Come Join the 16th Annual Texas Oklahoma Regional Undergraduate Symposium (TORUS) Hosted at Southern Nazarene University!
February 17, 2024
What is TORUS?
TORUS is an annual conference held at various colleges in Oklahoma and Texas. This free one day event will bring 100 mathematics professors and students together to provide a unique in-depth learning experience for attendees that are interested in mathematics and any of its respective subfields.
Why should you attend?
- Hear research presentations from undergraduate students from Oklahoma and Texas
- Present your research papers
- Network with others in the field
- Learn how to publish mathematical research
- Find jobs and mentorship opportunities
- Hear panel discussions on mathematics careers
- Compete in a Jeopardy-style contest
Who Can Register?
- Anyone in the math community is welcome to attend. This includes undergraduate students, graduate students, high school students, and faculty.
- Attendees are encouraged to register before February 9, 2024. Limited in-person registration will be available on the day of the event, but lunch may not be available for attendees who register in-person.
- Attendees who plan to give a research presentation (i.e. research talk) must register by February 2, 2024.
TORUS 2024 Invited Speakers
Morning Invited Address
Speaker: Dr. Henry Segerman, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Oklahoma State University
Title: Artistic mathematics: truth and beauty
Abstract: I’ll talk about my work in mathematical visualization: making accurate, effective, and beautiful pictures, models, and experiences of mathematical concepts. I’ll discuss what it is that makes a visualization compelling, and show many examples in the medium of 3D printing, as well as some work in virtual reality and spherical video. I’ll also discuss my experiences in teaching a project-based class on 3D printing for mathematics students.
Afternoon Invited Address
Speaker: Nick Cox-Steib, PhD, Applied Assistant Professor of Mathematics, University of Tulsa
Title: (0,1)-Matrices as an Undergraduate Research Challenge
Abstract: A “(0,1)-Matrix” is a matrix with elements that are all either 0 or 1. These matrices show up in a variety of interesting problems, ranging from practical applications, like Signal Processing and Combinatorial Optimization, to purely theoretical pursuits, such as the Representation Theory of Finite Groups and Algebras. The relatively simple structure and broad applicability of this class of matrices makes them an ideal topic for introducing undergraduates to the world of Mathematical Research.
In this talk, I will discuss some intriguing questions related to (0,1)-Matrices and give some examples from work done at the University of Tulsa.
2024 TORUS Schedule of Events
Southern Nazarene University
Bethany, OK
| Time | Event | Location |
| 8:30 am | Registration opens | Webster Commons 1st floor |
| 9:00 am | Welcome: Dr. Nicholas Zoller (Southern Nazarene University) | Webster Commons Heritage Room |
| 9:05 am | Invited Address: Dr. Henry Segerman (Oklahoma State University) Artistic Mathematics: Truth and Beauty | Webster Commons Heritage Room |
| 10:05 am | Break | |
| 10:20 am | Student research presentations | Webster Commons Heritage Room |
| 10:45 am | Math Jeopardy (Round 1) • Teams of 2 or 3 undergraduate students | Webster Commons Heritage Room |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch | Webster Commons Heritage Room |
| 1:15 pm | Invited Address: Dr. Nick Cox-Steib (University of Tulsa) (0,1)-Matrices as an Undergraduate Research Challenge | Webster Commons Heritage Room |
| 2:15 pm | Break | |
| 2:30 pm | Math Careers Panel Discussion • Katie Jones, Crawley Petroleum • Kara Adams, Chesapeake Energy • Rachel Frisbee, Choctaw High School | Webster Commons Heritage Room |
| 3:15 pm | Break | |
| 3:30 pm | Math Jeopardy (Round 2 & Final Jeopardy) • Teams of 2 or 3 undergraduate students • Prizes for first and second place teams | Webster Commons Heritage Room |
| 5:00 pm | Conclusion of conference • See you next year at Tarleton State University! |
Present at the Conference
TORUS is an excellent opportunity for students who would like to propose a course project, undergraduate research, or related material in the mathematical sciences or STEM. Presentations should be no longer than 15 minutes including Q&A time.
Undergraduates who are planning to give a presentation should register by February 2, 2024.
Looking for a Place to Stay?
View hotels nearby that are offering discounted rates!
Questions?
Please Contact:
Dr. Nicholas Zoller
Department of Mathematics Chair
nzoller@snu.edu