MSCS Seminar Calendar

Monday March 31, 2025
pdf * Louise Hay Logic Seminar
NIP Theories: A Brief Overview
Devrim Pekmezci (UIC)
3:00 PM in 612 SEO
We have been discussing how the study of model theory is structured by drawing dividing lines based on the presence or absence of various combinatorial configurations. For example, we introduced the order property and the binary tree property to characterize stable theories. In this talk, we will focus on the independence property and introduce NIP theories—those that lack the independence property. We will also explore how NIP theories generalizes different features of stable theories we previously discussed.

pdf * Algebraic Geometry Seminar
Ends of strata of differentials
Samuel Grushevsky (SUNY Stony Brook)
3:00 PM in 712 SEO
A stratum of differentials is the moduli space of curves together with a meromorphic form with prescribed multiplicities of zeroes and poles. The strata are phase spaces of an action of SL(2,R) and thus the central object of study in Teichmueller dynamics. On the other hand, they give natural high codimension subvarieties of the moduli of curves with marked points. The strata are non-compact, and we determine the number of their ends, and discuss a viewpoint towards further homology computations. This uses an algebraic compactification of the strata. Based on a joint work with Ben Dozier.

pdf * Combinatorics and Discrete Probability Seminar
Balanced independent sets and colorings
Abhishek Dhawan (UIUC)
3:00 PM in 1227 SEO
An independent set in a bipartite graph G = (X, Y, E) is balanced if it contains an equal number of vertices from each partition. A balanced coloring of G is a proper coloring of G such that each color class forms a balanced independent set. In this talk, we will discuss the recent extension of these definitions to multipartite hypergraphs. We establish bounds on the balanced independence number and balanced chromatic number of multipartite hypergraphs that are near-optimal as exhibited by the behavior of these parameters on random instances. This talk is partially based on joint work with Yuzhou Wang.

pdf * Analysis and Applied Mathematics Seminar
Applied Math Master's Exam
No Seminar
4:00 PM in 636 SEO
Tuesday April 1, 2025
pdf * Logic Seminar
Computability theoretic aspects of big Ramsey degrees
Natasha Dobrinen (University of Notre Dame)
1:00 PM in 636 SEO
In this talk, we will give an introduction to big Ramsey degrees of homogeneous structures. Then we will concentrate on computability theoretic aspects and discuss work done in the area by various logicians, including work by Cholak, Dobrinen, McCoy.

pdf * Logic Seminar
Attractive and Dispersive Degrees
Denis Hirschfeldt (University of Chicago)
2:30 PM in 636 SEO
The upper density of the symmetric difference between two sets of natural numbers gives a notion of distance that can be used to define a metric on the Turing degrees. By work of Monin, this metric is (0,1/2,1)-valued. A degree a is attractive if almost every degree is at distance 1/2 from a, and dispersive otherwise. I will discuss joint work with Jockusch and Schupp, as well as more recent work of Royer, on the distribution of attractive and dispersive degrees, and their connections with the interplay between effective randomness and genericity.

pdf * Dynamics Seminar
Exponential mixing and the uniform non-integrability condition
Felix Lequen (UIC)
3:00 PM in 427 SEO
In this talk I will introduce some ideas to prove exponential decay of correlations for certain dynamical systems, first the angle-doubling map and then cat maps. Then I will give a short introduction to Dolgopyat's method which allows us to treat some systems with a neutral direction, in particular flows and some skew-products. I will talk about the important role of the uniform non-integrability (UNI) condition. If time allows, I will finish by explaining how one might approach this with a microlocal point of view based on ideas of Faure, Tsujii as well as Tsujii-Zhang and Leclerc (joint work with Frédéric Faure).
Note the unusual date (Tuesday). This talk is joint with the Groups and Dynamics seminar

