LGBTQ+Math Day

Intro

Welcome to LGBTQ+Math Day, 2021. The event is aimed at LGBTQ+ mathematicians, students, and post-docs in the mathematical sciences, and their allies. Building on the success of the inaugural LGBTQ+Math Day, 2020, which reached the maximum 500 registrations, the day will be hosted on-line by the Fields Institute on November 18, which is LGBTQ+ STEM Day. The event is free and you can register for the event.

The day will showcase state-of-the-art mathematics conducted by LGBTQ+ mathematicians, presented in an accessible way to non-specialists. Speakers will also describe their journey navigating their academic careers as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Participants will come away inspired and learn strategies for building meaningful allyships with members of the LGBTQ+ community in mathematics.

Speakers & Panel

We will have four speakers followed by a panel. Talks are a half hour with time afterwards for questions, and begin at 1 pm EST/EDT. The panel discussion is 45 minutes and begins at 4 pm.

The schedule of talks is:

Opening remarks

Mohamed Omar, 1 - 1:30 pm

Becca Thomases, 1:45 - 2:15 pm

Seppo Niemi-Colvin, 2:30 - 3 pm

Amanda Folsom, 3:15 - 3:45 pm

Panel discussion: 4 - 4:45 pm

Speakers and abstracts

Amanda Folsom

Abstract: Some definitions of the word symmetry include "correct or pleasing proportion of the parts of a thing," "balanced proportions," and "the property of remaining invariant under certain changes, as of orientation in space." One might think of snowflakes, butterflies, and our own faces as naturally symmetric objects - or at least close to it. Mathematically one can also conjure up many symmetric objects: even and odd functions, fractals, certain matrices, and modular forms, a type of symmetric complex function. All of these things, mathematical or natural, arguably exhibit a kind of beauty in their symmetries, so would they lose some of their innate beauty if their symmetries were altered? Alternatively, could some measure of beauty be gained with some symmetric imperfections? In this talk, we will explore these questions guided by the topic of modular forms and their variants. What can be gained by perturbing modular symmetries in particular?

Seppo Niemi-Colvin

Mohamed Omar

Abstract: Chicken McNuggets used to come in 9 and 20 packs. It turns out that for any N greater than 151, you can find a way to buy exactly N McNuggets using 9 and 20 packs, but one can't buy exactly 151 McNuggets in this way. What if we generalized 9 and 20 to a set of integers n₁,n₂, ... ,n_k instead, and asked for the numbers that can be achieved as positive integer combinations of them? Questions like this have rich answers that surprisingly lie at the confluence of fourier analysis, algebraic combinatorics, and numerical semigroups.

Abstract:

Becca Thomases

Abstract: Non-Newtonian or complex fluids describe a wide class of materials from biological fluids like mucus and blood to everyday household products like shampoo and paint. There are many problems in physics and biology where understanding motion of (or in) complex fluids is essential for understanding natural phenomena. Tools from mathematical analysis and computational simulations can shed light on these complex problems that are significant in many biological, environmental, and industrial applications. I will describe some recent work on modeling micro-organism swimming in viscoelastic fluids, and understanding the mechanisms that lead to speed changes in complex fluids.

Panelists

Catherine Cannizzo

Tyler Kelly

Evelyn Lamb

Andrés R. Vindas Meléndez

Katrin Wehrheim

Venue

Talks and the panel will be hosted online by the Fields Institute. A schedule is available under the header Speakers & Panel. Register here.

Organization

Chairs: Anthony Bonato (Ryerson University), Juliette Bruce (University of California, Berkeley), Ron Buckmire (Occidental College)

Sponsor: The Fields Institute

Code of Conduct

LGBTQ+Math Day aims to create an inclusive and memorable conference experience for all attendees.

We do not tolerate harassment of attendees, staff, speakers, or panelists in any way at any time. We are dedicated to a harassment-free environment for all participants regardless of gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or religion. All participants should behave in a constructive, positive, and professional manner at all times during the conference. Sexual, racist, and discriminatory speech will not be tolerated.

Participants should contact one of the co-chairs if they experience discrimination, harassment, or need help/support in other ways. We reserve the right to remove participants from the current and any future events if they violate these guidelines.

Thank you for helping make LGBTQ+Math Day a friendly, welcoming, and inclusive event.

Elements

i = 0;

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    i++;
}

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