Welcome to the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) Events Calendar! Here, you will find a comprehensive listing of all the upcoming events and activities happening within our community. The CSM calendar is designed to keep you informed about the latest opportunities to learn, connect, and grow in your science and math education and career.
November 2024
Speaker: Ben Hoffman, University of Georgia/Kennesaw State University
Title: “A Novel Effector for Casein Kinase Signaling in the African Trypanosome”
The Molecular Biosciences Interdisciplinary Group (MBIG) seminar series highlights work done on a broad range of science such as neurodevelopment, gene regulation, and cancer by scientists using biological approaches that utilize biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, and genetics. Guest speakers come from local, regional, and national universities to share their research work. The MBIG seminar will take place in-person on Fridays from 12:30 – 1:30 pm in the English Building, room EB 102. All faculty, staff, students, and alumni are invited to attend.
Speaker: Yatin Kalki, Founder and CEO at Ecophis Wildlife
Title: “Wildlife ecotourism”
Abstract: Yatin is an accomplished field biologist and herpetologist, and he earned his BS Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from the University of Illinois and his MS Integrative Biology here at Kennesaw State University, where he studied the genetic basis of alternative reproductive tactics in Eurycea salamanders. However, Yatin is joining us this week to talk about his success in launching an ecotourism business in his home country of India. At Ecophis Wildlife, Yatin and his colleagues create and lead customized wildlife tours to bring clients closer to nature and support conservation and research initiatives. In his talk, Yatin provides an overview of this industry and tips to students who may pursue a career in the field.
The Ecology, Evolution, Behavior, & Organismal Biology (EEBOB) seminar series focuses on biological topics at whole-organism and higher scales of organization. Guest speakers come from universities, governmental agencies, NGOs, zoos, museums, and other institutions.
This seminar series consists of a pre-recorded seminar, which will be posted to a playlist at the beginning of each week, and a live, virtual Q&A session with the speaker. All are welcome to attend! For access to the live Q&A session, interested attendees can email Dr. Todd Pierson to be granted access. The live Q&A session will be held each Thursday @ 9:30 AM.
Speaker: Dr. Tyler Hill
Title: “TBA”
The Molecular Biosciences Interdisciplinary Group (MBIG) seminar series highlights work done on a broad range of science such as neurodevelopment, gene regulation, and cancer by scientists using biological approaches that utilize biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, and genetics. Guest speakers come from local, regional, and national universities to share their research work. The MBIG seminar will take place in-person on Fridays from 12:30 – 1:30 pm in the English Building, room EB 102. All faculty, staff, students, and alumni are invited to attend.
Speaker: Dr. Chris Chong, Bowdoin College
Title: “A new kind of breathing solution in time-varying media”
Abstract: Systems whose physical properties change in time have gained significant recent attention in many scientific fields. In this talk, a time-varying system in the realm of pressure waves will be examined. It will be shown that a new kind of solution structure exists: one that is localized in the time domain and periodic in the spatial domain. This solution is a direct counterpart of the famous “breather” solution, which is localized in space and periodic in time (in other words, the role of space and time have been switched). Numerical simulations, experiments and rigorous analysis will be brought together to study this novel solution within the emerging area of time varying media.
The KSU Mathematics Colloquium is a seminar series that brings in researchers from other universities to present results on all areas of Mathematics. The talks are targeted at general audiences of students and professors.
This seminar will be held in person and virtually.
Dial-In Instructions
Stream Link
Passcode: Snxb8g
The William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition is a yearly math contest for undergraduate students around the United States. The competition is always held on the first Saturday of December; this year, it is on Saturday, December 7th. KSU students will be able to participate in person on the Marietta campus.
If you are interested in participating in the competition or attending any of the practice sessions, please visit the website or email Dr. Mikhail Lavrov.
The Putnam competition is a very intense experience. To help you feel more prepared for it, and/or to help you decide if you want to participate, Dr. Lavrov will be holding several (much less intense) Putnam practices throughout the fall semester. No prior math competition experience is required. Familiarity with proof-writing (for example, via Math 2390: Introduction to Logic, Sets, and Proofs) is encouraged, but one of my goals with the practice sessions is to give you some extracurricular practice in proof-writing.
As far as being prepared for the Putnam itself, by far the most important prerequisite is becoming comfortable with creative problem-solving: a skill that will serve you well in any field. The problems in the competition cover a variety of mathematical topics, but none of them are routine exercises; to solve them, you will have to explore, try things that don't work, develop insights, and turn those insights into rigorous arguments.
