Albany State University professors and graduate students present at international mathematics meeting

ALBANY, Ga. – Six Albany State University faculty members and five graduate students attended and presented at the 2017 Joint Mathematics Meeting held in Atlanta on January 4-7. The Joint Mathematics Meeting (JMM) is the largest mathematics meeting in the world, hosting over 6,100 attendees.

“JMMs are aimed at getting faculty to come together once a year to discuss developments in mathematical research and mathematical education practices,” said Zephyrinus C. Okonkwo, ASU professor of mathematics and Center for Undergraduate Research director. “Attendees go to present, but also to learn from other mathematicians from around the world.”

A total of eight papers were presented by faculty members in the ASU College of Sciences and Technology and one graduate student. Presenters included Okonkwo; Robert S. Owor, professor of computer science; Anilkumar Devarapu, associate professor of mathematics; Chinenye Ofodile, associate professor of mathematics; Vijay Kunwar, assistant professor of mathematics; Laxmi Paudel, assistant professor of mathematics and Manjuladevi Gottapu, graduate student.

Okonkwo and Devarapu presented their findings on research that explored the development of lesson plans that can translate from a traditional classroom setting to online or hybrid formats by allowing students to use online resources instead of a traditional text book. The use of electronic resources will save students money as they are going to college.

“It’s important for faculty and students to realize the important and good work that is happening,” Okonkwo said. “The acknowledgement encourages others to listen, learn, interact and stay inspired by the work we are doing at our university, but also the collaborations between colleagues and other institutions of higher education.”

Conference attendees represented international companies and universities including Aalto University (Finland), ACMEScience.com, ALEKS/McGraw-Hill Education, American Institute of Mathematics, Binzhou University (China), Brown University (Rhode Island), Caltech (California), M.I.T, Universitat de Barcelona (Spain), Universite’ de Lorraine (France) and more.

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About ASU … Albany State University, in Southwest Georgia, has been a catalyst for change in the region from its inception as the Albany Bible and Manual Training Institute to its designation as a university. Founded in 1903 to educate African-American youth, the university continues to fulfill its historic mission while also serving the educational needs of an increasingly diverse student population. A progressive institution, Albany State University seeks to foster the growth and development of the region, state and nation through teaching, research, creative expression and public service. Through its collaborative efforts, the university responds to the needs of all of its constituents and offers educational programs and service to improve the quality of life in Southwest Georgia. For more information see http://www.asurams.edu. Follow the university on Twitter at @AlbanyStateUniv and on Facebook at Albany State University Official Page.