WELCOME TO THE HILL!
The MAA TX Section Meeting is an annual meeting which brings together mathematicians, educators, and students from across the state to celebrate and advance the field of mathematics. This gathering offers a dynamic platform for sharing research, exploring innovative teaching methods, and fostering professional development. Hosted by Prairie View A&M University in March 2025, this year’s event promises to be a stimulating experience, reflecting the vibrant mathematical community in Texas and encouraging collaboration and growth among its members.
MAA TX Section Meeting |
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Friday, March 28, 2025 |
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TIME |
ACTIVITY |
LOCATION |
| 10:30AM-5:00PM | Registration | Memorial Student Center (2nd Floor) |
| 11:00AM-12:00PM | Executive Committee Meeting | W.R. Banks (Room 309) |
| 11:30AM-1:00PM | Pizza Party/Undergraduate Social | Memorial Student Center Banquet Hall (A/B) |
| 12:00PM-12:50PM | UNCF Teaching + Learning Center: Calculus I Student Focus Group | Memorial Student Center Banquet Hall (D) |
| 1:00PM-2:50PM | Math Bowl | Memorial Student Center Banquet Hall (A/B) |
| 1:00PM-1:50PM | SA SUMMIT Inquiry Based Learning Group & Project NExT Collaboration | Memorial Student Center Banquet Hall (D) |
| 2:00PM-2:50PM | UNCF Teaching + Learning Center: Calculus I Faculty Focus Group | W.R. Banks (Room 317) |
| 2:00PM-2:50PM | Pedagogical Workshop: Dr. Laurette Foster & Dr. Camille Burnett | Memorial Student Center Banquet Hall (D) |
| 3:00PM-3:30PM | Welcome Address: Dr. Tomikia P. LeGrande, President | Memorial Student Center Opal Johnson Smith Auditorium |
| 3:30PM-3:45PM | Coffee Break | Memorial Student Center (2nd Floor) |
| 3:45PM-5:15PM | Graduate Program Fair | Memorial Student Center (1st Floor) |
| 5:30PM-7:30PM | Evening Banquet & Plenary Speaker: Dr. Cody Patterson | Memorial Student Center Banquet Hall (A/B) |
Saturday, March 29, 2025 |
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TIME |
ACTIVITY |
LOCATION |
| 7:00AM-8:20AM | Breakfast at Hotel | |
| 8:00AM-12:00PM | Registration | Memorial Student Center (2nd Floor) |
| 8:00AM-8:50AM | Coffee Break | Memorial Student Center (2nd Floor) |
| 8:15AM-8:45AM | Department Liaison Meeting | W.R. Banks 308 |
| 9:00AM-9:50AM | Plenary Speaker: Dr. Candice Price | Memorial Student Center Opal Johnson Smith Auditorium |
| 10:00AM-11:45AM | Undergraduate & Graduate Student Breakout Sessions | W.R. Banks Building |
| 10:00AM-10:50AM | Project NExT Session | John B. Coleman Library (Room 108) |
| 10:00AM-1:00PM | T3AMS Forum | Memorial Student Center Banquet Hall (D) |
| 11:45AM-12:50PM | Lunch | On Your Own |
| T3AMS Luncheon | W.R. Banks (Room 317) | |
| NExT Luncheon | W.R. Banks (Room 309) | |
| 1:00PM-2:00PM | Panel Discussion: Mathematics, Mentorship, and Motivation: Insights on Career, Growth, and Lifelong Learning | Memorial Student Center Opal Johnson Smith Auditorium |
| 2:15PM-4:00PM | Contributed Talks Breakout Sessions | W.R. Banks Building |
| NExT Session | ||
| 4:00PM-4:15PM | Break | Memorial Student Center (2nd Floor) |
| 4:20PM-5:10PM | Plenary Speaker: Dr. Edray Goins | Memorial Student Center Opal Johnson Smith Auditorium |
| 5:15PM-6:15PM | Business Meeting, Awards, Announcements, Resolutions | Memorial Student Center Opal Johnson Smith Auditorium |
Visitor Permit
- All vehicles parked on campus must display a valid Prairie View A&M University parking permit. Visitor permits are valid for one day only. If you plan to be with us more than one day, please obtain a new visitors pass each day. Park only in designated parking zones.
