On Teaching Communication of Mathematics

Abstract: At LSU, all first-year PhD students in mathematics take a course on "Communicating Mathematics". It involves writing and speaking about mathematics, writing about teaching mathematics, and preparing for teaching lower-level mathematics courses. I would like to share and discuss with you my goals and philosophy and the objectives and methods involved in achieving a high level of awareness and skill in communicating mathematics in all capacities.

Speaker's bio: PhD from University of Arizona (integrable systems); Postdoc Duke University; Professorial faculty at LSU (applications of spectral theory); Director of Graduate Studies for five years; 9 PhD students graduated; 5 NSF grants; some teaching awards.

Moderator's bio: Irfan Alam is an autistic mathematician, currently working as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Computer and Mathematical Sciences at University of Toronto Scarborough. He completed the BMath and MMath programs at the Indian Statistical Institute (2009-2014), before joining Louisiana State University as a graduate student, where he obtained his PhD in mathematics as well as MA in Philosophy in 2021. Irfan’s mathematical focus is on applications of nonstandard analysis to standard mathematics, especially in probability theory, topology, and lately in the foundations of machine learning. He also works on the philosophy of mathematical practice, with particular interests in the history of infinitesimals and in epistemic injustices in mathematics caused by various socio-cultural norms.

Computer scienceMathematics

Audience: researchers in the topic

---

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!

---