Events

April 2025

• Sunday
• Monday
• Tuesday
• Wednesday
• Thursday
• Friday
• Saturday

• 30
  Sunday
• 31
  Monday
• 1
  Tuesday
• 2
  Wednesday
  Analysis and Applied Mathematics (AAM) Seminar

  1:00pm

  at Mathematics Building, D 237

  Speaker: Dr. Daniel Irvine, Kennesaw State University
  Title: “TBD”
  Abstract: TBD

   

  The Analysis and Applied Mathematics (AAM) Seminar is intended for Kennesaw State faculty working in the various areas of analysis and applied mathematics to get together to discuss their current work or related questions. Seminars often involve advanced mathematical knowledge. However, the seminars are open to anyone interested in attending.

   

  This seminar will be held in-person and virtually. 

   

  DIAL-IN INFORMATION
  Stream Link
  Passcode: i8a8CJ

  CSM Alumni Virtual Scrappy Hour

  6:00pm

  CSM alumni are invited to join the KSU College of Science and Mathematics for a CSM Alumni Virtual Scrappy Hour on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 6:00 pm! 

  Join us for the opportunity to…

  • Meet with the new CSM dean, Dr. Heather Koopman!
  • Learn about the latest happenings in the college!
  • Connect with your fellow CSM alumni!
  • Win exclusive CSM and KSU Alumni swag!

  A link to the virtual Scrappy Hour will be sent separately to those who register. Secure your spot today!

• 3
  Thursday
  Ecology, Evolution, Behavior, & Organismal Biology (EEBOB) seminar series

  12:30pm

  Speaker: Dr. Angela Chuang, Postdoctoral Fellow @ Clemson University
  Title: “Zigzagging through academia: a tale of spiders, citrus, and serendipity”
  Abstract: Dr. Angela Chuang received her B.S. Molecular Environmental Biology from UC Berkeley and her Ph.D. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Tennessee Knoxville, where she studied spider behavior and invasion biology. She then worked as a postdoc for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and now for Clemson University, during which time she evaluated methods for combatting a major agricultural pest in citrus groves. Dr. Chuang also studies the ecology and human perceptions of invasive Joro spiders—a non-native species with which all of us Georgians are now very familiar! In addition to her work in these fields of ecology, Dr. Chuang is a board game enthusiast and combines her passions by reviewing games with science themes (e.g., this recent review of In the Footsteps of Darwin). In her talk, Dr. Chuang provides an overview of her research and an encouraging message for others whose career paths might take a non-linear course.

   

  The Ecology, Evolution, Behavior, & Organismal Biology (EEBOB) seminar series focuses on biological topics at whole-organism and higher scales of organization. Guest speakers come from universities, governmental agencies, NGOs, zoos, museums, and other institutions. The EEBOB seminar is an opportunity to learn about career paths and research in the biology discipline, and for students to engage with professionals in a wide variety of biology careers.

   

  This seminar series consists of a pre-recorded seminar, which will be posted to a playlist at the beginning of each week, and a live, virtual Q&A session with the speaker. All are welcome to attend! To be granted access to the live Q&A session, interested attendees can email Dr. Todd Pierson. The live Q&A session will be held each Thursday at 12:30 PM. 

• 4
  Friday
  Molecular Biosciences Interest Group (MBIG) seminar series

  12:30pm

  at Clendenin Building, CL 1008

  Speaker: Dr. Dmitri Simberg, University of Colorado, Anschutz
  Title: “How do nanoparticles interact with blood, tissues, and tumors? Implications for the design of safe and efficient nanodrugs”

   

  The Molecular Biosciences Interest Group (MBIG) is pleased to present seminars featuring active scientists from KSU, Georgia, and beyond. These research talks cover a broad spectrum of cutting-edge topics in Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, and Structural Biology, with a special emphasis on human pathology. Whether you're a researcher, student, or simply curious about the latest scientific discoveries, our seminars offer an excellent opportunity to learn, engage, and network with experts in the field. The MBIG seminar will take place in-person on Fridays from 12:30 – 1:30 pm in the Clendenin Building, room CL 1008. All faculty, staff, students, and alumni are invited to attend.

