Teaching

Spring 2023 courses - quick facts

Math 561 Algebraic and Geometric Methods in Statistics

    • Mondays & Wednesdays 11:25am - 12:40pm

    • At a glance:

Input:
interest in applied data analysis and new techniques for developing statistical models,
critical thinking & skepticism,
enthusiasm for learning new concepts.
Output:
an understanding of nonlinear algebra and its impact in statistics,
deep knowledge of exponential families and what role model structure plays in applied data analysis,
experience in working with non-traditional data such as sparse networks in an applied field,
an understanding of the state of the art in testing model/data fit.

    • Interactive and not a traditional exam-based course:

      • Homework;

      • Group projects;

      • Communication and presentation an essential element for PhD students.

    • As I say on day 1 of each semester:
      This can be your class. Make it work for you.

What is this course about?

Algebraic statistics as a field started in the 1990s at a convergence point between computational algebra and mathematical statistics. The motivation for this set of blended tools was applied analysis of categorical data and design of experiments. The early days saw a flourish of theoretical research about algebraic, geometric, and combinatorial methods that can be useful in statistics. In the recent decade, there has been a strong push for applications, as detailed for example in this overview paper.

The course syllabus can be found here.

No exams are planned for this graduate elective course.

Fall 2022 courses - quick facts

Math 431 Computational Algebraic Geometry &
Math 530 Applied Computational Algebra

    • Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:25am - 12:40pm

    • At a glance:

Input:
openness to new ideas in mathematics,
critical thinking & skepticism,
enthusiasm for learning new concepts.
Output:
general understanding of nonlinear algebra,
experience in solving systems of polynomial equations,
an understanding of the state of the art in symbolic computation.

    • Interactive, with participation being a grade component:

      • AhaSlides! (or similar) interactive quizzes for working through examples in the lectures;

      • Campuswire as the main communication platform (wiki-style, social style, quick, easy to use).

    • Respectful of many facets of humankind (share your culture! share your experience! you are valued!) and inclusive (choose your method of participation: anonymous (yes, it counts for credit), vocal, written, share your identity, ... This is your class. Make it work for you.

What is this course about?

Be singular*! Learn about solving polynomial systems in math 431/530

This is a cross-listed course in non-linear algebra. It covers the basics of how to solve systems of polynomial equations, a task you'd think everyone knows how to do... but since this is about nonlinear systems, it is a surprisingly difficult problem with a rich geometric backbone and open problems in algorithm design. The course will offer you a chance to learn the theory -- from first principles -- of non-linear algebra, which is increasingly important in applications from statistics to engineering and geometric modeling. We will focus on the theory to enable you to study an applied problem of your choice through a group course project.


*What is a singular point?

On a mathematical surface, it is a point that stands out; making life difficult, and the math more interesting. The opposite of a smooth, regular point, on which algorithms converge fast, where statistical modeling questions have straightforward answers, where there are no `wrinkles'.
By taking Math 431/530 elective, you become a singular point in the student body.
Be different.
Join me on this journey to learn more in Fall 2022.

Let's have a conversation!

My teaching goal is to re-frame all of our learning as a conversation. I've learned from toddlers recently: nobody should think of themselves an expert vs. novice; we are all discovering together, exchanging ideas, and building upon them.

While it is extremely difficult to reframe entire semester-long courses from this point of view in the present educational system, I promise to - at least - keep lectures interactive during the semester. One example of what this means is the use of interactive quiz slides throughout the lecture, such as these slides - they are not presented all at once, but dispersed around the lecture.

Studying tips:

Advice for graduate students

Past courses -- see this page

Spring 2021

Fall 2020

Older

For a full list of courses I've taught, go here: courses taught at IIT, at Penn State, at UIC, at UK.

SPRING 2021 courses - quick facts

Math 563: Mathematical statistics

    • Tuesdays & Thursdays 2pm-3:15pm

    • At a glance:

      • Input:
        (fundamental statistical concepts,
        critical thinking,
        skepticism         ("do you really believe this claim?"),
        enthusiasm for learning how to understand and work with data)
        Output:
        general understanding of mathematical statistics,
        basic experience in using R/Rstudio/Markdown,
        all the background for the Stats Qualifying Exam.

    • Interactive, with participation a grade component:

      • AhaSlides! interactive quizzes for working through examples in the lectures;

      • Campuswire as the main communication platform (wiki-style, social style, quick, easy to use).

    • Respectful of many facets of humankind (share your culture! share your experience! you are valued!) and inclusive (choose your method of participation: anonymous (yes, it counts for credit), camera on/off, share identity, ... This is your class.

STAT 514 / ITMD 514 Applied computational statistics for analytics

    • Mondays 8:05am - 10:45am

    • At a glance:

      • Input:
        (fundamental statistical concepts,
        corresponding computational tools,
        an open mind,
        enthusiasm about learning to work with data)
        Output:
        ability to extract actionable insights from data.

      • Extensive use of R/Rstudio, Python/Anaconda, Markdown.

      • Putting things together hands-on: the how-and-why of it all.

      • Online, but interactive, with participation a grade component:

        • AhaSlides! interactive quizzes for working through examples in the lectures;

        • Campuswire as the main communication platform (wiki-style, social style, quick, easy to use).

      • Respectful of many facets of humankind (share your culture! share your experience! you are valued!) and inclusive (choose your method of participation: anonymous (yes, it counts for credit), camera on/off, share identity, ... This is your class.