Mathematics and Mentoring: A Framework

Abstract: How do we ensure new graduate students have both a rigorous and fruitful experience in their mathematical journeys within graduate school? Mentoring plays a huge role. In this talk, we will discuss what mentoring is, its impact and how some current narratives of mathematics are antithetical to the mentoring needed to provide students with the best chance of succeeding in the discipline.

Speaker's bio: Aris Winger is an associate professor of mathematics at Georgia Gwinnett College. His current work centers around creating spaces where marginalized groups feel a sense of belonging in mathematics and STEM. This mission has led him to co-authoring a book series Advocating for Students of Color in Mathematics and conducting numerous professional learning workshops and consulting around the United States, working with educators and administrators at all levels. These experiences compelled him to open a school, Hybridge Academy, a non-traditional accredited school in the greater Atlanta area serving marginalized middle and high school students, of which he is a Co-Founder and Co-Director. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the National Association of Mathematicians. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from Howard University (1998), a Master's of Science in the Mathematical Sciences from Carnegie Mellon University (2000) and Doctorate of Philosophy in the Mathematical Sciences from Carnegie Mellon University (2005).

Moderator's bio: Ambar Sengupta studied mathematics at Presidency College, Calcutta, and then obtained his PhD in Mathematics at Cornell University in 1990. After a post-doctoral appointment at Princeton University, he was on the faculty at LSU 1991-2016, and since then has been at the University of Connecticut. Sengupta's mathematical work has spanned a wide range, with much of the inspiration coming from mathematical physics. His recent interests include nonstandard analysis, classical analysis, and category-theoretic geometry.

Computer scienceMathematics

Audience: researchers in the topic

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Relatorium seminar

Series comments: The name "Relatorium" combines "relator" with the Latin root "-ium," meaning "a place for activities" (as in "auditorium" or "gymnasium"). This seminar series is a platform to relate ideas, interact with math, and connect with each other.

In this series, we explore math beyond what we usually hear in standard talks. These sessions fall somewhere between a technical talk and a podcast: moderately formal, yet conversational. The philosophy behind the series is that math is best learned by active participation rather than passive listening. Our aim is to “engage and involve,” inviting everyone to think actively with the speaker. The concepts are accessible, exploratory, and intended to spark questions and discussions.

The idea of relatability has strong ties to compassion — creating space for shared understanding and exploration - which is the spirit of this seminar! This is a pilot project, so we’re here to improvise, learn, and evolve as we go!

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