  Mathematics Colloquium seminar series

  2:30pm

  at Mathematics Building, D237

  Thank you for your interest it this event. Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been canceled. We will attempt to reschedule Dr. Sulyok for the fall semester. Stay tuned!

   

  Speaker: Dr. Cara Sulyok, Lewis University
  Focus: Mathematical Biology

  Title: “Mathematical Models of Disease Transmission and Control in Healthcare Settings”

  Abstract: Mathematical modeling is a useful technique to describe dynamics happening within events and allows one to address questions and test hypotheses that may be not be feasible to study in reality. By applying techniques from calculus, mathematical models allow us to describe complex systems. These models serve as bridges between mathematics and practical applications, helping to simplify intricate problems into solvable equations, enabling predictions and decision-making based on data. This talk will focus on mathematical models to describe the spread of infectious diseases.

   

  Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is the leading cause of infectious diarrhea and one of the most frequently identified healthcare-acquired infections in the United States. C. difficile is typically contracted after antibiotic use, when healthy gut microbiota that prevent colonization is compromised. Colonized patients, both symptomatic and asymptomatic, shed C. difficile endospores that can survive for long periods on surfaces outside the host and are resistant to many commonly-used disinfectants. Transmission pathways can include contact with endospores on fomites, objects likely to carry infection. This work includes various mathematical models aimed at quantifying the transmission of C. difficile in healthcare settings ranging from systems of ordinary differential equations to agent-based models. We investigate the relative contribution of environmental pathways and healthcare workers to C. difficile transmission in healthcare settings. Results can be applied by healthcare professionals by focusing on precautionary measures that reduce patient colonization with C. difficile.

   

  The KSU Mathematics Colloquium is a seminar series that brings in researchers from other universities to present results on all areas of Mathematics. The talks are targeted at general audiences of students and professors.

   

  Dial-In Instructions
  Stream Link
  Passcode: Cers85

• 5
  Saturday

• 6
  Sunday
• 7
  Monday
• 8
  Tuesday
  MSCB Thesis Defense

  2:30pm

  at Clendenin Building, CL 1009

  Speaker: Abdul Hannan, MSCB student
  Title: Amino Acid Based Deep Eutectic Solvents: Next Generation Charge Reducing Agents for Native Mass Spectrometry
  Abstract: Electrospray ionization coupled with mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) has become a very powerful tool for studying the structure and function of proteins and protein complexes. However, in conventional ESI technique, the noncovalent interactions between biomolecules which are critical to their activity can be disrupted and lead to multiple charge formation. Moreover, peak overlapping, wide charge state distribution and low signal to noise ratio may lead to complex mass spectra. A relatively new approach known as native mass spectrometry (nMS) has become popular for analysis of large protein systems. In nMS non-denaturing solvents and charge reducing agents are used during ESI to obtain better mass spectra. Ammonium acetate, ammonium bicarbonate, triethylamine, trimethylamine oxide, imidazole etc. are traditional charge-reducing agents used in nMS. Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) are greener, biodegradable, nonhazardous, cost effective which could be an attractive alternative to the charge reducing agents. In this study, the charge reducing property of amino acid based DESs has been investigated and compared. DES is synthesized simply by mixing two or more components including a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and a hydrogen bond donor (HBD). Several amino acids (histidine, arginine, proline, serine and lysine) based DESs were synthesized with glycerol. The prepared DESs were confirmed and characterized by infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry along with principal component analysis statistical tool. Model proteins and enzyme including lysozyme, cytochrome c and trypsin were mixed with various amino acid based DESs and tested their charge reducing capacity comparing with traditional charge reducing agents. Histidine-glycerol and arginine-glycerol DESs showed better charge reducing capabilities for all three proteins compared to that of traditional charge reducing agents. Moreover, the proline-glycerol DES showed significant charge reducing for trypsin.

