Mathematics professor delivers invited talk at the University of Findlay's Mathematics Colloquium

On Oct. 31, 2012, Dr. Mihai Caragiu, professor of mathematics, presented the invited talk "Beyond High School Science Fairs: The Senior Capstone Project" at the University of Findlay's Mathematics Colloquium.

The talk was an itinerary through a number of themes investigated in Caragiu's undergraduate research projects with an emphasis on quadratic residues and their combinatorial applications, greater prime factor sequences and the relevant open problems in the area, etc. An interesting issue that was raised during the talk: what exactly should be considered as a sign of authenticity for a genuine undergraduate research experience, what would make it more than a science fair project - where the emphasis lies, with notable exceptions, on contingent data manipulation, with mathematics playing a secondary, albeit exciting, supporting role.
 

Published: Tue, 11/20/2012 - 11:12am