Howard University - Mathematics Colloquium - Spring 2026

• 23 January 2026
  
  Speaker: Jim Yorke, UMD.
  Title: Artificial intelligence and the future of mathematicians and physicists
  Click to read the Abstract.
  Among other topics, I will discuss what we can learn about how we think and learn from how AIs think and learn.
• 30 January 2026
  TBA
• 6 February 2026
  
  Speaker: Edinah Gnang, Johns Hopkins U..
  Title: A Functional Lens To Graphical Design
  Click to read the Abstract.
  We present an overview of a functional approach to Graph Decomposition Problems. Using this approach we settle in the affirmative some long standing conjectures. The oldest among these conjectures is the Kotzig-Ringel-Rosa conjecture (1964). We describe in this talk a recent simpler proof of the key lemma (a.k.a. the Composition Lemma). We report on ongoing efforts to formalize our proof of the Kotzig-Ringel-Rosa conjecture in Lean4. If time permits we will also describe related open problems.

  The talk is based upon joint work with grad student Parik Chalise, colleague Antwan Clark.
• 13 February 2026
  
  Speaker: Padmanabhan Seshaiyer, (George Mason University).
  Title: Cultivating a Mathematical Modeling Mindset and Data-Driven Problem Solving for Research and Education in the Age of AI
  Click to read the Abstract.
  This talk will explore how mathematical modeling, analysis, simulation, and data-driven approaches can serve as powerful frameworks for engaging students in authentic and impactful research experiences. Drawing on examples from infectious disease dynamics, biomedical systems, climate and environmental modeling, artificial intelligence, and engineering applications, the presentation will demonstrate how tools such as ordinary and partial differential equations, stochastic models, and numerical methods can be combined with data-informed problem solving and AI-enabled approaches to address complex, real-world challenges. The talk will emphasize the intentional design of research experiences that foster core competencies in mathematical reasoning, computational thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration, while simultaneously lowering barriers to participation and broadening student engagement. In addition, the presentation will highlight how these approaches can enhance faculty pedagogical practices by integrating research-driven learning, inclusive mentoring strategies, and AI-enabled instructional tools into undergraduate and graduate curricula, thereby strengthening teaching-research alignment and improving student learning outcomes. Pathways for supporting student research, funding mechanisms, and academic-industry partnerships will also be discussed, providing practical guidance for students seeking research funding and for faculty aiming to expand research opportunities and mentor the next generation of mathematically trained problem solvers.
• 20 February 2026
  
  Speaker: Tim Myers, HU.
  Title: Third Moments for Elevated Lattice Paths
  Click to read the Abstract.
  A second moment of an elevated lattice path is the average of the squares of the heights of its vertices. We shall refer to the sum of such averages for the paths in a given set as a lattice path set second moment. In a paper entitled Objects Counted by the Central Delannoy Numbers, Robert Sulanke lists some second order lattice path set moments for elevated Motzkin paths and elevated Schroder paths which the central Delannoy numbers count. He uses The Cut and Paste Bijection to establish these results. In this talk we will extend the Cut and Paste Bijection to third moments of elevated paths, then use it obtain combinatorial expressions that include distinguished number sequences for elevated Dyck, Motzkin, and Schroeder paths. This is joint work with Stephen Curran (U. of Pittsburg at Johnstown).
• 27 February 2026
  
  Speaker: Benjamin Breen, Axiomatic AI.
  Title: Computational Techniques for Mathematics
  Click to read the Abstract.
  Computational tools are essential for accelerating modern mathematical research. This talk explores three applications: investigating distributions of class groups in arithmetic statistics, algorithmic aspects of Hilbert modular forms, and advances in AI for math using the Lean programming language for verified AI and formal reasoning.
• 6 March 2026
  TBA
• 13 March 2026
  Spring break, no colloquium
• 20 March 2026
  
  Speaker: Olga Bernardi, University of Padova.
  Title: TBA
  Click to read the Abstract.
• 27 March 2026
  
  Speaker: Raunak Singh Chhabra, Montgomery College.
  Title: TBA
  Click to read the Abstract.
  TBA
• 3 April 2026
  Mental health day, no colloquium
• 10 April 2026
  TBA
• 17 April 2026
  TBA