   

• 9
  Wednesday
  Analysis and Applied Mathematics (AAM) Seminar

  1:00pm

  at Mathematics Building, D 237

  Speaker: Dr. Brian McDonald, University of Georgia
  Title: “Interpolation of point configurations in the discrete plane”
  Abstract: Defining distances over finite fields formally by $||x-y||:=(x_1-y_1)^2+\cdots + (x_d-y_d)^2$ for $x,y\in \mathbb{F}_q^d$, distance problems naturally arise in analogy to those studied by Erd\H{o}s and Falconer in Euclidean space.  Given a graph $G$ and a set $E\subseteq \mathbb{F}_q^2$, let $\Delta_G(E)$ be the generalized distance set corresponding to $G$.  In the case when $G$ is the complete graph on $k+1$ vertices, Bennett, Hart, Iosevich, Pakianathan, and Rudnev showed that when $|E|\geq q^{d-\frac{d-1}{k+1}}$, it follows that $|\Delta_G(E)|\geq cq^{\binom{k+1}{2}}$.  In the case when $k=d=2$, the threshold can be improved to $|E|\geq q^{\frac{8}{5}}$.  Moreover, Jardine, Iosevich, and McDonald showed that in the case when $G$ is a tree with $k+1$ vertices, then whenever $E\subseteq \mathbb{F}_q^d$, $d\geq 2$ satisfies $|E|\geq C_kq^{\frac{d+1}{2}}$, it follows that $\Delta_G(E)=\mathbb{F}_q^k$.  In this paper, we present a technique which enables us to study certain graphs with both rigid and non-rigid components. In particular, we show that for $E\subseteq \mathbb{F}_q^2$, $q\equiv 3 \ \text{mod} \ 4$, and $G$ is the graph consisting of two triangles joined at a vertex, then whenever $|E|\geq q^{\frac{12}{7}}$, it follows that $|\Delta_G(E)|\geq cq^6$. The key to our approach is a configuration interpolation technique that allows us to trade off geometric complications.

   

   

  The Analysis and Applied Mathematics (AAM) Seminar is intended for Kennesaw State faculty working in the various areas of analysis and applied mathematics to get together to discuss their current work or related questions. Seminars often involve advanced mathematical knowledge. However, the seminars are open to anyone interested in attending.

   

  This seminar will be held in-person and virtually. 

   

  DIAL-IN INFORMATION
  Stream Link
  Passcode: i8a8CJ

• 10
  Thursday
  Ecology, Evolution, Behavior, & Organismal Biology (EEBOB) seminar series

  12:30pm

  Speaker: Dr. Ben Holt, Lead Scientist for Environmental Research @ the Baylor School
  Title: “Towards a positive difference...?”
  Abstract: Dr. Ben Holt earned his B.S. Biology from East Tennessee State University and his PhD from the University of Tennessee Knoxville, where he studied microbiome assembly in amphibians. Today, Dr. Holt works at the Baylor School—a high school in the Chattanooga area; at the Baylor School, Ben wears many hats as the lead scientist for environmental research, a biology teacher, and a soccer coach. In his talk, Dr. Holt talks about his career path, his enthusiasm for doing research with students, and conservation partnerships to save an endangered native fish species.

   

  The Ecology, Evolution, Behavior, & Organismal Biology (EEBOB) seminar series focuses on biological topics at whole-organism and higher scales of organization. Guest speakers come from universities, governmental agencies, NGOs, zoos, museums, and other institutions. The EEBOB seminar is an opportunity to learn about career paths and research in the biology discipline, and for students to engage with professionals in a wide variety of biology careers.

   

  This seminar series consists of a pre-recorded seminar, which will be posted to a playlist at the beginning of each week, and a live, virtual Q&A session with the speaker. All are welcome to attend! To be granted access to the live Q&A session, interested attendees can email Dr. Todd Pierson. The live Q&A session will be held each Thursday at 12:30 PM. 

  CSM Class of ’26, ’27, & ’28 Spring Celebration

  3:30pm

  at Science Laboratory Building, Atrium

  Save the Date for the CSM Class of ’26, ’27, & ’28 Spring Celebration! 🎉

   

  Take time to unwind in a relaxing atmosphere before finals at the CSM Class of ’26, ’27, & ’28 Spring Celebration on Thursday, April 10th! Here’s a sneak peek of what we have in store:

  • Crafting Friendship Bracelets: Showcase your creativity and make friendship bracelets to show off to your bestie. 🌟
  • DIY Reusable Bags: Turn old t-shirts into stylish, eco-friendly bags in a few simple steps. ♻️👕 (Shirts will be provided.)
  • Game On: Challenge your friends to a variety of games and see who comes out on top! 🃏🧩

  • Relaxing Music: Unwind and enjoy a chill atmosphere with calming tunes playing throughout the event. 🎶🔊

  • Paint by Number: Tap into your artistic side and bring a masterpiece to life! 🖌️🎨

  • Enjoy a Snack: Choose from popcorn, a variety of pizza, or create an ice cream sundae (or all three)! 🍕🍦🍿

  Share your favorite moments on social media and tag @ksucsm on Instagram to be featured! We hope to see you there!

