AMS Education Mini-Conference
The 2023 Education Mini-conference brings together academics, researchers, administrators, and professionals from the mathematical sciences to explore innovative strategies and best practices for enhancing graduate education programs.
2023 AMS Education Mini-Conference (Virtual): Enhancing graduate programs in the mathematical sciences for student success
Thursday, September 28, 2023 –
In today's rapidly evolving world, it is crucial to equip graduate students in the mathematical sciences with the necessary tools, skills, and support to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the broad scientific community. This gathering will explore (re)designing graduate programs to prepare students for non-academic careers, to take advantage of federal resources and support, and to recruit and retain students from 4-year colleges and universities. We aim to foster discussions, exchange ideas, and collaborate on ways to enhance graduate programs, ultimately promoting student success and prosperity in the 21st century.
This conference is open to mathematicians, statisticians, applied mathematicians, graduate and undergraduate program administrators, faculty members, researchers, and those with careers in Business, Entrepreneurship, Government, Industry, and Nonprofit (BEGIN). Together, let's empower the next generation of mathematical scientists with advanced degrees to thrive and make significant contributions in the dynamic landscape of the 21st century.
Agenda
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9:00 |
Welcome Asher Auel (Dartmouth College), Terrence Blackman (AMS Committee on Education), David Goldberg (Math Alliance), Omayra Ortega (National Association of Mathematicians) |
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| 9:15 |
Federal Resources for Graduate Student Success Representatives from federal agencies will identify resources for supporting mathematical sciences graduate programs. Resources include degree data, financial support, fellowships, and professional development. Kelly Kang (National Science Foundation/National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics), Alison Lin (National Institutes of Health), Bonita Saunders (National Institute of Standards and Technology), William Spotz (Department of Energy) Moderator: Tyler Kloefkorn (American Mathematical Society) |
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10:45 |
Break |
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11:00 |
Keynote address: How the Workforce is Shaping Mathematics Graduate Education The workforce, including academia, industry, and government, continues to make innovative advancements in research. The priorities of the workforce may differ by sector, yet demand assurance of global competitiveness in an evolving landscape. This talk will explore how mathematics graduate programs can meet these priorities by re-envisioning how to equip students to lead innovations in academia, industry, and government. Talitha Washington (Clark Atlanta University / Atlanta University Center) |
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12:00 |
Lunch |
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1:00 |
Panel: Preparing Graduate Students for Non-academic Jobs This panel of mathematical scientists will address the question: what can graduate programs do to prepare students for non-academic jobs? Panelists: Taylor Ball, Margaret Callahan (Department of State), Zachary Flores (Two Six Technologies), Jamie Prezioso, Shree W. Taylor (Elder Research) Moderator: Carla Cotwright-Williams (Department of Defense) |
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2:45 |
Break |
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Demystifying the Grad School Process: A Town Hall with Research I Universities and 4-Year Colleges |
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3:00 |
Panel: Demystifying the Graduate Admissions Process Directors of Graduate Studies at Research I Universities will demystify the admissions process for doctoral programs, discuss the desired course preparation for students to be successful, and provide suggestions for writing letters of recommendation. Panelists: Dennis Davenport (Howard University), Birgit Kaufmann (Purdue University), Hristo Kojouharov (University of Texas at Arlington), Isabella Novik (University of Washington), and Fatoumatta Sisay (University of California at Davis) Moderator: Marianne Korten (Kansas State University) |
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3:30 |
Panel: Demystifying the 4-Year Baccalaureate Preparation Faculty and Recent Graduates from 4-Year Colleges will discuss the culture of non-doctoral granting institutions, provide information about courses offered in their programs, and discuss the career paths of majors. Panelists: Duane Cooper (Morehouse College), Jo Hardin (Pomona College), Steve Miller (Williams College), Jennifer Paulhus (Grinnell College), and Becca Thomases (Smith College) Moderator: William Yslas Velez (University of Arizona) |
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4:00 |
Breakout Rooms Participants will have the opportunity to have more intimate discussions with the panelists. |
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4:30 |
Town Hall Discussion: Reflections Participants will return to the Main Room to share out on discussions from the Breakout Rooms. Moderator: Edray Goins (Pomona College) |
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5:00 |
Adjourn |