- Faculty and Staff must ensure that their visitors obtain a visitors permit from ParkMobile. Parking must be in a designated Visitor Parking Zone.
- Visitor Permits are available through ParkMobile.
- Parking is limited to designated Visitor Parking Zones.
- University Affiliates without a system Parking Permit who park on campus are required to purchase a Visitor’s Permit, and park in a designated Visitor Parking Zone.
- Exceptions must be approved by the Parking Management Office.
Visitor Parking Zones are at the “green P” areas on the map below.
- Pay using ParkMobile.
- Lots available: 5A (Harrington Science), 6 (Architecture Visitor Lot), 13 (Architecture F/S Lot), 53 (Coleman Library); 63 (SR Collins), 75 (Juvenile Justice), 86 (Health Center), 91 (Memorial Student Center), 96 (Welcome Center).
For more information visit: Parking Management
Abstracts for all presentations can be downloaded here.
Conference Registration!
Hotel Information
Activities
 Cody Patterson, Texas State University |
Title: Calculus For America
Abstract: When we pour compassion and creative effort into teaching college mathematics, we honor our discipline and show care for the students we serve. But what happens if we also think of college mathematics teaching as an expression of our civic ideals and our hopes for American prosperity? In this talk, I will share some changes I have made in my teaching of calculus during the last two years, guided by suggestions from the MAA, from mathematics education research, from our teaching collaborative at Texas State, and from my own students. I will share some new things I’m trying (with mixed success) in how I structure classes, how I assess learning, how I create a welcoming space for students, and how I collaborate with other instructors. In the process, I’ll discuss how our efforts as mathematics teachers can advance some of the shared ideals – pluralism, inventiveness, justice, and continuous improvement – that make America great. Bio: Cody L. Patterson is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Texas State University. He is an Assistant Director of Mathworks, a program that provides summer math camps for K–12 students and teachers. Dr. Patterson served as the founding director of the San Antonio Community for Mathematics Inquiry in Teaching (SA-COMMIT) and has helped foster faculty collaboration both locally and regionally to promote inquiry learning in college mathematics. In 2017 and 2018, Dr. Patterson served as the chair of the Question Writing Committee for the MATHCOUNTS Competition Series, the largest mathematics competition for middle school students in the United States. Dr. Patterson is the recipient of the 2024 MAA Texas Section Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics. |
 Candice Price, Smith College |
Title: Using Mathematics to Unlock Biological Mysteries
Abstract: Mathematical modeling is an effective resource for biologists– it provides ways to simplify, study and understand the complex systems common in biology and biochemistry. Many mathematical tools can be applied to biological problems, some traditional and some more novel, all innovative. This presentation will review some of the mathematical tools that I use to study biological questions including knot theory applied to DNA-protein interactions and using social networks to study evolutionary success. Bio: Candice Reneé Price, an esteemed African American mathematician, was born and raised in California. She has distinguished herself through contributions to mathematics through education and service. Growing up passionate about mathematics, Price earned her undergraduate degree (2003) in mathematics from California State University, Chico, and a master’s degree (2007) in mathematics from San Francisco State University. She went on to complete her doctoral studies (2012) in mathematics at the University of Iowa, where her research focused on DNA Topology under the advisement of Dr. Isabel Darcy. Her published work now spans diverse areas of research, including applied mathematics, mathematics of social justice, and discrete mathematics. Beyond her research, Candice Price is known for her advocacy for diversity in STEM fields and her mentorship of aspiring mathematicians, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds. She has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions, including the 2022 Mathematics Association of America Inclusivity Award. She remains a role model and inspiration, both as a distinguished mathematics educator and for her commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity in the mathematics community. |
Edray Goins, Pomona College |
Title: Clocks, Parking Garages, and the Solvability of the Quintic: A Friendly Introduction to Monodromy
