Andrew Iden Passes Exam P

Andrew Iden ('12) has passed the Society of Actuaries' Probability exam (Exam P). The exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of the fundamental probability tools for quantitatively assessing risk. Exam P is one of the exams required to achieve professional status as an actuary. Andrew has already passed Exam FM (Financial Mathematics).

Andrew recently accepted a position as an Actuarial Analyst for Assurant Specialty Property in Miami, Florida.

 

Actuaries are professionals who provide expert advice and relevant solutions for business and societal problems that involve economic risk. The actuarial profession is consistently ranked as one of the top 5 careers in the United States.

 

Congratulations and good luck to Andrew.

For more information about the Actuarial Science program, contact Dr. Christopher Swanson, at cswanson@ashland.edu or visit the website www.beanactuary.com.

Welcome Dr. Maduka Rupasinghe!

Dr. Maduka Rupasinghe (Dr. Ru) joined Ashland University as an assistant professor of Mathematics in August 2012.

He received his B.S. degree in Business, Finance and Computational Mathematics from University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. He went on to graduate school at the Missouri University of Science and Technology where he obtained his PhD in Mathematics with Statistics Emphasis.

His research interests lie in the areas of Statistics, especially, Time Series Analysis and Statistical consulting. Applications of bootstrap techniques in Time Series are his major research focus. As Statistics methodologies are applicable in many areas, he further offers a free Statistical Consulting service to the AU faculty and students.

His passion for Mathematical problem solving immensely facilitated him in pursuing his post graduate degree in Statistics with a GPA of 4.0/4.0.

Dr. Rupasinghe immigrated to the USA from Sri Lanka in 2007 to pursue his PhD. He has taught various Mathematics and Statistics classes from College Algebra to Applied Engineering Statistics and has won two teaching awards as a graduate teaching assistant at Missouri University of Science & Technology. He will be primarily teaching statistics classes, especially, Elementary Statistics, Intermediate Statistics, Probability and Mathematical Statistics at AU. He also plans to design new Statistics courses for the AU students.

Dr. Rupasinghe is here in Ashland with his wife, Hiroshi Abhayawickrama and his daughter, Chenuli Rupasinghe. His family is exciting about living in Ashland and this new adventure in their lives.  He enjoys working with friendly AU faculty, staff and students. He believes that the quiet environment in Ashland helps students have better concentration on their academics.

Actuarial Science Major, Candace Goodson, Passes Exam P

Candace Goodson has passed the Society of Actuaries’ Probability exam (Exam P). The exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of the fundamental probability tools for quantitatively assessing risk. Exam P is one of the exams required to achieve professional status as an actuary. Candace has already passed Exam FM (Financial Mathematics) and plans on taking either Exam MFE (Models for Financial Economics) or MLC (Models for Life Contingencies) this fall.

 

Actuaries are professionals who provide expert advice and relevant solutions for business and societal problems that involve economic risk. The actuarial profession is consistently ranked as one of the top 5 careers in the United States.

Candace transferred to Ashland University last fall. She is a senior majoring in Actuarial Science with a minor in Political Science. She plans on graduating in the spring and securing an internship or entry-level actuarial position. Having passed two exams, Candace is well on her way to become a certified actuary.

Candace credits her AU Mathematics of Statistics class and Dr. Christopher Swanson for helping her succeed in passing the exam.

For more information about the Actuarial Science program, contact Dr. Christopher Swanson, at cswanson@ashland.edu or visit the website www.beanactuary.com.

Anna Payne Gains Valuable Research Experience

Senior Anna Payne participated in the Summer Undergraduate Mathematical Science Research Institute (SUMSRI) at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Anna found the program through the Research Experience for Undergrads list on the National Science Foundation website. She was one of 17 applicants chosen for the program. SUMSRI is an intense mathematical research program that pushes students to learn more about advanced topics in math and explore different ways of solving problems. The program is an opportunity for the students to see what mathematical research is really like.

