2026 Spring Awards Day

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Julia Robinson Math Festival

Hosted by: SIAM, TXST Department of Mathematics and the San Marcos Public Library
Location: San Marcos Public Library
Date: Saturday, April 25th, 2026
Time: Noon to 4 PM

In Active Grants

Discover our dynamic faculty and the innovative research they’re driving through, high-impact grant awards.

NEXT in Math

@TXST Math

Location:
DERR 121; 121
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Cameron Farnsworth
cfarnsworth@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
Department of Mathematics
Love a good problem?  Like to solve difficult puzzles?
Join professors, graduate students and undergraduates as we tackle problems presented from several mathematical journals.  An interest in higher level mathematics is all that is required to join our round table.  Offer what you know, learn what you don't in a relaxed environment with some of our department's finest!
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Location:
DERR 333; 333
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Vera Ioudina
vi11@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
Department of Mathematics
Title: Group Presentations of Student Projects in STAT 5345/7335

Abstract: Linear regression and logistic models are the most commonly used statistical models in applications. Four groups of students from STAT 5345/7335 will present their course projects using data sets from various disciplines:

Here is the Zoom link for those who cannot attend in person:
https://txstate.zoom.us/j/84190833370?pwd=OzF6cbIZGLqT2fBnUGN8qQwCHSidVf.1
Meeting ID:  84190833370       Passcode: SS_Derr333
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Location:
DERR 229; 229
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ray Treinen
treinen@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
Department of Mathematics
Christian Meraz - TXST
Title: Existence of Weak and Mild Solutions for a Nonlocal Klausmeier Model

Abstract: The Klausmeier model is a coupled system of partial differential equations governing surface water and plant biomass dynamics in semi-arid regions. The original model posits that plants disperse their seed according to classical diffusion. We opt for a nonlocal diffusive operator in alignment with ecological field data that validates long-range dispersive behaviors of plants and seeds. The equations feature homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions for the water equation and homogeneous nonlocal Dirichlet volume constraints for the plant biomass equation. The nonlocal operator involves convolution with a symmetric and spatially extended kernel possessing mild integrability and regularity properties. We employ the Galerkin method to establish the existence of small-time weak solutions. The key challenge comes from the nonlocal operator; it has domain a subspace of $L^2$ instead of $H^1$, precluding the use of Aubin's compactness theorem to prove the weak convergence of the nonlinear reaction terms. To overcome this, we modify the model to include two new equations for the spatial derivatives of the surface water and plant biomass variables. This procedure allows us to recover enough regularity to establish compactness and complete the proof. We then leverage  semigroup theory and elliptic maximum principles for a proof of global solutions to our nonlocal model. In this setting, the spatial dimension is $n > 1$, and we assume that the domain $\Omega \subset \mathbb{R}^n$ has a smooth boundary. Assuming the initial data are non-negative and bounded in $\Omega$, we prove that the component-wise weak solutions are also non-negative and bounded for all time, with uniform bounds that depend on the initial conditions and problem parameters.
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Location:
Online Only
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Hamilton Hardison
hhardison@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
Department of Mathematics
Dr. Irene Ferrando - University of Valencia, Spain

Title: Fermi Problems as a Research Laboratory for Mathematical Modelling: Strategies, Solving Conditions, and Intercultural Awareness

Abstract: Fermi problems are often used as accessible tasks for introducing mathematical modelling. In this talk, I argue that they can also serve as a productive research context for studying modelling processes. Drawing on studies with prospective teachers, I will show how Fermi problems enable the characterization of solution strategies, the analysis of errors and performance, and the exploration of flexibility across task sequences.
Building on this, I will discuss how modelling activity in Fermi problems is shaped by both task features and solving conditions. Specifically, I will address how the setting (classroom-based, outdoor, or AI-supported) and the format of the problem statement (its textual complexity or the inclusion of images) influence strategy use, flexibility, and model complexity.
Finally, I will discuss a line of research that uses Fermi problems to elicit culturally grounded assumptions and foster intercultural awareness. Drawing from an international project, I will illustrate how comparing locally representative solutions can make visible the cultural dimensions of mathematical modelling.
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Location:
DERR 238; 238
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Illona Weber ih10@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
Department of Mathematics
Math CATS is here to assist in most MATH courses!  If you're intimidated by the subject, come in and let's problem solve together.  Tutors are here to help reiterate, reinforce and help you relate to the content you heard in lecture. FREE & NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED! Click here for more information
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Location:
DERR 330; 330
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Jackson Rebrovich (jdr134@txstate.edu)
The Math Club is a student-led organization for anyone who enjoys problem-solving, logical thinking, and exploring math beyond the classroom. Whether you love tackling challenging puzzles, preparing for competitions, or just want to sharpen your skills with friends, our club offers a fun and supportive environment to learn, collaborate, and grow. No matter your experience level, curiosity is all you need—come think, solve, and discover with us!
Our theme for the semester will be:  
"Learn Math with AI''
Click here for more information
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Location:
DERR 338; 338
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Hamilton Hardison
hhardison@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
Department of Mathematics
Faculty and students learn about and discuss issues related to the teaching and learning of mathematics and new findings in mathematics education research. Graduate students in the Mathematics Education programs are expected to attend whenever possible; students from other programs are always welcome. Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
DERR 121; 121
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Cameron Farnsworth
cfarnsworth@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
Department of Mathematics
Love a good problem?  Like to solve difficult puzzles?
Join professors, graduate students and undergraduates as we tackle problems presented from several mathematical journals.  An interest in higher level mathematics is all that is required to join our round table.  Offer what you know, learn what you don't in a relaxed environment with some of our department's finest!
Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
Online Only
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Hamilton Hardison
hhardison@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
Department of Mathematics
Dr. Irene Ferrando - University of Valencia, Spain

Title: Fermi Problems as a Research Laboratory for Mathematical Modelling: Strategies, Solving Conditions, and Intercultural Awareness

Abstract: Fermi problems are often used as accessible tasks for introducing mathematical modelling. In this talk, I argue that they can also serve as a productive research context for studying modelling processes. Drawing on studies with prospective teachers, I will show how Fermi problems enable the characterization of solution strategies, the analysis of errors and performance, and the exploration of flexibility across task sequences.
Building on this, I will discuss how modelling activity in Fermi problems is shaped by both task features and solving conditions. Specifically, I will address how the setting (classroom-based, outdoor, or AI-supported) and the format of the problem statement (its textual complexity or the inclusion of images) influence strategy use, flexibility, and model complexity.
Finally, I will discuss a line of research that uses Fermi problems to elicit culturally grounded assumptions and foster intercultural awareness. Drawing from an international project, I will illustrate how comparing locally representative solutions can make visible the cultural dimensions of mathematical modelling.
Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
DERR 329; 329
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Jeremiah Birrell
jbirrell@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
Department of Mathematics
Dr. Stefania Patrizi from the University of Texas at Austin will talk about "The Fractional Laplacian and the Peierls-Nabarro Model" Click here for more information
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