Using Topological Data Analysis as a Entry Subject to Undergraduate Math Research
Abstract: In this talk, I will introduce the background on the Science Research Initiative, a program at the University of Utah aimed at getting students involved in undergraduate research from year one. In particular, I will talk about the work done in my research group on Topological Data Analysis (TDA). Our research group has 16 students, and we work on projects in the theory and applications of TDA. I will talk about how the research group is run, how we develop a welcoming and inclusive community, different aspects of collaboration and mentorship, and some of the particular ongoing research projects. I hope to engage anyone who comes to the talk in discussion on how undergraduate math research can be performed in order to welcome everyone into the mathematics discipline, and how doing research with math and non-math majors can empower students to see mathematics as a tool in their own lives.
Biography: I am a mathematician and postdoctoral fellow at the Science Research Initiative at the University of Utah. My research interests include Algebraic and Computational Topology, particularly the area of Topological Data Analysis (TDA). I currently lead an undergraduate research group on the theory and applications of TDA, in which I work with amazing math and non-math major students on a wide variety of research questions. I am passionate about math education and encouraging women and other historically excluded groups in the STEM fields - I cofounded the Math for All conference, a conference which is centered around providing a welcoming environment to those who want to engage in mathematics. I also enjoy sewing, making things, and hanging out with my dog and two kittens.
Contact: Robyn.Brooks@utah.edu