Joseph A. Gallian
MAA President
University of Minnesota at Duluth
jgallian@d.umn.edu
Professor Gallian is available to speak on the following topics:
Using Groups and Graphs to Create Symmetry Patterns
We use video animations to explain how Hamiltonian paths, spanning trees, cosets in groups, and factor groups can be used to create computer generated symmetry patterns in hyperbolic and Euclidean planes. These methods were used to create the image for the 2003 Mathematics Awareness Month poster.
The Making of the 2003 Math Awareness Month Poster
This talk concerns the problem of traversing an
m by
n directed grid embedded on a torus so that each vertex is visited exactly once before returning to the starting position. We include an application to computer graphics that became the image on 2003 Mathematics Awareness poster.
Breaking Driver's License Codes
Many states use complicated algorithms or formulas to assign drivers' license numbers but keep the method confidential. Just for the fun of it, Professor Gallian attempted to figure out how the states code their license numbers. In this talk he will discuss how he was able to break the codes for several of the states. The talk illustrates an important problem-solving technique that is not emphasized in mathematics classes. It also teaches the lesson that sometimes things done just for the sake of curiosity can have applications.
Research by Undergraduates is Hot!
Although involving undergraduates in research has been a long standing practice in the experimental sciences, it has only been recently that undergraduates have been involved in research in mathematics in significant numbers. In this talk I will discuss in general terms such things as the reasons for this dramatic growth, how to get started in involving undergraduates in research, the benefits of undergraduate research to faculty and students, and how to find suitable research problems.