pdf * Logic Seminar
The recursive compression method for proving incomputability results
Andrew Marks (University of California Berkeley)
4:00 PM in 636 SEO
We discuss a technique called recursive compression for proving incomputability results. The method has developed independently in mathematics and theoretical computer science, and gives a way of showing some set is incomputable by reducing the halting problem to it. Recursive compression was used by Durand, Romashchenko, and Chen in 2008 to give a new proof that the Wang tiling problem is incomputable. In quantum information theory, recursive compression was used by Ji, Natarajan, Vidick, Wright, and Yuen in 2020 to prove the MIP*=RE result that the halting problem is reducible to approximating the quantum value of a nonlocal game. Their result implies a negative answer to the longstanding Connes embedding problem in operator algebras.
We formulate a general recursive compression lemma which abstracts the technique used in these applications. A recursive compression f of a set A ⊂ 2ω is a polytime computable function which takes as input a program e computing a string x in exponential time, and outputs a program f(e) computing a string y in polynomial time so that x ∈ A iff y ∈ A. If A has a recursive compression, and A and its complement are nonempty, then A is incomputable. We also show a converse of the recursive compression lemma: the halting problem is polytime reducible to an r.e. set if and only if there is a recursive compression. Finally, we generalize the recursive compression lemma throughout the arithmetical hierarchy, giving a way to show that a language is Σ0n-hard using recursive compression. This is joint work with Seyed Sajjad Nezhadi and Henry Yuen.
Wednesday April 2, 2025
pdf * Statistics and Data Science Seminar
On the Testing of Statistical Software
Ryan Lekivetz (JMP)
4:00 PM in 636 SEO
Testing statistical software is an extremely difficult task. What is more, for many statistical packages, the developer and test engineer are one and the same, may not have formal training in software testing techniques, and may have limited time for testing. This makes it imperative that the adopted testing approach is both efficient and effective and, at the same time, it should be based on principles that are readily understood by the developer. As it turns out, the construction of test cases can be thought of as a designed experiment (DOE). This talk provides a treatment of DOE principles applied to testing statistical software and includes other considerations that may be less familiar to those developing and testing statistical packages.
Friday April 4, 2025
pdf * Geometry/Topology Seminar
Hitchin Connection for parabolic bundles
Swarnava Mukhopadhyay (TIFR (Mumbai, India))
1:30 PM in 512 SEO
Given an family of polarized abelian varieties, let $\mathcal{L}$ be a relatively ample line bundle, consider the family effective divisors on the fibers or equivalently the space of theta-functions induced by $\mathcal{L}$. Mumford-Welters work endowed this family with a flat projective connection which is realized via the heat equations. Hitchin's paper on {\em Flat connections and geometric quantizations, 1990} generalizes the above construction. Namely, for a complex simply connected Lie group $G$ and a surface $\Sigma$, the Hitchin connection is a flat projective connection on a vector bundle over $\mathcal{M}_g$, whose fiber over a compact Riemann surface $C$ ($\Sigma$ and a complex structure) is the space of holomorphic sections of natural line bundle $\mathcal{L}$ on the moduli space of principal $G$ bundles on $C$. Hitchin's work can be realized as an initial step in the direction of Witten's proposal of quantization of Chern-Simons theory via the method of geometric quantization.
In this talk, we will discuss the construction of a Hitchin-type connection for the moduli of parabolic bundles. We will start with a more general framework of constructing connections from heat operators with a given symbol map due to van Geeman-de Jong. We will also identify our connection with the Wess-Zumino-Witten/Tsuchiya-Ueno-Yamada connection in conformal field theory generalizing a result of Laszlo. If time permits, we will make further comments on the abelian case. This is a joint work with Indranil Biswas and Richard Wentworth.