   

  This event is open to all CSM majors and eligible for EngageCSM credit.

   

  Photography notice: Photos may be taken at this event and used in future CSM social media posts and/or marketing collateral. If you prefer not to be photographed, kindly inform the photographers. Want to contribute? Email your photos from the event to Ms. Leah Weaver at lbisho17@kennesaw.edu – we’d love to see the celebration through your eyes!

• 11
  Friday
  Molecular Biosciences Interest Group (MBIG) seminar series

  12:30pm

  at Clendenin Building, CL 1008

  Speaker: Dr. Krista Barbour, Centers for Disease Control
  Title: “TBA”

   

  The Molecular Biosciences Interest Group (MBIG) is pleased to present seminars featuring active scientists from KSU, Georgia, and beyond. These research talks cover a broad spectrum of cutting-edge topics in Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, and Structural Biology, with a special emphasis on human pathology. Whether you're a researcher, student, or simply curious about the latest scientific discoveries, our seminars offer an excellent opportunity to learn, engage, and network with experts in the field. The MBIG seminar will take place in-person on Fridays from 12:30 – 1:30 pm in the Clendenin Building, room CL 1008. All faculty, staff, students, and alumni are invited to attend.

  Mathematics Colloquium seminar series

  2:30pm

  at Mathematics Building, D 237

  Speaker: Dr. Jean Dolbeault, CEREMADE, Université Paris-Dauphine

  Title: “Sobolev type inequalities, logarithmic Sobolev inequalities: stability in strong norms by entropy methods or direct methods of the calculus of variations”

  Abstract: This lecture is devoted to a review of explicit stability estimates based on flows, entropy methods and direct spectral estimates combined with methods of the calculus of variations, applied to Sobolev, Gagliardo-Nirenberg or logarithmic Sobolev inequalities on the sphere or on the Euclidean space (with Lebesgue or Gaussian measure).

   

  The KSU Mathematics Colloquium is a seminar series that brings in researchers from other universities to present results on all areas of Mathematics. The talks are targeted at general audiences of students and professors.

   

  This seminar will be held virtually.
   

  DIAL-IN INFORMATION
  Stream Link
  Passcode: Ff3U6L

   

   

• 12
  Saturday

• 13
  Sunday
• 14
  Monday
  Navigating the Path: Insights into Medical School and Residency Training

  6:00pm

  at Prillaman Health Sciences, HS 1103

  You're invited to a panel discussion with Family Medicine Program Director (Dr. Viktoria Nurpeisov), Internal Medicine Residency Program Director (Jennifer Headrick, MD, FACP) and representatives from the Wellstar Kennestone Family Medicine and Internal Medicine Residency Programs.

• 15
  Tuesday
  Chemistry and Biochemistry Departmental Seminar Series

  12:30pm

  at Clendenin Building, CL 1009

  Speaker: Dr.Timothy Brewster, University of Memphis
  Title: "New Methods for Investigating Donor Ability of Ligands in Late Transition Metal Complexes "

  Abstract: Understanding of the structural and catalytic properties of transition metal complexes is dependent on intimate knowledge of the electronic properties of the associated ligands. Classical metrics such as the Tolman Electronic Parameter (TEP) are ubiquitous in the literature and in organometallics textbooks. The Brewster lab is interested in developing similar metrics for two classes of ligands that the TEP has not been extended to: metalloligands in heterobimetallic complexes and chelate ligands common to late-metal olefin polymerization catalysis. Work toward these two goals is presented.

   

   

  The Chemistry and Biochemistry Departmental Seminar Series covers a broad range of fields in the Chemical and Biochemical Sciences. In past seminars, scientists from Academia, Government, and Industry have presented their most recent discoveries and contributions in their respective areas. This Seminar Series offers students and faculty the opportunity to interact directly with other leaders in their specializations and to gain a good overview of the entire range of fields in Chemistry and Biochemistry.