Speaker: Rik Westdorp, Leiden University
Title: “Stochastic Soliton Dynamics in the Korteweg-De Vries Equation with Multiplicative”
Abstract: In recent years, stochastic traveling waves have become a major area of interest in the field of stochastic PDEs. Various approaches have been introduced to study the effects of noise on traveling waves, mainly in the setting of Reaction-Diffusion equations. Of particular interest is the notion of a stochastic wave position and its dynamics. This talk focuses on solitary waves in the Korteweg-de Vries equation. Due to a scaling symmetry, this dispersive PDE supports a solitary wave family of various amplitudes and velocities. We introduce stochastic processes that track the amplitude and position of solitons under the influence of multiplicative noise over long time-scales. Our method is based on a rescaled frame and stability properties of the solitary waves. We formula expansions for the stochastic soliton amplitude and position, and compare their leading-order dynamics with numerical simulations. This is joint work with Prof. H. J. Hupkes.
The Analysis and Applied Mathematics (AAM) Seminar is intended for Kennesaw State faculty working in the various areas of analysis and applied mathematics to get together to discuss their current work or related questions. Seminars often involve advanced mathematical knowledge. However, the seminars are open to anyone interested in attending.
This seminar will be held in person and virtually.
DIAL-IN INFORMATION
Stream Link
Passcode: iAFx0D
Speaker: Patricia Commins, University of Minnesota
Title: “Algebraic structures arising from hyperplane arrangements”
Abstract: A hyperplane arrangement is a collection of (n-1)-dimensional subspaces of n-dimensional Euclidean space. The hyperplanes subdivide the ambient space into faces. These faces turn out to have an multiplicative structure that is well-studied for its connections to probability (Markov chains) and algebraic combinatorics. In this talk, we will introduce faces of hyperplane arrangements and their applications, with a special focus on the “braid” hyperplane arrangement. We will then explore the extra algebraic structures one obtains by acting on the faces of the braid arrangement by the symmetric group, and finish with some of my recent work in this area.
The Discrete Math Seminar (DMS) is intended for Kennesaw State faculty working in the various areas of algebra, number theory, and discrete mathematics to get together to discuss their current work or related questions. Seminars often involve advanced mathematical knowledge. However, the seminars are open to anyone interested in attending. This talk will take place virtually.
Dial-In Information
Stream Link
Join us on Nov. 13 at the Sports Recreation and Activity Center, Room 1090, for a relaxing evening of yoga.
This event is open to all experience levels.
📅 Date: Nov. 13
📍 Location: Sports Recreation and Activity Center, Room 1090
🕖 Time: 5-6 p.m.
Space is limited, but there is a waiting list. If after you register you find that you cannot attend, please cancel your reservation or email Shana Hill at shill193@kennesaw.edu.
Click HERE to register.
Speaker: Dr. Ana María Bedoya, Curator at the New York Botanical Garden
Title: “Botany and geogenomics: formulating geological hypotheses with plant genomic data”
Abstract: Dr. Ana María Bedoya is an Assistant Curator at the New York Botanical Garden and an Adjunct Professor at The City University of New York; before beginning these roles, she earned her undergraduate and master's degrees from the Universidad de los Andes in Colombia, earned her PhD from the University of Washington, and worked as a postdoc at Louisiana State University. Dr. Bedoya's research is focused on using plants to understand geological and biological evolution, and much of her work involves "extreme botany"—collecting bizarre, aquatic plants from fast-flowing rivers. In her presentation, Dr. Bedoya gives a great overview of botanical fieldwork, specimen-based research in museums and botanical gardens, and the use of genomic data to solve evolutionary mysteries.
The Ecology, Evolution, Behavior, & Organismal Biology (EEBOB) seminar series focuses on biological topics at whole-organism and higher scales of organization. Guest speakers come from universities, governmental agencies, NGOs, zoos, museums, and other institutions.
This seminar series consists of a pre-recorded seminar, which will be posted to a playlist at the beginning of each week, and a live, virtual Q&A session with the speaker. All are welcome to attend! For access to the live Q&A session, interested attendees can email Dr. Todd Pierson to be granted access. The live Q&A session will be held each Thursday @ 9:30 AM.
Speaker: Dr. Wendy Aquino Nunez
Title: “TBA”
The Molecular Biosciences Interdisciplinary Group (MBIG) seminar series highlights work done on a broad range of science such as neurodevelopment, gene regulation, and cancer by scientists using biological approaches that utilize biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, and genetics. Guest speakers come from local, regional, and national universities to share their research work. The MBIG seminar will take place in-person on Fridays from 12:30 – 1:30 pm in the English Building, room EB 102. All faculty, staff, students, and alumni are invited to attend.
The William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition is a yearly math contest for undergraduate students around the United States. The competition is always held on the first Saturday of December; this year, it is on Saturday, December 7th. KSU students will be able to participate in person on the Marietta campus.
If you are interested in participating in the competition or attending any of the practice sessions, please visit the website or email Dr. Mikhail Lavrov.
The Putnam competition is a very intense experience. To help you feel more prepared for it, and/or to help you decide if you want to participate, Dr. Lavrov will be holding several (much less intense) Putnam practices throughout the fall semester. No prior math competition experience is required. Familiarity with proof-writing (for example, via Math 2390: Introduction to Logic, Sets, and Proofs) is encouraged, but one of my goals with the practice sessions is to give you some extracurricular practice in proof-writing.