pdf * Departmental Colloquium
TBA
Ben Davison (Edinbourgh)
3:00 PM in 636 SEO
TBA
Monday April 7, 2025
pdf * Algebraic Geometry Seminar
TBA
Behrouz Taji (University of New South Wales Sydney)
3:00 PM in 636 SEO

pdf * Analysis and Applied Mathematics Seminar
Accelerating Optimization Over Probability Measure Space
Qin Li (University of Wisconsin Madison)
4:00 PM in 636 SEO
In the past decade, there has been a significant shift in the types of mathematical objects under investigation, moving from vectors and matrices in Euclidean spaces, to functions residing in Hilbert or Banach spaces, and ultimately extending to probability measures within the probability measure space. Many questions that were originally posed in the context of linear function spaces are now being revisited in the realm of probability measures. One such question is to efficiently find a probability measure that minimizes a given objective functional. In Euclidean space, we devised optimization techniques like gradient descent and introduced momentum-based methods to accelerate the convergence. Now, the question arises: Can we employ analogous strategies to expedite convergence within the probability measure space?
We provide an affirmative answer to this question and show that momentum-based acceleration for Euclidean optimization now translates to Hamiltonian flows, and it can achieve arbitrary high-order of convergence. This opens the door of developing methods beyond standard gradient flow.
Wednesday April 9, 2025
pdf * Statistics and Data Science Seminar
Defenses Against Backdoor Attacks in Federated Learning and Text Classification
Yao Li (UNC Chapel Hill)
4:00 PM in 636 SEO
As machine learning models become increasingly integrated into distributed and language-intensive applications, ensuring their integrity against backdoor attacks is paramount. This talk presents two defense strategies that target vulnerabilities in federated learning and large language models (LLMs). The first part introduces Trusted Aggregation (TAG), a robust defense mechanism for federated learning that leverages a small validation set to estimate permissible updates and filter out malicious contributions. TAG effectively mitigates backdoor risks while preserving task accuracy, even when up to 40% of client updates are adversarial. The second part addresses the threat of syntactic textual backdoor attacks in LLMs. We propose a novel token substitution strategy that alters semantic content while preserving syntactic structures, enabling the detection of both syntax-based and token-based triggers.
Friday April 11, 2025
pdf * Number Theory Seminar
TBD
Tyler Genao (The Ohio State University)
1:00 PM in 636 SEO
Monday April 14, 2025
pdf * Algebraic Geometry Seminar
TBA
Tim Ryan (North Dakota State University)
3:00 PM in 636 SEO

pdf * Analysis and Applied Mathematics Seminar
Robust finite element methods for poroelasticity and its coupled equations
Jeonghun Lee (Baylor University)
4:00 PM in 636 SEO
Poroelasticity equations arise from many applications in geophysics and biomechanics, so numerical simulations of poroelasticity equations are of great interest. In this talk I discuss advanced finite element methods for poroelasticity and related problems.
In the first part, I introduce parameter-robust discretization of poroelasticity and explain that efficient preconditioners can be obtained by the operator preconditioning approach. In the second part, I present hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin (HDG) methods for the problems that Stokes/Navier-Stokes equations and porous/poroelastic equations are coupled with interfaces.
The talk is based on joint works with K.-A. Mardal (University of Oslo), M. E. Rognes (Simula Research Laboratory), A. Cesmelioglu (Oakland University) S. Rhebergen (University of Waterloo), and other collaborators.
Tuesday April 15, 2025
pdf * Logic Seminar
Quasirandomness of definable subsets of definable groups in finite fields
Anand Pillay (University of Notre Dame)
3:30 PM in 636 SEO
We prove an "arithmetic" version of Tao's algebraic regularity lemma about graphs uniformly definable in finite fields. Namely with uniformly definable pairs $(G,A)$ ($G$ group, $A$ subset) in place of a graph. We make connections with Green's arithmetic regularity lemma for finite dimensional vector spaces over $F_p$, and results of Gowers on quasirandom groups. (Joint with Atticus Stonestrom.)
Wednesday April 16, 2025
pdf * Algebraic Geometry Seminar
TBA
Ben Tighe (University of Oregon)
3:00 PM in 636 SEO