   

  This seminar will take place in person.

• 16
  Wednesday
  Spring 2025 Symposium of Student Scholars: CSM In-Person Oral Presentations

  9:00am

  at Prillaman Health Sciences, Indoor Plaza

  The Symposium of Student Scholars is designed to showcase student research. The Spring Edition takes place each spring semester on the Kennesaw Campus.

   

  The College of Science and Mathematics has been allotted a 50-minute timeslot for oral presentations. View the Spring 2025 Symposium of Student Scholars Program.

   

  Please come support your student researchers!

  Analysis and Applied Mathematics (AAM) Seminar

  1:00pm

  at Mathematics Building, D 237

  Speaker: Dr. Anurag Sahay, Purdue University
  Title: “The moments of the Hurwitz zeta function with irrational shifts”
  Abstract: The Hurwitz zeta function is a shifted integer analogue of the Riemann zeta function, with a shift parameter $0 < \alpha \leqslant 1$. We will consider moments of the Hurwitz zeta function on the critical line with a focus on the case where the shift $\alpha$ is irrational. We will briefly review rational $\alpha$, which leads naturally into moments of products of Dirichlet $L$-functions. Heuristics involving random matrix theory can then be used to predict an asymptotic formula for all integer moments. For irrational $\alpha$, we will discuss recent work joint with Winston Heap investigating these moments, where we proved a sharp upper bound for the fourth moment of the order $T(\log T)^2$ assuming that $\alpha$ is not too well-approximable by rationals (concretely, when its irrationality exponent $\mu(\alpha)$ is less than $3$). We also put forth a conjecture for higher moments that suggests that the distribution of the Hurwitz zeta function with irrational shifts on the critical line is approximately Gaussian. This contrasts with the Riemann zeta function (and other $L$-functions from arithmetic), where the analogous fourth moment is of order $T(\log T)^4$ and where the distribution is approximately log-Gaussian instead of Gaussian.

   

  The Analysis and Applied Mathematics (AAM) Seminar is intended for Kennesaw State faculty working in the various areas of analysis and applied mathematics to get together to discuss their current work or related questions. Seminars often involve advanced mathematical knowledge. However, the seminars are open to anyone interested in attending.

   

  This seminar will be held in-person and virtually. 

   

  DIAL-IN INFORMATION
  Stream Link
  Passcode: i8a8CJ

  +2
  MS in Chemical Sciences Thesis Defense

  1:30pm

  at Clendenin Building, CL 1009

  Speaker: Md Taimuzzaman Sharif, MSCB student
  Title: Development of Cyclic and Bicyclic Peptides Against the Main Protease (M^pro) of SARS-CoV-2
  Abstract: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) virus and its variants are responsible for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with more than seven million deaths since 2019. Main protease (M^pro) is one of the vital enzymes for the replication of SARS-CoV-2 and ultimate target for developing drugs. The inhibition of this viral enzyme effectively interrupts the formation of functional viral proteins required for the viral growth. Several small-molecule drugs are available against COVID-19. However, they often demonstrate lower target specificity, higher adverse effects and lead to resistance on prolong use. Peptide therapeutics, in contrast, are highly target specific and thus induce less toxic effect. However, they have some limitations such as flexible secondary structure, proteolytic instability, poor cell permeability and shorter half-life. Cyclization can reduce proteolytic instability, increase cell permeability and bioavailability. Previous studies from our group demonstrated that Temporin L like peptide (TLP) could effectively inhibit the main protease, however, this peptide showed a short half-life. In this study, four cyclic and four bicyclic peptides have been synthesized from three linear TLP analogues using hydrophobic linkers such as Hexafluorobenzene (C₆F₆), α, α’-Dibromo-P-Xylene and α, α’-Dichloro-P-Xylene. Moreover, bicyclic peptides have been synthesized using another two hydrophobic scaffolds such as 1,3,5-triacryloylhexahydro-1,3,5-triazinane (TATA) and 1,3,5-tris(bromomethyl)benzene (1,3,5-TBMB). All peptides have been characterized by mass spectrometry. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and selected ion monitoring (SIM) based LC-MS assays have been used to investigate the in-vitro inhibition efficiency of these analogues. Bicyclic peptides showed strong inhibition efficiency compared to their linear counterparts. Future studies will be directed to investigate gastric, intestinal, serum stability and cell viability of the best analogue.