Abstract: Imagine the hands on a clock. For every complete minute hand makes, the second-hand makes 60, while the hour hand only goes one-twelfth of the way. We may think of the hour hand as generating a group such that when we “move” twelve times then we get back to where we started. This is the elementary concept of a monodromy group. In this talk, we give a gentle introduction to a historical mathematical concept which relates calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, and group theory into one neat theory called “monodromy”. We explore lots of real world applications, including why it’s so easy to get lost in parking garages and present some open problems in the field. We end the talk with a discussion of how this is all related to solving polynomial equations, such as Abel’s famous theorem on the insolubility of the quintic by radicals. Bio: Edray Herber Goins grew up in South Los Angeles, California. The product of the Los Angeles Unified (LAUSD) public school system, Goins attended the California Institute of Technology, where he majored in mathematics and physics, and earned his doctorate in mathematics from Stanford University. He has worked as a researcher at both Harvard and the National Security Agency; and has taught at both Caltech and Purdue. Goins is currently a Professor of Mathematics at Pomona College in Claremont, California. He has published over 25 journal articles in areas such as applied mathematics, graph theory, number theory, and representation theory; and on topics such as Diophantine equations, elliptic curves, and African Americans in mathematics. He runs a federally-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) titled Pomona Research in Mathematics Experience (PRiME). |
Mark K. Harris, Guardian Engineering |
Bio: Mark K. Harris is the Founder and CEO of Guardian Engineering Enterprises, LLC, a leading firm specializing in energy, industrial, and infrastructure projects. With over 25 years of experience, he has managed more than 160 large-scale projects worth over $800 million, earning a reputation for innovation and operational excellence.
A U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduate with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mark also holds a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland and is completing a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Six Sigma Green Belt with leadership credentials from the University of Texas. Mark’s leadership was shaped by his distinguished U.S. Coast Guard service, where he led crisis response efforts, advised on maritime security, and implemented critical safety measures. His disciplined approach drives Guardian Engineering’s success. Beyond his professional achievements, Mark is dedicated to community service, mentoring many and earning recognition as Maryland’s Big Brother of the Year. His vision continues to drive transformative solutions in diverse industries. |
Tina Jackson, Workforce Education |
Bio: Dr. Tina Marie Jackson is the Assistant Commissioner of Workforce Education at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), overseeing career and technical workforce initiatives, including the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act and the Texas Reskilling & Upskilling Education (TRUE) Program. In 2023, she was appointed to the Texas Prison Education Advisory Board and serves as a coach for the Advance CTE Fellows, training mid-career professionals for leadership roles.
Dr. Jackson plays a key role in THECB’s partnership with Results for America, collaborating with the Texas Workforce Investment Council and the Texas Workforce Commission to drive data-driven decision-making and equity-focused grant opportunities for Texas institutions. Before joining THECB in 2020, she was District Director at Collin College, where her Developmental Education Program won the 2019 Promising Program Award. She has also held leadership roles at UT Austin and Dallas County Community College District. Dr. Jackson holds a B.S., an M.Ed. from the University of Minnesota, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from UT Austin. |
Stephanie Monarch |
Bio: Stephanie Peters-Monarch has been a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) for 15 years, earning her Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia from Louisiana State University Health Science Center, where she served as class president. Her rigorous 32-month program combined clinical training with advanced coursework. She began her nursing career after obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Northwestern State University in 1994 at just 20 years old.
With a deep passion for her profession and a love for children, Stephanie authored Be a Nurse Like Me, an educational children’s book aimed at highlighting the vital role of nursing, especially during a global pandemic. Before becoming a CRNA, she gained extensive experience in various nursing fields, with emergency room (ER) and operating room (OR) nursing being her favorites. Through her work, Stephanie hopes to inspire future generations and bring a positive perspective to the nursing profession. |
John P. Gardner |
Bio: John P. Gardner is the Associate Vice President for Student Success at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), having previously served as Assistant Vice President for Academic Engagement and Student Success (2016-2023), interim Dean of Students, and interim Athletic Director. He provides strategic leadership for First- and Second-Year Experience Programs, Academic Success, Advising, Career Services, and Student Success Technologies. Under his leadership, PVAMU has seen significant improvements in first-year retention and graduation rates.
