Combinatorial Approaches to Matrix Functions
Naiomi Cameron, Spelman College
AMS-MAA Joint Invited Address

Saturday, August 9
MAA MathFest 2025

Abstract: For a wide variety of problems in both pure and applied mathematics, the interplay between linear algebra and combinatorics can be key to finding solutions to interesting problems, and moreover, may present opportunities for unexpected discovery and insight. This talk will explore some of my favorite examples of this interplay, where combinatorial approaches to matrix functions, identities, and/or groups are invoked to help illuminate problems varying from lattice path enumeration to finding optimal strategies for integer choice games.

Biography
Dr. Naiomi Cameron is a Professor of Mathematics at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA where she began as an Associate Professor in 2019 and became Chair of Mathematics in 2022. She earned both a B.S. and Ph.D. in Mathematics from Howard University. Dr. Cameron’s research interests are mainly focused in enumerative and algebraic combinatorics where she seeks to use combinatorial insights to illuminate algebraic structure. Before joining Spelman, she served as Associate Dean for Faculty Development from 2017 to 2019 at Lewis & Clark College, where she was on the faculty for thirteen years. She has served on numerous committees and boards for national organizations, including the National Association of Mathematicians, the Mathematical Association of America and the American Mathematical Society. From 2019 to 2022, she served as Vice President and Chair of the Program Committee for the National Association of Mathematicians.