   

  Discrete Mathematics Seminar

  2:30pm

  at Mathematics Building, D 112

  Speaker: Dr. Ben Adenbaum, Florida Gulf Coast University
  Title: “On the Toggleability Spaces of Diagrams”
  Abstract: For a family of partial orders corresponding to cell diagrams in the plane with some restrictions, we completely classify the functions in the span of the order ideal and antichain  indicator functions with those that differ from a constant function by a linear  combination of the single element signed toggleability statistics of Striker. In particular we show that the  dimension of this intersection equals the rank of the partial order for both of these spaces and provide explicit bases answering. As a consequence of this we answer in the affirmative several  conjectures of Defant, Hopkins, Posznanović, and Propp. This is joint work with Spencer Daugherty and Nicholas Mayers.

   

  The Discrete Math Seminar (DMS) is intended for Kennesaw State faculty working in the various areas of algebra, number theory, and discrete mathematics to get together to discuss their current work or related questions. Seminars often involve advanced mathematical knowledge. However, the seminars are open to anyone interested in attending. This talk will take place in a hybrid format.

• 17
  Thursday
  Spring 2025 Symposium of Student Scholars: CSM In-Person Poster Presentations

  9:00am

  at Convocation Center, Arena Floor

  The Symposium of Student Scholars is designed to showcase student research. The Spring Edition takes place each spring semester on the Kennesaw Campus.

   

  Poster presentations are held in 45-min timeslots, with up to 50 posters per session, throughout the day. View the Spring 2025 Symposium of Student Scholars Program.

   

  Please come support your student researchers!

• 18
  Friday
  Molecular Biosciences Interest Group (MBIG) seminar series

  12:30pm

  at Clendenin Building, CL 1008

  Speaker: Dr. Kosuke Funato, University of Georgia
  Title: “Deciphering the developmental origin of pediatric brain tumors using stem cell-based models”

   

  The Molecular Biosciences Interest Group (MBIG) is pleased to present seminars featuring active scientists from KSU, Georgia, and beyond. These research talks cover a broad spectrum of cutting-edge topics in Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, and Structural Biology, with a special emphasis on human pathology. Whether you're a researcher, student, or simply curious about the latest scientific discoveries, our seminars offer an excellent opportunity to learn, engage, and network with experts in the field. The MBIG seminar will take place in-person on Fridays from 12:30 – 1:30 pm in the Clendenin Building, room CL 1008. All faculty, staff, students, and alumni are invited to attend.

  Spring 2025 Symposium of Student Scholars: CSM Virtual Presentation

  1:45pm

  The Symposium of Student Scholars is designed to showcase student research. Virtual presentations of all types are held via Microsoft Teams to accommodate more schedules. View the Spring 2025 Symposium of Student Scholars Program.

   

  CSM will have two virtual presentations:

  • 1:45pm - 2:00pm: A Mechanical Design of a High Vacuum Chamber with Mounting Racks for the WideBand Microwave Fabry-Pérot Resonator (Microsoft Teams) 
  • 2:15pm – 2:30pm: Structure Disorder and Magnetic Behavior of an Olivine-Type Cathode Material (Microsoft Teams) 

   

  Please come support your student researchers!

  +2
  Physics Undergraduate Research Showcase

  3:00pm

  at Stingers Dining Hall, Executive Dining Room

  Join the Department of Physics for an undergraduate research showcase, where 14 physics majors will present their research findings!

   

  3:00 pm-3:45 pm — Refreshments and poster session (5 posters)

  3:45 pm-6:00 pm — Oral session (9 Oral sessions)

   

  Refreshments will be provided.