In the program, students were split into groups: Discrete Math/Graph Theory, Algebra, and Statistics, and each group had to research mathematic topics. Anna was chosen for the Discrete Math/Graph Theory group, and along with her teammates, conducted graph theory research on Tournaments. They worked to prove conjectures given in other papers about Transitive Tournaments. (In the mathematical field of graph theory, transitive tournaments are directed, complete graphs with particular properties. Their name is derived from the fact that each one of these graphs can be thought of as the results of a round robin tournament in which if Team A beat Team B and Team B beat Team C, then Team A beat Team C.) In the final week of the program, the team wrote up their results in a formal paper and made a final presentation.

"Our research was pretty successful, and we have proved several things that had not been proven before," said Anna. "The program has definitely helped me grow as a mathematician. It is great working with people who have similar interests and a passion for mathematics. Everyone here, including myself, is serious about their pursuits in mathematics." 

Anna credits AU classes such as Discrete Math I and II (proof-writing and some basic graph theory understanding), as well as Computer Programming I and II, Mathematical Software, Linear Algebra, Probability, and Calculus I, II, and III for helping her succeed in the program.

Anna acknowledged that her membership in Ashland University's Problem Solving Group (PSG) had also helped her in the program.

"PSG teaches us to think differently about problems and use a variety of methods to handle seemingly difficult problems. For me, that was very useful here because a lot of times, the method of solving a problem is not immediately obvious."

Along with the research projects, students in the program were offered short courses in Abstract Algebra, Real Analysis, Mathematical Writing, and GRE Preparation during the program. These were challenging courses, but gave the students an opportunity to to learn even more about mathematical research.

Anna plans on graduating with a double major in Integrated Mathematics and Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science. After graduation from AU, she plans to go to graduate school for Mathematics or Applied Mathematics.

Kenneth Bogner Gaining Valuable Experience in Software Engineering

Kenneth Bogner, a junior majoring in Computer Science, is interning at Bird Technologies in Solon this summer. Bird Technologies is a solution provider of radio frequency based products, systems and services that address the needs and applications of wireless OEMs, system providers and end users that are in multiple market segments that include cellular, land mobile radio, broadcast, military and semi-conductor process equipment users. (http://www.bird-technologies.com/AboutUs/MissionStatement.aspx)

As a Software Engineering Intern, Kenneth uses programming language of C and C++ to solve problems that present themselves in projects he is working on. Each project he is given is an actual Bird product, and he works with the embedded programming, the computer programming language that lives in and operates computer-controlled devices, of that product.

"I have been given the opportunity to explore the embedded programming world and have gained a greater knowledge in the process of low-level programming from design to implementation in the software life cycle," Kenneth says of his experience at Bird Technologies.

Kenneth credits AU classes such as: Computer Programming I & II, Discrete Math I & II, Computer Architecture, and Computer Algorithms in helping him succeed in this position.

During the academic year, Kenneth is the student administrator of the UNIX lab in the Mathematics and Computer Science department. He maintains the custom, student-built computers by administering virus and defragmentation scans on a regular basis, as well as keeps inventory of all the hardware and software in the lab. This fall he plans on updating and securing the computers' registries. He is also working on his own software program that will act as a helpdesk for users and will notify administrators of the lab of potential viruses, system updates, unknown errors, and downloads on these computers.

As for the future, Kenneth plans to graduate in May 2014 and obtain a position where he can work in software development.

Interested in learning more about Computer Proramming, Data Structures, Computer Networks, or Robotics? Check out the Computer Science website: http://www.ashland.edu/students/programs/computer-science. We offer a bachelor of science, a bachelor of arts, and a minor in Computer Science.

Morgan Mirtes Interning at NASA

Morgan Mirtes, a junior majoring in Mathematics and Computer Science, is having an exciting summer. Morgan is interning at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland as a SCaN Summer Intern. She is working with a software development team in the Space and Communications department. The team is using the Liferay portal server, an enterprise web platform, to develop the beginnings of a portal that will be used for communication between NASA's space networks and their missions.

Morgan’s responsibilities include web design for the portal site as well as manipulation of the Liferay software so that it can be used advantageously.

“It's been really challenging, but it's definitely a learning experience!” says Morgan of this unique opportunity. Morgan acknowledges that the skills she learned in her AU classes such as Web Design, Programming I and Programming II have helped her succeed in this position.

