Graduate Student Seminars

COSAM Departments Mathematics & Statistics Research Seminars Graduate Student Seminar



Upcoming Graduate Student Seminar Seminars
DMS Graduate Student Seminar
Sep 24, 2025 03:00 PM
354 Parker Hall


luke

Speaker: Dr. Luke Oeding (Auburn University)

 

Abstract: Entanglement is a resource that is crucial for the so-called quantum advantage promised by quantum computing. How can algebra help us to understand quantum entanglement?  I’ll explain our recent work that combines algebra and optimization to find new instances of maximally entangled states. 

This is based on joint work with my recent PhD student, Ian Tan, who’s now working as a Postdoc at Charles University in Prague. 

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Past Graduate Student Seminar Seminars
DMS Graduate Student Seminar
Sep 17, 2025 03:00 PM
354 Parker Hall


cobb
 
Speaker: Dr. John Cobb 
 
Title: Algebraic Geometry and Its Applications

 
Abstract: I will give an overview of (some of) the sorts of things people think about in algebraic geometry, focusing on applications to other fields of math and the sciences. I will give an overview of several different threads of research, highlighting work by your resident Auburn algebraists and geometers. This will be light on details and contain approximately a million pictures. Maybe even an animation.
DMS Graduate Student Seminar
Sep 10, 2025 03:00 PM
Parker Hall 354


James Scott

Speaker: Dr. James Scott (Auburn University)

Title: New Horizons in Nonlocal Modeling

 

Abstract: In recent years, continuum models that incorporate nonlocal effects have seen greatly increased use. They have been applied in many areas, including diffusion modeling, image processing, and mechanics. These models are characterized by partial integro-differential equations; that is, in place of partial derivatives, integral operators that act on difference quotients of multi-variable functions are used. In this talk, we will introduce some of these nonlocal models and discuss recent contributions to their mathematically rigorous underpinning across several different contexts. Such contributions include the well-posedness and regularity of nonlocal equations, the robust nature of their discretizations, rigorous characterizations of long-range and other phenomena captured by the equations, and the consistency of nonlocal models with classical models in suitable asymptotic regimes. The contexts include continuum mechanics, semi-supervised learning, fractional PDEs, and coupled local-nonlocal equations. We will conclude with a presentation of some unanswered questions.

DMS Graduate Student Seminar
Sep 03, 2025 03:00 PM
354 Parker Hall


lechen
 
Speaker: Dr. Le Chen
 
Title: How do surfaces grow?
 
Abstract: How do surfaces grow, and why do so many look statistically alike? This talk connects intuitive simulations with modern probability to explore surface growth and universality. We begin with a CLT refresher as a baseline for randomness, then show why it fails for growing interfaces: local interactions and spatial-temporal dependencies break independence. Using Tetris-like ballistic deposition (sticky and non-sticky) as model systems, we compare simulated interfaces and empirical fluctuation scaling, and discuss their relation to the KPZ universality class. We then highlight experimental evidence from thin-film growth where universal scaling emerges in real materials. Along the way, we emphasize what "universality" means, how scaling exponents organize phenomena, and where open questions remain—such as identifying non-KPZ behaviors. The goal is a concrete, visual understanding of stochastic growth, bridging simulations, data, and theory.  
DMS Graduate Student Seminar
Aug 27, 2025 03:00 PM
354 Parker Hall


Please note the change of location: Parker Hall 354
 
molinari
 
Speaker: Dr. Rob Molinari 

Title: More of Less: A Rashomon Algorithm for Sparse Model Sets

Abstract: The current paradigm of machine learning consists in finding a single best model to deliver predictions and, if possible, interpretations for a specific problem. This paradigm has however been strongly challenged in recent years through the study of the “Rashomon Effect” which was coined initially by Leo Breiman. This phenomenon occurs when there exist many good predictive models for a given dataset/problem, with considerable practical implications in terms of interpretation, usability, variable importance, replicability and many others. The set of models (within a specific class of functions) which respect this definition is referred to as the “Rashomon set” and an important amount of recent work has been focused on ways of finding these sets as well as studying their properties. Developed in parallel to current research on the Rashomon Effect and motivated by sparse latent representations for high-dimensional problems, we present a heuristic procedure that aims to find sets of sparse models with good predictive power through a greedy forward-search that explores the low-dimensional variable space. Throughout this algorithm, good low-dimensional models identified from the previous steps are used to build models with more variables in the following steps. While preserving almost-equal performance with respect to a single reference model in a given class (i.e., a Rashomon set), the sparse model sets from this algorithm include diverse models which can be combined into networks that deliver additional layers of interpretation and new insights into how variable combinations can explain the Rashomon Effect.