  Mathematics Colloquium seminar series

  3:30pm

  at Mathematics Building, D237

  Speaker: Dr. Andre Wibisono, Yale
  Focus: Machine Learning, Optimization

  Title: “Mixing Times of the Langevin Dynamics and the Proximal Sampler for Sampling under Isoperimetry”

  Abstract: Sampling is a fundamental algorithmic task with intricate connections with optimization, for example via the perspective of sampling as optimization in the space of distributions. In this talk, we discuss the Langevin dynamics, which is the natural greedy dynamics for sampling in continuous time, and its discrete-time implementations including the Proximal Sampler, a new sampling algorithm which is unbiased. We survey their mixing time guarantees under isoperimetry including the log-Sobolev inequality, and highlight their similarities with the convergence guarantees from optimization. We review the analysis techniques which proceed via establishing strong data processing inequalities for the algorithms when viewed as information-theoretic channels.

   

  The KSU Mathematics Colloquium is a seminar series that brings in researchers from other universities to present results on all areas of Mathematics. The talks are targeted at general audiences of students and professors.

   

  Dial-In Information
  Stream Link
  Passcode: 5VUHje

• 19
  Saturday

• 20
  Sunday
• 21
  Monday
• 22
  Tuesday
  Chemistry and Biochemistry Departmental Seminar Series

  12:30pm

  at Clendenin Building, CL 1009

  Speaker: Judith Brumlow, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Tobacco Products Laboratory
  Title: "An Overview of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Tobacco Products Laboratory"

  Abstract: I graduated from KSU with a BS in Chemistry and a certificate in Forensic Chemistry in May of 2010. Currently serve as the Acting Quality Manager for the Tobacco Products Laboratory in Atlanta, GA which is a one-of-a-kind specialty laboratory for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). I also serve as the team lead for the sample accessioning team that is responsible for in-processing and reporting results for all tobacco related samples for regulatory purposes. Previously, I worked at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitoring exposure to select agents such as anthrax. While at CDC, I also worked in trans-fatty acids analyses for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). I also worked in the private industry as the Analytical Chemistry Manager for Deerland Enzymes and Probiotics in Kennesaw, GA. For my presentation, I will be discussing my career path and my current roles and responsibilities as a public servant for the U.S. FDA, which will include the specific functionality of the Tobacco Products Laboratory.

   

   

  The Chemistry and Biochemistry Departmental Seminar Series covers a broad range of fields in the Chemical and Biochemical Sciences. In past seminars, scientists from Academia, Government, and Industry have presented their most recent discoveries and contributions in their respective areas. This Seminar Series offers students and faculty the opportunity to interact directly with other leaders in their specializations and to gain a good overview of the entire range of fields in Chemistry and Biochemistry.

   

  This seminar will take place in person. Refreshments will be served.

  MS in Chemical Sciences Thesis Defense

  1:00pm

  at Math and Statistics Building, MS 112

  Speaker: Lyric Gordon, MSCB student
  Title: Developing Peptide Based Inhibitors Targeting Amyloid Beta for Alzheimer’s Disease
  Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is defined as a progressive neurological disorder that has adverse effects on one’s cognitive function over time. Currently identified as the prevalent antecedent of dementia, this disease is ranked seventh in the leading causes of death by the CDC. Since its discovery in 1906, there’s been a 145% increase in deaths observed by researchers. Unfortunately, scientists have been unsuccessful in both curing and eradicating the diseases’ harsh symptoms. Amyloid-Beta (Ab) is a protein which accumulates into neurofibrillary tangles and extracellular plaques when sliced by b- and g- secretases. It is placed at the forefront as the cause of AD. The aim of this project is to develop and improve peptide-based inhibitors by modifying previously tested peptide sequences that were successful in targeting and inhibiting Aβ. In this research, various peptides are designed, synthesized and investigated to analyze their binding affinity to Ab via liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry (LC-MS) based selected ion monitoring (SIM) assays. Dissociation constant (Kd) is used to measure the binding affinity between amyloid-beta and peptide inhibitors. Various linear and cyclic peptide were synthesized, characterized, and analyzed.  Linear peptide, LP-1 presented the strongest binding affinity of all peptides with a Kd value of 1.73 nM, followed by LP-3 with a K_d value at 19.69 nM. Cyclic peptide displayed a weaker binding in comparison to its linear counterpart at 49.12 nM. Molecular docking was used to predict and support the exhibited binding strength and interactions of synthesized peptides with Ab. In future, these potent peptides will be tested for Ab inhibition using the cell-based assay and animal model, thus providing new avenues to aid in the fight against AD.

