Workshop Schedule
Pre-workshop poster
tutorial (on Zoom, July 31)
The tutorial will walk you through how to make a
poster, present a poster, and will offer practice
opportunities and free-poster printing. The tutorial
will be held virtually (on Zoom) and about two months
before the main career workshop. More information can be
found on the Poster page.
Location: UTSA Main
Campus (1 UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249). See Logistics
for a campus map.
Below is a tentative schedule for the
career workshop (in-person, on campus @ UTSA).
More information on the talk is below the table.
| Friday, September 13rd |
Career talks and panel discussion (Location: Flawn Sciences Building, Room 4.01.20) | |
|---|---|---|
| 2:00 - 2:45 (45min) |
James Mac Hyman “Good Choices for Great Careers” Read more... |
|
| 2:45 - 3:15 (30min) |
Angela Peace “Thriving Your Way through Graduate School” Read more... |
|
| Break |
||
| 3:25 - 3:55 (30min) |
Suleyman Tek “Opening Doors: Summer Research Opportunities for Emerging Scholars in Mathematics” Read more... |
|
| 3:55 - 4:25 (30min) |
Jessica Gehrtz “Excelling at Academic Conferences: What to Expect and How to Prepare” Read more... |
|
| Break |
||
| 4:35 - 5:20 (45min) |
Linda Allen “Perspectives on an Academic Career from an Applied Mathematician” Read more... |
|
| Break |
||
| 5:30 - 6:00 |
Panel discussion (Q&A) |
|
| 6:00 - 6:15 |
Feedback and group photo |
|
| Saturday, September 14th | ||
| 8:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. | Attend AMS
Fall Central Sectional Meeting @ UTSA* |
|
| 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. | Student poster session and reception (Location:
McKinney Humanities building, outdoor corridor
near the main entrance) |
|
| Sunday, September 15th |
||
| 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. | Attend AMS
Fall Central Sectional Meeting @ UTSA* |
|
| 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. | Workshop Wrap-up and Announcement of Poster
Competition Winners (Location: Flawn Sciences
Building, Room 4.01.20) |
|
Good Choices for Great Careers
Mac Hyman
Tulane University & Los Alamos National Laboratory
Abstract: The choices scientists make early in their careers will impact them for a lifetime. I will use the experiences of scientists who have had great careers to identify universal distinguishing traits of good career choices that can guide decisions in education, choice of profession, and job opportunities to increase your chances of having a great career with long-term sustained accomplishments.
I will describe how the choices made by the scientists with great careers were based on following their passion, building their talents into a strength supporting their profession, and how they identified a supportive, engaging work environment. I will provide some simple guidelines to help guide your choices in school and picking the right job to lead to a rewarding career and a more meaningful life. The topic is important because, so far as I can tell, life is not a trial run - we have one shot to get it right.
Target audience: This talk will be especially useful for students, postdocs, and early-career scientists. Join us for an engaging discussion on how to make the choices that lead to a great career.
Short Bio: Professor Mac Hyman is the Emeritus Evelyn and John G. Phillips Distinguished Chair in Mathematics at Tulane University, the past President of the Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics, and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). He is the former group leader of the Los Alamos National Laboratory Mathematical Modeling and Analysis Group and coordinated the Los Alamos Applied Mathematics summer student internship program for twenty years.
Back to schedule table...
Angela Peace
Texas Tech University
Abstract: Embarking on the journey to graduate school is both an exciting and challenging endeavor. This talk is designed to give prospective and current graduate students a glimpse through some critical stages of this journey. I’ll briefly discuss the application process and highlight strategies for not only surviving but thriving through graduate school in mathematics. This includes managing the academic workload, building effective relationships with advisors and peers, and finding a balance between research, coursework, and personal life. Additionally, we will explore the importance of networking, developing professional skills, and maintaining well-being throughout the graduate experience.
Short Bio: Dr. Angela Peace is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Texas Tech University. She earned her Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Arizona State University in 2014. Her research focuses on mathematical biology, particularly in the areas of population dynamics, ecological stoichiometry, and epidemiology. Dr. Peace uses dynamical systems to develop and analyze models of biological systems, contributing to fields such as theoretical ecology, toxicology, and infectious disease modeling.
Back to schedule table...
Opening Doors: Summer Research Opportunities for Emerging Scholars in Mathematics
Suleyman Tek
University of the Incarnate Word
Abstract: In this talk, we will explore the diverse summer research opportunities available for undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics. From academic institutions to research laboratories, these programs provide invaluable experiences that can shape future careers. I will discuss identifying the right opportunities, the application process, and the long-term benefits of participating in summer research. Particular emphasis will be placed on opportunities that support women and minorities, aiming to empower the next generation of mathematicians to excel in their fields.
Short Bio: Dr. Suleyman Tek received his Ph.D. degree in Mathematics in 2007, respectively, from Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey. Dr. Tek continued his career as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) and worked on a project funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and UALR 2008. He joined the University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas, in August 2009 and is currently a Professor of Mathematics at UIW. Dr. Tek was the PI of an NSF S-STEM grant. Dr. Tek actively does research with his undergraduate students and takes them to conferences and professional development activities to prepare them for graduate school and industry jobs. Dr. Tek is the chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and co-Advisor of the UIW Math Club. Dr. Tek's personal interests are playing oud, guitar, and cello, spending time with family, reading, playing tennis, and intercultural gatherings.
Back to schedule table...
Jessica Gehrtz
University of Texas at San Antonio
Abstract: Attending an academic conference can be a pivotal experience for professional growth and networking. This talk will provide a guide on how to navigate the process from preparation to post-conference engagement. We will start by exploring essential pre-conference strategies, including how to select sessions, prepare your materials, and set achievable goals. Moving on to the conference itself, we will discuss what to expect in terms of structure, etiquette, and common practices to maximize participation. The session will also cover practical tips for making the most of networking opportunities, including strategies for maintaining and strengthening connections made during the conference.
Short Bio: Dr. Jessica Gehrtz is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her research focuses on mathematics education, aiming to improve teaching practices and student learning outcomes. She holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Mathematics from Colorado State University and a B.A. in Secondary Mathematics Education from Concordia College.
Back to schedule table...
Perspectives on an Academic Career from an Applied Mathematician
Linda Allen
Texas Tech University
Abstract: A brief overview of my background and preparation for an academic career and some views on the pros and cons of an academic career will be given. There are many rewards, opportunities, and challenges in teaching and training students, doing research with other scientists, engaging in outreach, and performing service in the academic and scientific communities. Several of these opportunities and challenges will be discussed. Most important is the support of family, friends, and colleagues.
Short Bio: Linda J. S. Allen is a P. W. Horn Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Texas Tech University. Her research areas include mathematical biology, epidemiology, and immunology. She has written three books and more than 100 book chapters and journal articles. She also teaches and trains students through lecture series and by supervising undergraduate and graduate research.
Back to schedule table...