 

DMS Graduate Student Seminar
Apr 23, 2025 03:00 PM
ACLC 010


phuong
 
Speaker: Dr. Phuong Hoang (Auburn University)
 
Title: Domain decomposition-based exponential time differencing methods for stiff evolution problems
 
 
Abstract: Exponential integrators, among them the Exponential Time Differencing (ETD) methods, have been widely used for solving stiff, nonlinear equations due to their accuracy, stability and ability of maintaining exponential behavior. The cost of these methods is dominated by the computing of matrix exponentials and their products with vectors. In this talk, we will use domain decomposition methods to enhance the efficiency (in terms of computational cost) of ETD schemes. In particular, we will present localized ETD Runge-Kutta schemes for the rotating shallow water equations and discuss their numerical performance compared to the explicit Runge-Kutta or strong stability preserving Runge-Kutta (SSP-RK) algorithms.
DMS Graduate Student Seminar
Apr 02, 2025 03:00 PM
010 ACLC


melinda          elvan

Speakers: Melinda Lanius and Elvan Ceyhan (Auburn University)

Title: Mute your mic if you need to cry! Exploring qualitative approaches to data analysis through a study of undergraduates' emergency remote learning experiences. 

 

Abstract: Mathematics Discipline-Based Education Research (Math-DBER) is an interdisciplinary research area that utilizes the fields of Mathematics, Data Science, and Education to investigate the teaching and learning of mathematics. In this interactive talk, we will explore approaches to qualitative data analysis through a study of undergraduates' emergency remote learning experiences. We will employ a by-hand technique called qualitative coding (an education researcher's approach) to a data set and then compare our results to a text analysis (data scientist's approach). 

 

DMS Graduate Student Seminar
Mar 26, 2025 03:00 PM
010 ACLC


songling
 
Speaker: Dr. Songling Shan (Auburn University)
 
Title: Some Conjectures in Edge Coloring and Its Variations

 

Abstract: Let \(G\) be a graph. An edge coloring of \(G\) is an assignment of colors to the edges of \(G\) such that no two adjacent edges share the same color. In this talk, we will explore problems and conjectures related to edge colorings of graphs, as well as several conjectures concerning variations of edge colorings. 

 

DMS Graduate Student Seminar
Nov 20, 2024 03:00 PM
010 ACLC


 
hassan
 
Speaker: Zulaihat Hassan 
 
Title: Global Existence and long time behavior of classical solutions to chemotaxis models with consumption on \(\mathbb{R}^N\).
 
 
Abstract: Chemotaxis refers to the directed movement of particles in response to chemical stimuli in their environment. In this talk, we will introduce chemotaxis models with consumption and discuss the global existence and asymptotic behavior of classical solutions to these models. Additionally, we will present numerical simulations demonstrating how chemotaxis sensitivity influences the spreading speed of biological species.  
 
This is a joint work with Dr. Wenxian Shen and Dr. Yuming Paul Zhang.
DMS Graduate Student Seminar
Nov 13, 2024 03:00 PM
010 ACLC


lanius

Dr. Melinda Lanius will lead a panel discussion on Teaching & Scholarship at Teaching-Focused Institutions.

 

The following are the panelists.

 
Dr. Nicole Sullivant of Central New Mexico Community College representing community colleges. 
 
Dr. Brittni Akins (née Hall) of Berry College representing liberal arts colleges. 
 
Dr. Stephanie Shepherd of Auburn University (discussing work experience at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg) representing state-funded primarily undergraduate institutions. 
DMS Graduate Student Seminar
Nov 06, 2024 03:00 PM
010 ACLC


gaubatz
 
Speaker: Nicholas Gaubatz
 
Title: The usefulness of computer programming in graduate school

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