The Mathematics Department and its students invite the PPSC community to attend its bi-annual Mathematics Colloquium on Friday, Apr. 12 from 11:30 a.m.−3:30 p.m. at the Rampart Range Campus in rooms W101 and W102.
In its seventh year, the event has quadrupled since its beginnings in 2017. And Jen Holmes, Mathematics Professor and Colloquium Committee member hopes this year will continue the trend. She says, “the impact of the Mathematics Colloquium on ALL students at Pikes Peak State College is inspiring and heartwarming to say the least.
Our colloquium has become a significant platform for students to publicly showcase their learnings, providing them with an opportunity to research topics beyond their current coursework.”
This semester, Holmes has worked alongside mathematics professors Bill Kuhn, Ivana Seligova, Krystal Miller, and Pam du Maine with the administrative support of Crystal Ritter to organize a day of presentations and engaging activities for the mathematics enthusiast.
This semester’s schedule includes a keynote presentation from UCCS Professor of Mathematics Dr. Greg Oman and former PPSC student Jeff “JJ” Calhoun, internship information, and a lively KAHOOT competition with prizes. PPSC Professors will also be in attendance.
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Our colloquium has become a significant platform for students to publicly showcase their learnings, providing them with an opportunity to research topics beyond their current coursework.
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In Dr. Oman’s talk, he plans to challenge the viewpoint that “mathematics is often seen as a fairly dry discipline consisting primarily of rote application of formulas to solve computational problems,” he says. Oman earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in mathematics from The Ohio State University between 1998-2006. His research interests include Ring Theory, Abelian Group Theory, Set Theory, Semigroup Theory, and Problem Posing.
Former PPSC (PPCC) student Jeff “JJ” Calhoun has also been invited to speak. Upon graduation in 2013-2014, Calhoun received a full-ride scholarship from Colorado College where he completed his bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He is currently teaching in Boulder, CO and volunteering at the Boulder County Jail as a mentor for the Prison Mathematics Project.
It’s a good opportunity for students to connect with others and hear from experts in the field. “The event also serves as a valuable networking opportunity, allowing students to connect with peers not enrolled in their current courses. Students learning from and leaning on each other, what could be better than that?” says Holmes.
Colloquium Tentative Agenda:
11:30 – 11:55: Colloquium Gathering, participants can enjoy pizza & beverages (W102)
12:00 – 12:05: Opening Remarks – Bill Kuhn, PPSC Mathematics Professor (W101)
12:05 – 12:35: Keynote Speaker – Dr. Greg Oman, UCCS Professor of Mathematics, “What is Mathematics About?” (W101)
12:35 – 12:50: Former Student Presentation – Jeff “JJ” Calhoun, Mathematics degree from Colorado College & current math teacher in Boulder, Co.
12:50-1:00: Engineering Program & Internship Information – McKenna Lovejoy, PhD., PPSC Engineering Professor & Chair
1:00 – 3:00: Student Presentation Breakout Sessions (assigned rooms)
3:00 – 3:20: Kahoot! Quiz & Award Giveaway, Jen Holmes, PPSC Mathematics Professor (W101)
3:25 – 3:30: Closing Remarks, Bill Kuhn (W101)
