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NREUP 2009

McKendree University

Title: Knots

Directors:

  • Heather Dye
  • Alan Alewine

Email:

Dates of Program: June 22 - July 31, 2009

Summary: In this summer program, the students will be introduced to topics in topology and knot theory. More specifically, students will select one of two possible problems. The first problem involves mosaic knots - knots constructed on an N x N grid. Students will research questions related to the mosaic number (the size of the minimum grid used to construct any equivalent knot). The second problem involves constructing elements of the Temperly-Lieb (or Brauer) algebra based on points in the boundary of a 2-dimensional surface. These surfaces are glued along the boundary components to construct flat links in closed 2-dimensional surfaces. The resulting surface links will be studied.

Student Researchers Supported by MAA:

  • David Etheridge
  • Irina Garduno
  • Amber Ramos

More Information: www.mckendree.edu/academics/math_summer.aspx

Program Contacts:

Bill Hawkins
MAA SUMMA
bhawkins@maa.org
202-319-8473

Michael Pearson
MAA Programs & Services
pearson@maa.org
202-319-8470