This position is part of the Lewis’ Educational and Research Collaborative Internship Project (LERCIP). Morgan was chosen from many applicants from all over the country. In addition to the hands-on experience Morgan is obtaining, the program also provides a variety of planned activities from professional development workshops to presenting at the culminating Student Research Symposium.  (http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/education/LERCIP_GRC.html).

For more information on Mathematics and Computer Science programs, visit: http://www.ashland.edu/students/departments/math-computer-science

or call 419.289.5790.

It's a good time to be a Computer Science major!

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects have been extremely strong for Computer Science majors for the past several years and job prospects are expected to rise continuously through 2016.

Makenzie Sauder Passes Society of Actuaries' Financial Mathematics Exam

Senior Actuarial Science major, Makenzie Sauder, has passed the Society of Actuaries’ Financial Mathematics exam (Exam FM). The exam covers the fundamental concepts of financial mathematics and how those concepts are applied in calculating present and accumulated values for various streams of cash flows as a basis for future use in: reserving, valuation, pricing, asset/liability management, investment income, capital budgeting, and valuing contingent cash flows. Exam FM is one of the exams required to achieve professional status as an actuary.

Actuaries are professionals who provide expert advice and relevant solutions for business and societal problems that involve economic risk. The actuarial profession is consistently ranked as one of the top 5 careers in the United States.

Makenzie has been honored for her academic achievements in the Mathematics and Computer Science department, including being selected as an Outstanding Calculus Student and Outstanding Discrete Mathematics Student for 2010-2011. At the 2011-2012 Mathematics and Computer Science Honors Reception, she was inducted into the mathematics honorary, Pi Mu Epsilon. She also worked for the department as a Mathematics Peer Tutor. Makenzie plans on graduating this December.

For more information about the Actuarial Science program, contact Dr. Christopher Swanson, at cswanson@ashland.edu or visit the website www.beanactuary.com.

Donnie Dottei Passes Society of Actuaries' Financial Mathematics Exam

Donnie Dottei, a senior majoring in Actuarial Science, has passed the Society of Actuaries’ Financial Mathematics exam (Exam FM). The exam covers the fundamental concepts of financial mathematics and how those concepts are applied in calculating present and accumulated values for various streams of cash flows as a basis for future use in: reserving, valuation, pricing, asset/liability management, investment income, capital budgeting, and valuing contingent cash flows. Exam FM is one of the exams required to achieve professional status as an actuary.

Actuaries are professionals who provide expert advice and relevant solutions for business and societal problems that involve economic risk. The actuarial profession is consistently ranked as one of the top 5 careers in the United States.

Donnie has had outstanding academic success and has been honored for his academic achievement as a freshman, sophomore, and junior. Donnie is actively involved in the Mathematics and Computer Science Department as well as on campus. He is president of Pi Mu Epsilon, the mathematics honorary, and plays on the Ashland University football team.

For more information about the Actuarial Science program, contact Dr. Christopher Swanson, at cswanson@ashland.edu or visit the website www.beanactuary.com.

Actuarial Science Employment Outlook

From Yahoo news: College grads who majored in actuarial science or astrophysics have a practically nonexistent unemployment rate.

Full Story

Congratulations Graduates!

John Bentley Named Outstanding Senior

John Bentley was presented with the Outstanding Senior award at the Mathematics and Computer Science Academic Awards and Activity Reception held on April 18.



Visiting Professor, Dr. Lori McCune, congratulates John
and presents him with an eagle statue.



John's academic achievements, hard work, and dedication to the department earned him this prestigious honor.

John graduated on May 5 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a minor in Mathematics.

Congratulations, John!

Academic Awards and Activity Reception Honors Students

     On April 18 the Mathematics and Computer Science department held its annual Academic Awards and Activity Recognition Reception. The department recognized students who have a 3.5 or higher GPA in Actuarial Science, Computer Science, Mathematics and Integrated Mathematics, as well as those students majoring in other departments with a concentration in mathematics or computer science. The department's outstanding students, graduating seniors, scholarship recipients, honor society members, student activity participants, peer tutors, and contest participants were also recognized.

