Special Events and Conferences

“PUMA: Practicum for Undergraduate MAthematicians” is a series of 2-day intensive programs which will showcase a specific mathematical sciences research area.  This PUMA event, on Saturday April 12 and Sunday April 13, 2025, will feature topics in theoretical and computational aspects of Topology.  A goal of this program is to expose Southern California students historically underrepresented in STEM (such as women and historically marginalized minorities) to the beauty of the subject.

The Practicum is introductory in nature, and no prior Algebraic and Computational Topology coursework will be assumed. PUMA is designed for students who have completed minimal coursework in upper-division mathematics courses. Prior coursework in Calculus and Linear Algebra is desirable.

• Tutorials: Three lectures over two days to introduce topics in Algebraic and Computational Topology.
• Problem Sessions: Two graduate students will coordinate a series of three hour-long group-work sessions where students will work on problems meant to supplement the tutorials.
• Expository Talks: Four experts will give one-hour introductory presentations on various algebraic and computational topics in Topology.
• Professional Development Sessions: We will hold two hour-long workshops. These sessions will provide valuable insights and skills to support academic and professional growth.

Organizing Committee

Bahar Acu (Pitzer College)
Jose Perea (Northeastern University)