Fourth Annual

Garden State Undergraduate Mathematics Conference

A conference for Undergraduate Mathematics Students.

March 31, 2007
Rowan University
Glassboro, New Jersey

The conference is free, and includes a
complimentary lunch, but advance registration is required

[Student Talks/Posters] [Competition] [Workshops] [Program] [Schedule] [Travel] [Organizers & Sponsors]

Keynote Address: Professor Peter Sarnak on "Primes and Orbits"

Noted number theorist, Peter Sarnak, Eugene Higgins Professor of Mathematics at Princeton University, will be our keynote speaker. Winner of the American Mathematical Society's 2005 Frank Nelson Cole Prize in Number Theory for "his fundamental contributions to number theory," Professor Sarnak is also a skilled lecturer and was the MAA's 2004 Earle Raymond Hedrick Lecturer at MathFest.

Abstract: Euler asked about primes in progressions as well as in other sequences, he also provided one of the basic tools for this study. I will review some of these and then explain some recent advances and settings, especially geometric ones associated with orbits, for seeking primes.

Student Talks and Posters Needed (Free T-shirts to Presenters!)

The conference will also include student presentations and a poster session. Each student presentation will be 15 minutes long. Students are invited to present talks or posters related to any mathematical topic they have learned. Talks and posters on material from course or research projects or from capstone courses are particularly welcome. Student presentations and posters must be registered in advance. Further details and a registration form can be found at here.

Undergraduate Mathematics Competition

Schools are invited to send three-person student teams to participate in this three-hour morning event. There will be both a group problem session where team members are allowed to collaborate as well as an individual session where students must work by themselves. The nature of the problems is modeled upon the Indiana Friendly Math Competition and is much more accessible than the Putnam Exam. The questions on the test will involve material from HS mathematics, calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, and the introductory courses that a math major would take. The emphasis of the competition will be on having fun with interesting problems that stress problem solving. Competition rules and past year's problems and solutions are available here.

Awards will be presented to winning teams from both four-year and two-year institutions and the highest scoring student in the individual section.

Workshops

There will be three workshops for students at the GSUMC. For more information on a workshop, please contact Diana Thomas.

Careers in Middle School Mathematics

There is a growing need for qualified and engaging teachers at the middle school level. This workshop will be run by several veteran middle school mathematics teachers describing everyday job responsibilities and experiences. Career option information and specialized educational opportunities will be provided for students participating in this workshop.

What is a Research Experience for Undergraduates Program (REU) and how do I participate?

Research at the undergraduate level is becoming more commonplace with many student projects originating from REU summer programs. REU coordinators for the Rutgers DIMACS program will describe the application process and how applicants are selected for their REU program. Alumni from the REU program will also share their experiences with the workshop participants. REU information for all summer programs in the United Stateswill be provided to the students participating in this workshop.

Careers in Actuarial Sciences

One of the most natural careers for a mathematics major is one in the actuarial sciences. Exam material and preparation guidelines will be provided by BPP and ACTEX, two professional education companies involved in preparing students for the actuarial exams. Actuaries from industry will be present to share their job experiences with student workshop participants.

Schedule

	8:30-9	Registration and Breakfast
	9-11:45	Undergraduate Mathematics Competition
	12-1	Complimentary Lunch
	1-1:45	Career Workshops (Three concurrent workshops)
		What is a career as an actuary like?
		What is a career as a middle school teacher like?
		What should I know about REU programs and Graduate School?
	2-2:50	Student Presentations: Talks and Posters
	3-4	Primes and Orbits, Peter Sarnak, Princeton University Presider: Aihua Li, Montclair State University
	4-4:30	Competition Results and Award Presentations

Travel

The conference will be held on the campus of Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. (Click here for directions, Google maps and a campus map). The conference will be held in Wilson Hall (to the right of "Rowan Hall" and "Rowan Pond"). There is free parking in Lot A, located to the south of Wilson Hall and Rowan Pond (see the third quadrant map of Rowan).

Organizers

The GSUMC is a function of the New Jersey section of the Mathematical Association of America. This year's conference was arranged by the following faculty members.

Conference Committee

Thomas Hagedorn, The College of New Jersey, Director
Karen Clark, The College of New Jersey
Theresa Michnowicz, NJCU
Katarzyna Potocka, Ramapo College
John Saccoman, Seton Hall University
Ben Weng, Ramapo College
Diana Thomas, Montclair State University

Local Arrangements Committee

Abdul Hassen, Rowan University, chair
Gary Itzkowitz, Rowan University
Marcus Wright, Rowan University