As far as being prepared for the Putnam itself, by far the most important prerequisite is becoming comfortable with creative problem-solving: a skill that will serve you well in any field. The problems in the competition cover a variety of mathematical topics, but none of them are routine exercises; to solve them, you will have to explore, try things that don't work, develop insights, and turn those insights into rigorous arguments.
The Symposium of Student Scholars is designed to showcase student research. The Fall Edition takes place each fall semester on the Marietta Campus.
The College of Science and Mathematics has been allotted a 50-minute timeslot with CCSE and WCHHS to showcase student oral presentations. Visit the program for more details and abstracts.
Please come support your undergraduate researchers!
Speaker: Dr. Thialita M. Nascimento, Iowa State
Title: “Geometric estimates in Degenerate/Singular elliptic equations.”
Abstract: We obtain higher order regularity estimates for degenerate/singular elliptic equations in regions where the behavior of the solution is initially unknown. This is achieved via a geometric approach which is rooted in free boundary problems techniques.
The Analysis and Applied Mathematics (AAM) Seminar is intended for Kennesaw State faculty working in the various areas of analysis and applied mathematics to get together to discuss their current work or related questions. Seminars often involve advanced mathematical knowledge. However, the seminars are open to anyone interested in attending.
This seminar will be held virtually.
DIAL-IN INFORMATION
Stream Link
Passcode: 9AzS7R
The Symposium of Student Scholars is designed to showcase student research. The Fall Edition takes place each fall semester on the Marietta Campus.
Poster presentations are held in 45-min timeslots, with up to 50 posters per session, throughout the day. Visit the program for more details and abstracts.
Please come support your undergraduate researchers!
The Symposium of Student Scholars is designed to showcase student research. Virtual presentations of all types are held via Microsoft Teams to accommodate more schedules.
The schedule, with each TEAMS link, can be found in the program. The CSM presentation link can be found here.
Please come support your undergraduate researchers!
December 2024
Join the Open Math Lab faculty and staff to study for the Calculus I Final Exam!
Snacks will be provided; we hope to see you there!
Join the Open Math Lab faculty and staff to study for the Calculus I Final Exam!
Snacks will be provided; we hope to see you there!
CSM students — it's time to pick up your prize for participating in EngageCSM activities! Check your KSU email or Suitable app notifications to see if you've won!
Curious about EngageCSM and our prizes? Stop by to learn more!
Please join the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry on Wednesday, December 4 at 1pm in CL 1009 for a thesis defense by Samuel T. Moore, Master of Science in Chemical Sciences (MSCB) candidate.
Title: Design, Synthesis, and NMR-Guided Characterization of a Targeted Covalent Inhibitor-Like Molecule Against Ivyp1 from P. aeruginosa
Abstract: Multi-drug resistance poses a serious threat to future generations and historical antibiotic pipelines; consequently, the medical and economic burdens associated with treating multidrug-resistant bacteria are substantiated. In this context, P. aeruginosa (PA) emerges as one of the most significant healthcare challenges, being a leading cause of resistance-associated mortality worldwide. Despite modern efforts to combat these poor outcomes, drug-resistant cases continue to rise, and the need for novel antibiotic treatment is apparent. To this end, we investigated relevant resistance mechanisms and past antibiotic targets within PA, and in doing so, we identified relationships between peptidoglycan biology and a periplasmic protein, Inhibitor of Vertebrate Lysozyme (Ivyp1). Following this connection and previous reports, we formulated a drug discovery campaign to satisfy the need for novel antibiotics in PA. Our hypothesis poses that drug-based inhibition of Ivyp1 will perturb peptidoglycan biology in P. aeruginosa, rendering PA susceptible to combinatorial antibiotic treatments. Here, we report the rational design and synthesis of three targeted covalent inhibitor-like molecules (compounds 3a-3c) against Ivyp1. Specifically, our scaffold makes use of a non-covalent driving group, aliphatic linkers, and a rhenium(I)-based warhead to direct covalent modification at a biologically relevant site. NMR-guided characterizations of synthetic intermediates (compounds 1a-1c) with Ivyp1 support a potential mechanism of drug-based inhibition; however, solubility issues prevented similar protein-based investigations with compounds (3a-3c), ultimately obstructing our progress. In all, this work builds the foundation for a drug discovery campaign against P. aeruginosa—in which a novel, drug-based modulator of peptidoglycan biology is discovered—while also highlighting frequent obstacles in drug and antibiotic discovery. Future experiments will expand on our synthetic results and pursue structure-activity relationships.
CSM students — it's time to pick up your prize for participating in EngageCSM activities! Check your KSU email or Suitable app notifications to see if you've won!
Curious about EngageCSM and our prizes? Stop by to learn more!
CSM Fall 2024 Commencement will be Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 10 am in the KSU Convocation Center, with ForeverOwl to follow on the Green.
January 2025
February 2025
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April 2025
May 2025
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October 2025