AWM at MathFest 2011

August 4-6, 2011, Lexington, KY

Friday 8:00-8:30 am AWM-MAA Coffee Reception Center Ballroom, Convention Center, Level 1

The Association for Women in Mathematics and the Mathematical Association of America invite you to enjoy coffee and light refreshments before the Eta Z. Falconer Lecture.

Friday, August 5, 8:30 -9:20 am Heritage Ballroom, Lexington Convention Center, Level 1

AWM-MAA Etta Z. Falconer Lecture: Mathematical Interventions for Aneurysm Treatment

Dawn Lott, Delaware State University

Abstract: Aneurysm is a vascular disease characterized by a weak or thin spot on a blood vessel that balloons out and fills with blood. Cerebral aneurysm can occur anywhere in the brain, but most are located along a loop of arteries that run between the underside of the brain and the base of the skull (Circle of Willis). Cerebral aneurysms are particularly dangerous because of their difficulty to treat and their high mortality and morbidity rate. There are several risk factors for cerebral aneurysm, among which are hypertension, heavy alcoholic consumption and cigarette smoking. Rupture of cerebral aneurysm (subarachnoid hemorrhage) can cause stroke. Understanding the mathematical relationships and the hemodynamic factors predisposing aneurysms to further growth and rupture will enable neurosurgeons to determine which aneurysms have a high likelihood of rupture and should thus be treated. In addition, such knowledge may also help predict which aneurysms will never rupture. In making such predictions, only patients with a risk of aneurysmal rupture will thus be exposed to the risk of surgery. This talk will discuss mathematical and biomechanical interventions for aneurysm treatment and will address societal effects of this vascular disease.

Friday, August 5, 1:00-2:30 pm. Exhibit Hall, Lexington Convention Center, Heritage Ballroom East, Level I

Poster Session: Celebrating AWM Student Chapters

  • Organizer:
    • Maia Averett, Mills College
  • Abstracts

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the Association for Women in Mathematics will showcase its student chapters from colleges and universities across the U.S. and their many outreach activities that encourage women and girls to study and have careers in mathematics. This poster session will bring together student chapters, AWM members, and the broader mathematical community to discuss mathematics, exchange ideas for activities, and build friendships and mentoring relationships.

We invite AWM Student Chapters to submit abstracts at www.maa.org/mathfest/abstracts.html. Poster topics might range from mathematical topics pursued by chapter members to community outreach and social events held by the chapter, or anything else the chapter would like to share! Presenters should have their materials prepared in advance and will be provided with a self-standing, trifold tabletop poster approximately 48 in wide by 36 in high. Questions regarding this session should be sent to the organizers.

Saturday, August 6, 2:40-4:00 pm

Panel: Moving up the Career Ladder in Academia (Sponsored by AWM)

  • Organizers:
    • Maeve McCarthy, Murray State University
    • Jacqueline Jensen, Sam Houston State University
    • Rebecca Garcia, Sam Houston State University
    • Georgia Benkart, University of Wisconsin
  • Moderator:
    • Jacqueline Jensen, Sam Houston State University
  • Panelists:
    • Dora Ahmadi, Morehead State University
    • Stephen Kennedy, Carleton College
    • Maura Mast, University of Massachusetts Boston

Moving up the ladder in academia is crucial to career advancement and success. The first step of achieving tenure and promotion is a significant accomplishment. After that, what’s next? This panel will address several possible next moves, including promotion to full professor, chairing the department, participating in national leadership in mathematics societies, and moving to the central administration. These career changes bring their own challenges and rewards. Panelists will talk about these challenges and rewards, discuss resources and strategies, and share their perspectives of balancing ambition with the responsibilities of everyday life. Although some of these life responsibilities (children, for example) have traditionally had more impact on women, in our changing society they are relevant to both genders. Panelists will discuss their strategies for successfully moving up the ladder (and strategies for not falling off!) and will address audience questions about this aspect of the academic career.