outside the set “abnormal”? This talk will explore numbers believed to be elements of this set through the use of computer programs.
Dr. Lisa Kay
Eastern Kentucky University
This Ain’t Your Grandmother’s P-Value: Using Randomization-Based Methods to Introduce Inference
October 30, 2013
Abstract:
In order to utilize traditional inferential procedures, students must first study background material that includes a variety of topics. Randomization-based methods are more intuitive and allow students to get to the heart of inference quickly. We will explore the use of these methods via applets that perform simulations. Attendees are encouraged to bring laptops or other electronic devices on which to run the applets.
Dr. Shane Redmond
Eastern Kentucky University
How I Tried to Beat Vegas: An Exercise in the Right and Wrong Ways to Use Probability
September 23, 2013
Abstract:
Can you go to a casino and manipulate the odds so they are in your favor? Dr. Redmond talks about a strategy that appears to do just that and the trip he took to Las Vegas to test it out. Was it success or is there a better way of looking at the probabilities involved that shows the house always has the edge? Come share in a story about getting kicked out of casinos, with a little bit of simple math thrown in.
Anyone who has taken MAT 105 or any introductory statistics class should have no problem working through the strategies with us.
Spring 2013
Dr. Xiang-dong Hou
University of South Florida
Sums of Reciprocals of Polynomials Over Finite Fields
April 2, 2013
Abstract:
After a brief introduction to finite fields, we consider the sum of the reciprocals of all monic polynomials of a given degree over a finite field each raised to the power of k. When k≤q, the sum has a surprisingly simple result due to mysterious cancellations that occur in the sum. We discuss this interesting phenomenon and its connection to a deeper problem.
The talk is based on a recent paper in the MAA Monthly: K. Hicks, X. Hou, G. L. Mullen, Sums of reciprocals of polynomials over finite fields, Amer. Math. Monthly, 119 (2012), 313–317.
Dr. Steven Dougherty
The University of Scranton
Japanese Ladders and Games
February 28, 2013
Abstract:
We shall describe a visual representation of permutations as Japanese ladders and use this representation to make a series of interesting mathematical games. These games have interesting mathematical aspects but can be played by anyone. The ladders have applications to the Braid group in Topology.
Dr. Jeff Neugebauer
Eastern Kentucky University
Introduction to Fractional Calculus
January 31, 2013
Abstract:
For a suitable function f(x), anyone that has taken Calculus I is familiar with finding the nth derivative of f, f(n)(x), as long as n is an integer. Similarly, someone who has taken Calculus I could integrate a function n times. However, the concept of finding f(α)(x) or takingα integrals of a function, where α is any real number, is foreign to most. In this talk, we will introduce the idea of fractional calculus, which involves taking derivatives and integrals of arbitrary order. Unlike the standard derivative and integral, these ideas do not have a nice geometric interpretation. However, we will see that fractional calculus is a natural extension of the calculus everyone is familiar with. Some applications of fractional calculus will be given as well.
Fall 2012
Dr. Yong Wang
Eastern Kentucky University
R and Introductory Data Mining
November 12, 2012
Abstract:
R is an integrated suite of software facilities for data manipulation, calculation and graphical display. It is a choice for many statisticians for data analysis and statistical method development. It is also a good choice for data mining, which involves statistical methods to extract important patterns and trends from data.
This talk is intended to provide students with a general idea of the new course STA 580/780 offered in Spring 2013. We will introduce how the software package, R, should be put to work and conduct statistical analyses. Similarities and differences between R and some other popular statistical software, such as SAS and Minitab, will be discussed. We will also give a brief introduction of some of the concepts and methods of data mining. Students will see how we can make transitions from an applied statistical course to data mining.
Dr. Shawn Clift
Eastern Kentucky University
Twin Primes
October 25, 2012
Abstract:
The topic of the day is Twin Primes, and we will be exploring two ideas. First, how do we find twin primes? Second, how do we estimate the number of twin primes less than a given integer without actually finding all of them? We will also talk about some seemingly useless theorems for testing whether or not two numbers are twin primes.
Dr. Daniel Mundfrom & Dr. Michelle Smith
Eastern Kentucky University
The Effect of “Freebies” on Winning in Baseball
September 21, 2012
Abstract:
Former Major League Baseball player and current broadcasting personality Morgan Ensberg has developed a statistic to measure the impact of “freebies” on the outcome of a baseball game. The Morgan Ensberg Index (MEI) is a composite of walks, errors, stolen bases allowed, wild pitches, and hit batsman. This research extends the MEI to include balks, passed balls, and catcher’s interference and investigates the relationship between “freebies” and runs allowed and games won. The analyses were performed using NCAA Division I baseball statistics from the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
Spring 2012
Dr. Kirk Jones
Eastern Kentucky University
How Much Wiggle Ya Got?
The Final Coffee Time Talk of the Year
April 24, 2012
Dr. Steve Szabo
Eastern Kentucky University
An Introduction to Algebraic Coding Theory
March 28, 2012
Abstract:
A general introduction to coding theory will be presented along with a description of algebraic coding theory. Then some basic ideas of linear binary block codes will be given so that finally the double error correcting BCH code of length 15 can be presented.
Dr. Daniel Mundfrom
Eastern Kentucky University
The Game of Mousetrap: A Problem in Permutations
February 28, 2012
Abstract:
The Game of Mousetrap, first introduced in the mathematical literature by Arthur Cayley in 1857, involves permutations of k cards numbered consecutively from 1 to k. The cards are laid out in some order and the game is played by counting on the cards, beginning the count with 1. If at any time the number of the count matches the number on the card, this is called a ‘hit’ and the card is thrown out. The counting begins again with 1 on the next card and returns to the 1st card when the kth card is reached. Each time a card is ‘hit,’ the card is thrown out and the counting starts over at 1. The game continues until all cards have been hit (the player wins) or until the count reaches k with no cards having been hit (the cards win). Some examples and underlying theory will be presented.
Dr. Cheryll Crowe
Eastern Kentucky University
KenKen®
January 31, 2012
Abstract:
The popularity of Sudoku puzzles has increased dramatically in the United States over the past few years. Also gaining momentum in the mathematics and mathematics education communities is the logic puzzle, KenKen®. Originating in Japan, KenKen extends the enjoyment of Sudoku by utilizing a mixture of logical, simple arithmetic and combinatorial skills. This coffee time talk will include an overview of KenKen as well as interesting mathematical extensions of the puzzle.
Fall 2011
Dr. Shane Redmond
Eastern Kentucky University
Backgammon Quiz
December 7, 2011
Abstract:
Backgammon is a classic game that is easy to learn, but takes a lifetime to master. While luck and strategy are key elements to winning, using some elementary rules of probability can elevate your game to the next level. We'll present a "quiz" on some very basic probability problems that come up in backgammon games. A prize will be awarded to the student with the highest score on our quiz.
Dr. Pat Costello
Eastern Kentucky University
Breaking Up (Integers) Is Hard to Do, But Not for Euler
October 26, 2011
Abstract:
We will look at the partition function which gives a count of the number of ways to break up an integer into integer parts. We will then focus on restricted partitions which satisfy certain conditions. We show an amazing proof by Leonhard Euler of an equality between two such restricted partitions.
Dr. Mathew Cropper
Eastern Kentucky University
Cook’s Paradox
October 5, 2011
Abstract:
Many are familiar with Simpson’s Paradox. This talk will introduce Cook’s Paradox. This is named after Lyle Cook, who spent three days computing grades for a class of twenty-five students one term and, in the process, found an interesting math problem.