pdf * Statistics and Data Science Seminar
TBA
Nan Xi (AbbVie)
4:00 PM in 636 SEO
Friday April 18, 2025
pdf * Chicago Symposium Series
Excellence in Teaching Mathematics and Science: Research and Practice
Sharon Krinsky and Lew Ludwig (California State University, Denison University)
10:00 AM in Oakton College, Skokie Campus
Spring 2025 Symposium at Oakton College Friday, April 18, 2025 Oakton College, Skokie Campus 10:00 - 4:30
Sharona Krinsky Executive Director and Director of Programming, Higher Education Center for Grading Reform, California State University, Los Angeles Authentic Assessment and Alternative Grading in the Age of AI
Lew Ludwig Director, Center for Learning and Teaching Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science, Denison University Navigating the AI Storm: Strategies for Educators
The final Spring Symposium of this academic year will take place in just a few weeks on Friday, April 18, at Oakton College in Skokie. The Skokie campus is situated about 1.5 miles east of the Edens Expressway (I-94). It can be accessed via public transportation, including Pace Bus No. 210 or the Brown Line to Kimball and Lincoln. We are excited to include student voices alongside our keynote speakers. A student panel will discuss how students incorporate AI into their daily lives and studies. The discussion will cover several topics, including how college courses integrate AI, how students utilize it both in and outside of academia and what recommendations they have for their instructors regarding the use of AI. Additionally, the panel will explore students' perspectives on the issue of cheating with AI. We are eager to discuss AI and its impact both inside and outside the classroom, and we anticipate encountering interesting insights and surprises. We hope you can join us!

pdf * Number Theory Seminar
TBA
Micah Milinovich (University of Mississippi)
1:00 PM in 636 SEO
TBA

pdf * Departmental Colloquium
TBA
Alexander Bertoloni Meli (Boston University)
3:00 PM in 636 SEO
TBA
Monday April 21, 2025
pdf * Algebraic Geometry Seminar
TBA
Morgan Opie (UCLA)
3:00 PM in 636 SEO

pdf * Analysis and Applied Mathematics Seminar
TBA
Maurice Fabien (University of Wisconsin Madison)
4:00 PM in 636 SEO
TBA
Tuesday April 22, 2025
pdf * Logic Seminar
TBA
James Hanson (Iowa State University)
3:30 PM in 636 SEO
Wednesday April 23, 2025
pdf * Statistics and Data Science Seminar
Volatility Index (VIX) in the Science Fictional Options Universe
Gilbert W. Bassett (UIC Finance and Economics)
4:00 PM in 636 SEO
TBA
Monday April 28, 2025
pdf * Algebraic Geometry Seminar
TBA
Yu-Shen Lin (Boston University)
3:00 PM in 636 SEO

pdf * Combinatorics and Discrete Probability Seminar
TBA
Emily Heath (Cal Poly Pomona)
3:00 PM in 1227 SEO

