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Math Community Guide: Pi Mu Epsilon Home

BSU Mathematics Department Events, BSU Math Club, and more

About

Pi Mu Epsilon
Mathematics Honor Society
Massachusetts Gamma Chapter
Bridgewater State University

 

Established on May 10, 1972
by the late Dr. Murray Abramson
then chair of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department

2021 Inductees

Abigail Adams

Nicholas J. Almeder

Mackenzie Anderson

Austin Araujo

Morgan Brown

Justin Carpender

Elizabeth Cedarstrom

Emily Cloutier

Hayden Davis

Olivia Dean

Siobhan M. DeLorey

Luke Donovan

Kate Elizabeth Faria

Catherine Ferris

Kent Loc

Zacharia Longinidis

Julianne Maia

Melissa Mejia

Jade Monte

Alanna Nucci

Alexandra Karen Riendeau

Kelsey A. Shurtleff

Julia Thomas

Hailey Thornton

Sarah Varney

Carolina Velasquez

Sarah Weber

Historic Documents

1987 Departmental Memo
1988 Departmental Memo

Click to view Guest Book

Related Links

Current Advisor

Dr. Andrew Miller, 2020-present

Previous Advisors

Dr. Shelley Stahl, 2018-2020

Dr. John Pike, 2017-2019
Dr. Laura K. Gross, 2010-2015, 2017-2019
Dr. Annela Kelly, 2013-2014, 2016
Dr. Jacqueline Anderson, 2013-2014
Dr. Ward Heilman, 2004-2010
Prof. Thomas Moore, 1980-2003
Dr. Murray Abramson, 1972-1979

 

Programs

Π  Μ  Ε

2022 Abramson Colloquium, Departmental Awards, and
Pi Mu Epsilon Induction Ceremony

Sunday, April 24, 2022,  3:00 PM
Held Virtually via Zoom

 

Induction Ceremony

Introduced by
Dr. Andrew Miller

Presiders 
Melissa Mejia and Sarah Varney

Abramson Colloquium

Can you Hear the Fundamental Frequency of a Drum using Probability?

Presented by
Dr. Phanuel Mariano

Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Union College

Join Zoom Meeting

https://bridgew.zoom.us/j/97938353370

Meeting ID: 979 3835 3370

 

Abstract

In Mark Kac’s famous 1966 paper, he asked “Can you hear the shape of a drum?” The precise question being, if you heard the full list of overtones and frequencies while you were blindfolded, would you be able to tell the shape of the drumhead in some mathematical way? The problem I will primarily speak about is in regards to how the fundamental frequency of a drum and probability theory are related. This connection to drums will be through a mathematical model called Brownian motion, which is a mathematical model for the random movement of a particle. It was first observed by Robert Brown in 1827 while looking at pollen grains through a microscope. Come to the talk if you want to find out the answers to these questions! This talk is based on joint work with Rodrigo Bañuelos and Jing Wang.

Biography

Dr. Mariano began his academic career at Western Connecticut State University graduating in 2012 and moving on to the University of Connecticut where he studied probability theory, analysis, and sub-Riemannian Geometry under the direction of Dr. Masha Gordina. During his time at UConn Dr. Mariano also dedicated much of his time to the students. For three summers he taught for UConn’s BRIDGE program which brings traditionally underrepresented students pursuing engineering to UConn prior to their first semester for an intense five-week preparation program. During the same time, he was also a mentor for UConn’s NSF supported research experience for undergraduates where Dr. Mariano led research groups of three students over a ten-week period. These experiences among many others culminated with being awarded the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award from UConn’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, a university wide award given to two graduate students each year. Dr. Mariano was also awarded a graduate community building award as well as the Neumann Dissertation Award for the top dissertation in the mathematics department. Upon graduating Dr. Mariano studied at Purdue University under Dr. Rodrigo Bañuelos further expanding his PhD work. He also has held an appointment at the University of New Haven in Connecticut until his current position as an assistant professor at Union College in New York. Dr. Mariano is an avid college basketball fan, his first year at UConn being when the Women’s and Men’s team won the college basketball championship. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends back in Connecticut.

Links

 

 

In Memory of Dr. Murray Abramson

Murray Abramson

Dr. Murray Abramson, a faculty member from 1966 to 1987. He had chaired the Mathematics and Computer Science Department for years when he passed away in 1987. He held a bachelor's degree from Brooklyn College, a master's from Syracuse University, and a doctorate from Columbia University.

"Quiet and gentle, he was beloved by his students and fellow faculty members. He served the college on the tenure and curriculum committees for many years and was especially interested in the foreign student exchange program. Possessed of an ever-curious mind, he read widely and enjoyed auditing college courses in the areas of art and music." -- from his Memorial and Diorama Presentation held at the Clement C. Maxwell Library on February 6, 1988.

Publications

A Development of the rational number System, a programmed text, by Murray Abramson. Boston: Holbrook Press, 1970

First and second level examination of the tenth annual Olympiad High School Prize Competition, by Murray Abramson and Hugo D'Alarat, 1974.

Instructor's manual for a development of the rational number system, 1970

Language of sets - teachers manual. Performance data & Interpretation: Donald A . Cook. Lesson plans: Murray Abramson, 1963

Programming instruction in a development of the rational number system, doctoral dissertation, 1968

(Source: University Archives)

Gettysburg Diorama

Gettysburg Diorama

A very realistic portrayal of the third and final day of the Battle of Gettysburg, this diorama was made by Dr. Paul Abramson in memory of his brother Dr. Murray Abramson. The 13,000 tiny figures representing Lee's army of 75,000 men and Meade's amy of 97,000 are meticulously painted by hand and the land features carefully and faithfully put in place.

The diorama is currently located near the balcony of the third floor of the Maxwell Library. Please visit the library's Archives/Special Collections for more information.