Mathematics Colloquium Series

Mathematics Department Colloquium Series 

The Mathematics Department established the Mathematics Department Colloquium Series through a Faculty Development Grant in 1999 to provide a place to discuss new research in Mathematics. Speakers for the series come from both inside the UTC Department of Mathematics as well as guest speakers from other institutions. The Colloquium Series meets periodically throughout the year.

Upcoming Colloquium Talks

Hanae El Ouardani

• Date/Time: Fri., Jan. 23 at 3:30 p.m.
• Location: Lupton 303
• Title: Evolving Behavioral Dynamics and Environmental Risk in Cholera Epidemics
• Abstract: Cholera, a water-borne infectious disease, continues to be a significant public health problem in numerous low and middle-income countries, where insufficient water and sanitation systems, coupled with pronounced climatic seasonality, facilitate frequent and often severe outbreaks. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how environmental risks and human decision-making mutually increase disease burden in our society. In this work, we develop and analyze a seasonally driven cholera model integrating a human-to-human direct transmission and an aquatic bacterial reservoir, enabling indirect transmission with behavioral dynamics. Seasonal fluctuations in precipitation, temperature, and hydrological conditions are shown via regularly changing transmission and environmental factors, reflecting recurring alterations in bacterial survival and exposure risk throughout the year. Human behavior is integrated through an evolutionary game-theoretic (EGT)  framework, wherein individuals decide protective and non-protective strategies and adjust their choices by emulating strategies that provide greater perceived benefits. The interaction between behavior and transmission influences the effective force of infection from the environment and significantly changes the magnitude, duration, and temporal dynamics of outbreaks. We calculate the basic reproduction number as well as the corresponding disease-free equilibria and examine how the interaction between seasonal fluctuations and behavioral adaptation influences long-term dynamics. Our findings indicate that the swift and widespread adoption of protective behaviors, combined with moderate vaccination and prompt treatment, can significantly reduce the average incidence and the magnitude of the seasonal peak. Conversely, elevated prevention costs or inadequate risk perception confine the system in a sustained high-burden state, despite the availability of medical interventions. Our model outcomes emphasize that effective cholera control in seasonal environments requires improvements in water and sanitation infrastructure, alongside policies that align individual incentives with collective benefits, such as subsidies for household water treatment, targeted risk communication, and vaccination strategies informed by behavioral insights. We expect that those results will assist policymakers in formulating a comprehensive strategy to mitigate waterborne illnesses.

Dr. Michelle Cadieux

• Date/Time: Wed., Feb. 4 at 3:30 p.m.
• Location: Lupton 393
• Title: Engaging the masses: Motivating attendance and participation in large classes
• Abstract: Engaging students in a large class can be challenging. It’s hard enough just getting students to attend in-person when the new norm is for lectures to be recorded and posted online. This presentation will explore strategies for motivating students to not only attend but come prepared and actively participate. It will highlight how thoughtful course design, clear expectations, and audience participation can build community and turn lectures into something students want to show up for. In addition, we will discuss managing asynchronous online classes which have their own unique struggles with student engagement. We will explore using low-stakes activities that invite students into the learning process and help them feel a sense of belonging and ownership, reminding students that they play a key role in their own academic journey online.