pdf * Analysis and Applied Mathematics Seminar
TBA
Razvan Radu (Princeton)
4:00 PM in 636 SEO
TBA
Tuesday April 29, 2025
pdf * Logic Seminar
Differential-algebraic dimension in transserial tame pairs
Nigel Pynn-Coates (University of Vienna)
3:30 PM in 636 SEO
The theory of closed H-fields is model complete and axiomatizes the theory of transseries and maximal Hardy fields, as Aschenbrenner, Van den Dries, and Van der Hoeven have shown in a long series of works. To better understand large closed H-fields, such as maximal Hardy fields, I recently extended this model completeness to the theory of tame pairs of closed H-fields. Building on this work, I will explain how to extend differential-algebraic dimension on a closed H-field to tame pairs of closed H-fields so that it is a fibred dimension function in the sense of [L. van den Dries, "Dimension of definable sets, algebraic boundedness and Henselian fields", Ann. Pure Appl. Logic 45.2 (1989), 189–209] and the nonempty dimension zero definable sets are exactly the nonempty discrete definable sets. The model-theoretic notion of coanalyzability will also make an appearance.
Wednesday April 30, 2025
pdf * Dynamics Seminar
Classifying Hyperbolic Ergodic Stationary Measures on K3 Surfaces with Large Automorphism Groups
Megan Roda (University of Chicago)
3:00 PM in 636 SEO
Let $X$ be a K3 surface. Consider a finitely supported probability measure $\mu$ on $\operatorname{Aut}(X)$ such that $\Gamma_{\mu} = \langle \operatorname{Supp}(\mu)\rangle < Aut(X)$ is non-elementary. We do not assume that $\Gamma_{\mu}$ contains any parabolic elements. We study and classify hyperbolic ergodic $\mu$-stationary probability measures on $X$.
Thursday May 1, 2025
pdf * Directed Reading Program
DRP Presentations (2-5pm)
DRP Undergrad Mentees (UIC)
2:00 PM in 636 SEO
Undergrads who participated in the DRP will give short presentations on the topic they learned and read about over the course of the semester. Detailed titles and abstracts will be posted soon. This semester twenty+ UIC undergraduates participated in the Directed Reading Program at UIC. In the DRP undergrads are paired with a supportive graduate student mentor and read through some mathematical text of the mentees choosing. One explicit goal of the program is to help undergraduates build mathematical strength, maturity, and independence.
Pizza is likely to be served.
Friday May 2, 2025
pdf * Directed Reading Program
DRP Presentations (11am-2:45pm)
DRP Undergrad Mentees (UIC)
11:00 AM in 636 SEO
Undergrads who participated in the DRP will give short presentations on the topic they learned and read about over the course of the semester. Detailed titles and abstracts will be posted soon. This semester twenty+ UIC undergraduates participated in the Directed Reading Program at UIC. In the DRP undergrads are paired with a supportive graduate student mentor and read through some mathematical text of the mentees choosing. One explicit goal of the program is to help undergraduates build mathematical strength, maturity, and independence.
Pizza is likely to be served.

pdf * Departmental Colloquium
TBA
Tsachik Gelander (Northwestern)
3:00 PM in 636 SEO
TBA
Monday May 12, 2025
pdf * Geometry/Topology Seminar
From Hamiltonian Systems to Drones: Geometric Insights into Control and Dynamics
Leonardo Colombo (Centre for Automation and Robotics CSIC-UPM)
2:00 PM in 636 SEO
Hamiltonian systems have long been a cornerstone of classical mechanics, providing a powerful framework to describe and analyze the motion of physical systems. But what happens when these mathematical structures take flight? In this talk, we will explore how the geometric principles of Hamiltonian mechanics play a crucial role in the modeling and control of modern aerial vehicles, including drones. From symplectic structures and variational principles to optimal control and real-world applications, we will uncover the elegant mathematical tools that bridge fundamental physics with cutting-edge drone technology. Whether you're interested in geometry, control theory, or just fascinated by the math behind autonomous systems, this talk will offer a compelling journey from theory to application in the skies.
Wednesday September 3, 2025
pdf * Dynamics Seminar
TBA
Aleksander Skenderi (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
3:00 PM in 636 SEO
Friday September 5, 2025
pdf * Departmental Colloquium
TBA
Marina Logares (Complutense)
3:00 PM in 636 SEO
TBA
Wednesday September 10, 2025
pdf * Geometry/Topology Seminar
TBA
Marina Logares (Complutense)
3:00 PM in 636 SEO
TBA
Friday October 17, 2025
pdf * Departmental Colloquium
TBA
Steve Rayan (University of Saskatchewan)
3:00 PM in 636 SEO
TBA
Monday October 20, 2025
pdf * Geometry/Topology Seminar
TBA
Steve Rayan (University of Saskatchewan)
1:00 PM in 636 SEO
TBA
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