   

• 23
  Wednesday
  Analysis and Applied Mathematics (AAM) Seminar

  1:00pm

  Speaker: Dr. Phanuel De Andrade Mariano, Union College
  Title: “TBD”
  Abstract: TBD

   

  The Analysis and Applied Mathematics (AAM) Seminar is intended for Kennesaw State faculty working in the various areas of analysis and applied mathematics to get together to discuss their current work or related questions. Seminars often involve advanced mathematical knowledge. However, the seminars are open to anyone interested in attending.

   

  This seminar will be held virtually. 

   

  DIAL-IN INFORMATION
  Stream Link
  Passcode: i8a8CJ

• 24
  Thursday
  MS in Chemical Sciences Double-Owl Info Session

  11:00am

  at Clendenin Building, CL 2007

  Are you interested in learning how you can get graduate-level credit for your upper-level undergraduate courses while completing your BS Chemistry/Biochemistry degrees? 

   

  If you meet the following requirements you should consider registering for the Double Owl program: 

  • 3.25 GPA in KSU coursework
  • A "C" or better in CHEM 2800 and CHEM 3362
  • 60 hours toward the BS in Chemistry or BS in Biochemistry
  • 30 hours in residence at KSU
  • Recommendation by 2 KSU Chemistry faculty

   

  MSCB Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Kimberly Cortes, will host an information session on Thursday, April 24 from 11 am - 12 pm in CL 2007. Even if you are not planning on attending KSU for your graduate degree, you could still take advantage of the opportunity, as it will stay with you as graduate credit. 

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  Friday
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  Saturday

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  Sunday
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  Monday
  MS in Chemical Sciences Thesis Defense

  10:00am

  at Clendenin Building, CL 2008

  Speaker: Rupali Mangotra, MSCB student
  Title: Chemical pressure Tuning of Magnetocaloric effect in Frustrated Breathing Pyrochlore System CuAlCr₄Se₈
  Abstract: The magnetocaloric effect (MCE) is a thermodynamic phenomenon with promising applications in magnetic refrigeration, ranging from household cooling to hydrogen liquefaction. As a greener alternative to gas compression, it has been widely studied in rare-earth intermetallic compounds. However, a large MCE can also be achieved through alternative mechanisms. Here, we explore a route toward rare-earth-free magnetocaloric materials for low-temperature applications by utilizing magnetic frustration to generate highly degenerate ground states, which can undergo large entropy changes under field polarization. In magnetically frustrated systems, competing magnetic interactions and lattice symmetry prevent the stabilization of a unique magnetic ground state. While spinels with the general formula AM₂X₄ host a pyrochlore lattice, when two different cations occupy the A site a breathing pyrochlore lattice is formed with the formula AA'Cr₄X₈. This leads to two inequivalent tetrahedra and tunable exchange interactions (J, J'). In this work, we synthesized polycrystalline Cu_0.9Al_0.9Cr_3.8Se₈ and induced frustration through careful selection of the anion and A-site variation. Magnetic measurements indicate a competition between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions, and the susceptibility deviates from the Curie-Weiss behavior. AC susceptibility reveals a spin-glass-like feature, suggesting frozen, disordered spin states. The MCE was also evaluated using heat capacity, showing a suppressed magnetic entropy change, potentially due to the absence of long-range magnetic order. These results confirm that chemical pressure tuning via the A-site substitution and anion choice can effectively induce frustration and complex magnetism, highlighting a new pathway for designing rare-earth-free materials for low-temperature magnetic cooling applications.

   

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  Tuesday
  Calculus I Final Exam Study Hours (Kennesaw)

  3:30pm

  at Math and Statistics Building, MS 006 & MS 012

  Join a special session of the Open Math Lab to study for the Calculus I Final Exam! Come work on problems solo or with a group of friends with the aid of the KSU mathematics faculty.
  
  Snacks will be provided; we hope to see you there!

  Calculus I Final Exam Study Hours (Marietta)

  3:30pm

  at Mathematics Building, D 249 & D 250

  Join a special session of the Open Math Lab to study for the Calculus I Final Exam! Come work on problems solo or with a group of friends with the aid of the KSU mathematics faculty.
  
  Snacks will be provided; we hope to see you there!

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  Wednesday
• 1
  Thursday
• 2
  Friday
• 3
  Saturday