    

Ashland University Problem Solving Group

In the fall of 2011, Dr. Gordon Swain formed the Ashland University Problem Solving Group (PSG). The group met regularly throughout the academic year to discuss and attempt to solve mathematical problems posed in scholarly journals. The group submitted solutions to several journals and was recognized for solutions in both the February and April issues of Math Horizons. Congratulations to the following members of the AU PSG, and keep on solving problems!

John Bentley

Stacee King

Anna Payne

Megan Raber

David Rodriguez

Emma Vandenberg

Polly Widmer

David Woods

Student Activity at the 2012 Spring Meeting of the Ohio Section of the Mathematical Association of America

Several students traveled to Xavier University to participate in the 2012 Spring Meeting of the Ohio Section of the MAA. The following students, sponsored by Dr. Tom Dence, participated in the Leo Schneider Student Team Mathematics Competition:

John Bentley, Alicia Metzger, Katelyn Mittelsteadt, Caitlin Music, Anna Payne and David Rodriguez.

The following students, sponsored by Dr. Gordon Swain, presented contributed talks at the meeting:

Larissa Berry – “The Last Stone Standing”

John Bentley – “The Prime Detective”

Caitlin Music – “Stop or Go?”

Anna Payne – “Let’s Make a Deal: Probabilities of a Popular Game Show”

Bradley Sekas – “Can Counting Cards Win You Money?”

College of Arts and Sciences Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Part 2

Several of Dr. Iyad Ajwa's students presented the results of their final project for CS 499 - Software Development at the Symposium:

“The Design and Implementation of Real-World Projects for Real Clients: Building a Library for Microsoft Dynamics CRM System” by Thomas Conti, John Cunning, Brandon Davis, Xiaojun Huang, and Matthew Smithburger

Dr. Vickie Van Dresar also sponsored Nick Painter at the Symposium, who presented his research “Lines, Diagrams, and Duals! Oh, My!”

College of Arts and Sciences Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Project 1: Cohort of games

The following games are presented in the college of arts and sciences symposium on undergraduate research and creative activities. Follow the links to download these games and have fun!

mouse madness by Anna Payne and Marissa Uhrig
little red plumber by Rylan Campbell
blackjack by Allen Kowal
rockem sockem robots by Kenny Bogner and Kees Edwards

CareerShift Offers Internship and Job Postings for Students and Alumni

Looking for an Internship or a Job?

Current students and alumni are encouraged to try CareerShift, a new tool being offered by the AU Career Services office. CareerShift uses an online set of integrated applications to help job seekers successfully find employment.

What can CareerShift do for you?

·  Search, select and store job listings from all job boards and all company job postings.

·  Get up-to-date contact information, including e-mail addresses, for millions of companies.

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·  Create personal marketing campaigns, including unlimited resumes and cover letters easily, and save them to access, print or e-mail.

·  Manage your confidential CareerShift account securely from any computer 24/7, to update & maintain your organized and recorded job search.

What you need to do…

·  Create an account

·  Search for jobs or internships in all sorts of ways to find just what you want

Find it here: CareerShift.

Putnam Exam

I just received the results of the 2011 Putnam Competition. Ashland University had 2 students receive non-zero scores: Polly Widmer received a score of 2 and Anna Payne received a score of 1.  (Cara Smith (2010) holds the record for the highest score by an Ashland University student - 12) A total of 4440 students from 572 colleges and universities in Canada and the United States participated in the competition this year. Of these 4440 participants, 2067 received scores of 0, 911 received scores of 1 and 293 received scores of 2.  Thus, Polly did better than 67.1% of students taking the exam and at least as well as 73.7% of students taking the exam while Anna did better than 46.6% of students taking the exam and at least as well as 67.1% of students taking the exam.  (Andrew Rowe (2006) still holds the record for the highest percentile rank, doing better than 76.2% of students taking the exam and at least as well as 82.7% of students taking the exam.) This year's top 5 teams were: 1) Harvard; 2) Carnegie-Mellon; 3) Cal Tech; 4) Stanford; and 5) MIT. Thanks again to all of you who participated in this year's exam, and I hope those of you who were not declared ineligible upon graduation in December will consider participating again next year.

Congratulations to Polly and Anna for receiving nonzero scores!

Dr. Swanson