Michigan State University

Title: Experimental Mathematics

Director: Aklilu Zeleke

Email: zeleke@msu.edu

Dates of Program: May 19 - June 27, 2008

Summary: The Summer Experimental Mathematics (SEM) program at Michigan State University (MSU) provides research experience in mathematics for minority undergraduate students who have completed at least three sequences of college level calculus courses. Its objective is to encourage minority students to pursue higher education in the mathematical sciences. The theme of this six-week program is to explore major concepts of dynamic systems through computer experimentation. Using one-dimensional maps and function iteration students will explore bifurcation and chaos theory. In the first two weeks, they learn these topics using the well known one dimensional map F_c(x)=x²+c. They will be introduced to topics such as hyperbolic and non-hyperbolic fixed points, saddle-node and period doubling bifurcation, the period doubling route to chaos and fractal sets.

For a more detailed description of the program, click here.

Student Researchers Supported by MAA:

• Dalana Katherine Candler
• Zachary J. Flores
• Brittney Nicole McCullers
• Oumarou Njoya
• Scherrell Williams

Program Contacts:

Bill Hawkins
MAA SUMMA
bhawkins@maa.org
202-319-8473

Michael Pearson
MAA Programs & Services
pearson@maa.org
202-319-8470

Support for NREUP is provided by the National Science Foundation's Division of Mathematical Sciences, the National Security Agency, and The Moody's Foundation.