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## Industrial Mathematics Workshops

Industrial math modeling workshops go beyond academic exercises and school curricula, spotlighting applications of mathematics and statistics in realistic problem solving. They also provide students an opportunity to meet and collaborate with people from industry, and provide valuable experience for those interested in non-academic careers as well as those seeking new research directions.

The 2012 Industrial Math/Stat Modeling Workshop for Graduate Students (IMSM 2012), to be held July 16—24 at North Carolina State University, is one such program. It is designed to expose mathematics, engineering, and statistics students to exciting real-world problems from industrial and government laboratory research. The workshop will highlight a team approach to problem solving as participants collaborate on industrial projects presented by experienced scientists and engineers.

The deadline for applications is April 15, 2012.

For more details, go to:

## Aiding cancer therapy by mathematically modeling tumor-immune interactions

Cancer is one of the five leading causes of death. And yet, despite decades of research, there is no standardized first-line treatment for most cancers. In addition, disappointing results from predominant second-line treatments like chemotherapy have established the need for alternative methods.

Mathematical modeling of cancer usually involves describing the evolution of tumors in terms of differential equations and stochastic or agent-based models, and testing the effectiveness of various treatments within the chosen mathematical framework. Tumor progression (or regression) is evaluated by studying the dynamics of tumor cells under different treatments, such as immune therapy, chemotherapy and drug therapeutics while optimizing dosage, duration and frequencies. Read the rest of this entry »

## New SIAG officers

SIAM is pleased to announce newly-elected officers for the following SIAM activity groups. The new officers will serve terms from January 1, 2012—December 31, 2013.

SIAG on Dynamical Systems

Chair: Hans Kaper

Co-director of the NSF’s Mathematics and Climate Research Network, Dr. Kaper’s current work is focused on applying dynamical systems techniques to study the Earth’s climate system. Dr. Kaper also holds adjunct professorships at Georgetown University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His interest lies in the mathematics of physical systems, and the development of analytical and numerical methods for differential equations that describe these systems. He is a SIAM Fellow and has served on various SIAM committees. Read the rest of this entry »

## DOE Inspire website highlights science & technology careers

The Department of Energy’s Office of Science and five other agencies (DHS, NASA, VA, Department of State, and Department of Labor), in collaboration with the Partnership for Public Service, have developed a pilot website to highlight science and technology (S&T) careers in the Federal government and provide a collection of resources of interest to students and professionals considering an S&T career in public service.

As you may know, Federal agencies face many challenges in recruiting S&T talent, including: Read the rest of this entry »

## The faster-than-fast Fourier transform at SODA12

The following article, reprinted from MIT News, describes a new algorithm to improve on the fast Fourier transform, which was presented by MIT researchers at the 2012 Symposium on Discrete Algorithms organized by SIAM and co-sponsored by the Association for Computing Machinery and the SIAG on Discrete Mathematics.

The faster-than-fast Fourier transform

For a large range of practically useful cases, MIT researchers find a way to increase the speed of one of the most important algorithms in the information sciences.

Larry Hardesty, MIT News Office

The Fourier transform is one of the most fundamental concepts in the information sciences. It’s a method for representing an irregular signal — such as the voltage fluctuations in the wire that connects an MP3 player to a loudspeaker — as a combination of pure frequencies. It’s universal in signal processing, but it can also be used to compress image and audio files, solve differential equations and price stock options, among other things.

## Moving mathematics beyond the classroom: Moody’s Mega Math Challenge

M3 Challenge emphasizes the practical implications of math

Skill in mathematics has traditionally been associated with being good with numbers. This has led to the conventional wisdom that the answers—and hence, grades—tend to be more clear-cut and unforgiving in math classes, allowing less room for the flair and creativity associated with the humanities where classes are more discussion-based and imaginative.

But it’s important to recognize that math isn’t always as absolute as it seems. Outside the classroom, the practical implications of math go far beyond cracking a complicated calculus problem. Math is being used to create models for disease therapy, simulations for climate change, and frameworks for financial markets—solving real-world problems whose answers suddenly aren’t just numbers or formulas anymore, but rather the basis for making decisions about the future. Read the rest of this entry »

## The Infinite Possibilities Conference

The Infinite Possibilities Conference, a national conference designed to promote, educate, encourage, and support women of color interested in the mathematical sciences, will be held at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County on March 30–31, 2012.

The agenda includes inspiring keynote speakers, research talks and poster sessions, and panel discussions ranging from advice for graduate studies to navigating paths beyond the degree.  The day before the formal start of IPC, there will be a short course in mathematical biology funded by the MSRI collaborative diversity program and organized by the IMA.  In addition, a special component for high school attendees is planned for the Saturday of the conference. Read the rest of this entry »

## Institute for Mathematics and its Applications

Programs, Research, Short Courses, and Submission of Program Proposals

Thematic Program: The Institute for Mathematics and its Applications, located on the University of Minnesota campus, recently launched its 2011–2012 annual thematic program on the Mathematics of Information. More information about this year’s workshops and visiting opportunities is available at http://www.ima.umn.edu/2011-2012. The 2012–2013 thematic program will be on Infinite Dimensional and Stochastic Dynamical Systems and Their Applications; information about that program is available at http://www.ima.umn.edu/2012-2013. Read the rest of this entry »

## RTG Summer School on Inverse Problems and Partial Differential Equations

July 2–20, 2012
University of Washington, Seattle

The Research Training Group in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Washington will host a summer school for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students on inverse problems and partial differential equations. Students will attend lectures in the morning and problem sessions in small groups with mentors in the afternoon. On-campus accommodation and meals will be provided, plus a travel allowance of up to $600. The Summer School is supported by an NSF Research Training Grant. Support is restricted to U.S. citizens/permanent residents; international students can be considered but would have to pay all their own expenses. Read the rest of this entry » ## Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences International Graduate Training Centre in Mathematical Biology The PIMS International Graduate Training Centre in Mathematical Biology invites applicants for the IGTC fellowship for the 2012–2013 academic year. Fellowships are worth up to$10K a year and are for students working in mathematical biology at PIMS universities (Alberta, British Columbia, Calgary, Regina, Saskatchewan, Simon Fraser, and Victoria).

Faculty members who know students who have demonstrated excellence and who are currently applying to or already enrolled in PIMS graduate programmes are urged to encourage them to apply.
There are also opportunities for students to enroll in the programme. All students can benefit from IGTC graduate training elements including annual research summits, summer courses, new term-time courses, seminars, graduate student exchanges, and international visitors.

Full details of the IGTC Programme and application process can be found at: http://www.pims.math.ca/scientific/igtc/mathematical-biology. Students with further questions can contact: IGTC programme administrator Oriana Bella, orianab@pims.math.ca, or programme director Dan Coombs, coombs@math.ubc.ca.
The application deadline is February 29, 2012.