Since 2015, Gardner has represented PVAMU in the National Association of System Heads (NASH), contributing to national discussions on transfer student success. He has held multiple roles at PVAMU since 2011, including Director of Mathematics for the Math-UP Summer Bridge Program and Assessment Coordinator for the iREAD Quality Enhancement Plan. Gardner has secured over $1 million in grants and was a featured speaker at the International Centre for Innovation in Education Conference in 2019. A Houston native, he holds a B.S. and M.S. in Mathematics from PVAMU and is a PhD candidate in Higher Education Administration. |
William Undie, University of TX MD Anderson Cancer Center |
Bio: Dr. William Undie is a Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, School of Health Professions (SHP). He also serves as Director of the Diagnostic Imaging and Graduate Programs in Radiologic Sciences. He holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Clark Atlanta University, an MBA and Education degree from Texas A&M University, a bachelor’s in Criminology from Wayne State University, and an associate degree in Medical Imaging from Emory University.
Dr. Undie has fostered collaboration between Emory University and MD Anderson Cancer Center to strengthen teamwork in the field. In 2022, he partnered with the Division of Diagnostic Imaging to launch a student pathway program aimed at recruiting, mentoring, and supporting students in radiologic sciences. He chairs SHP’s Academic Affairs Committee and has led several key search committees. Additionally, he holds leadership roles with the Radiological Society of North America and the Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiological Sciences, reflecting his dedication and expertise in the health professions. |
Creighton H. Larkin |
Bio: Creighton H. Larkin is a Systems Engineer at TechnipFMC with a strong background in mechanical and subsea engineering. He earned his B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and pursued postgraduate studies in Subsea Engineering at the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering.
A registered Engineer-in-Training (EIT) with the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, Creighton applies his expertise to complex engineering systems in the energy sector. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., demonstrating his commitment to leadership and service. |
Janis Winey |
Bio: Dr. Janis Loraine Winey is a native of Louisiana with two post graduate children living out of state. She is number five among her eight siblings. Her love of education gave her a bachelor’s degree in speech and hearing therapy, a master’s in special education and a doctorate in educational leadership. Dr. Winey is currently retired after 37 years of education in Louisiana and Texas public and private school settings. Before retiring, Dr. Winey was employed as a Teacher, Interventionist, and an Educational Diagnostician where her primary job was to assess and detail the learning and cognitive abilities of students in the educational setting while designing educational growth plans involving parents and teachers. Dr. Winey enjoys donating time to her catholic church, spending time with children and siblings, reading, educating elementary students in reading strategies and dedicating her time to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Dr. Winey’s favorite quote is “Be the change you want to see around you”. |
Taft T. Mohair |
Bio: Taft Mohair is a dynamic speaker who inspires and empowers individuals with profound insights on success, leadership, and personal growth. As president of Empowered Insights, a Houston-based training and development company, he delivers impactful talks and seminars to thousands each year, driving both immediate change and long-term success. Before founding his company, Taft excelled as an engineer, educator, and entrepreneur, working in various roles for Fortune 500 companies, including test engineer, factory support engineer, and marketing and sales engineer. He earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Prairie View A&M University and later built successful enterprises in the network marketing industry, where he has led teams and achieved significant success for over a decade. His entrepreneurial success has given him the freedom to pursue his passion for transforming lives through speaking, writing, and training. In 2017, he co-authored Journeys to Success, Volume 7, an Amazon International Best Seller. Additionally, he is a certified John Maxwell speaker, trainer, and coach, further solidifying his leadership expertise. |
The Math Bowl Competition, a highlight of the Mathematical MAA TX Section Meeting, is an exhilarating showcase of mathematical talent and teamwork. This spirited event invites college students from across Texas to compete in a series of challenging problems that test their problem-solving skills, creativity, and mathematical reasoning. Teams work together to tackle complex questions in a timed format, fostering a collaborative environment where strategic thinking and quick responses are key.
The Math Bowl not only provides a platform for students to demonstrate their abilities but also aims to inspire a passion for mathematics through friendly competition. Will your team be next to earn the coveted bragging rights as the 2025 Math Bowl Winners?
Register
Contact Information
Section Planning Committee:
Dr. Lanre Akinyemi
Dr. Samuel Ivy (Chair)
Dr. Dandrielle Lewis
Dr. Kiesha Pierre
Dr. Saroj Pradhan
Dr. Shannon Solis
On behalf of the MAA TX Section, we extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors for their invaluable support, which has made our event a resounding success. Your generosity and partnership are deeply appreciated.
