Drew Lewis

Drew Lewis

Mathematician and education researcher

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A list of all the posts and pages found on the site. For you robots out there is an XML version available for digesting as well.

Pages

projects

2017 Southern Regional Algebra Conference

The 2017 Southern Regional Algebra Conference was hosted at USA. The SRAC is an annual weekend conference that has been in existence since 1988. It serves an important role as part of the algebra research community in the Gulf Coast Region.

Strategic Taskforce to Accelerate Mathematics Pathways

The Strategic Taskforce to Accelerate Mathematics Pathways (STAMP) is a group of Alabama teachers, mathematicians, teacher educators, administrators, guidance counselors, business people, and others who are working to improve the mathematical success of Alabama’s students by ensuring pathways from high school mathematics through beginning postsecondary education or entry into the workforce.

Talk Math With Your Friends

Talk Math With Your Friends is a virtual colloquium series started in March 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of TMWYF was to host a virtual colloquium series in which talks were accessible, fun, and friendly. Talks are typically recorded and posted to our YouTube channel.

Teaching Critical Thinking & Logical Reasoning in Undergraduate STEM Courses

Critical thinking (CT) and logical reasoning (LR) skills are important for student success in college STEM courses. However, explicit instruction and assessment of critical and logical reasoning are generally not a part of introductory science classes. This project will address this disconnect by creating a broad and diverse network of educators and researchers, the aim of which will be to develop a robust set of print and digital course materials for helping students in introductory biology courses build these skills. The creation of high-quality resources that improve a vital educational pathway at a foundational stage will result in a better prepared and more diverse STEM-educated workforce.

The Grading Conference

The Grading Conference was founded in 2020 as a place for postsecondary faculty to share and learn about progressive grading practices such as Standards-Based Grading, Specifications Grading, and Ungrading. The conference is held virtually each June.

Team-Based Inquiry Learning

Team-Based Inquiry Learning (TBIL) is an active learning pedagogy designed to bring inquiry into lower division mathematics courses via Team-Based Learning. This NSF-funded project seeks to train other mathematicians in the TBIL pedgagogy and study their implementation at various institutions.

publications

Arbitrariness of Jordan structure in factorization: the geometric multiplicity restriction and the 3×3 case

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Abstract

It is known that a nonsingular, nonscalar, n-by-n complex matrix A may be factored as A = BC, in which the spectra of B and C are arbitrary, subject to det(A) = det(B)det(C). It has been shown that when two matrices have eigenvalues of high geometric multiplicity, this restricts the possible Jordan structure of the third. We demonstrate a previously unknown restriction on the Jordan structures of B and C. Furthermore, we show that this generalized geometric multiplicity restriction implies the already known geometric multiplicity restriction, show that the new more restrictive condition is not sufficient in general but is sufficient in a situation that we identify.

Recommended citation: C. Johnson, **D. Lewis**, & Y. Zhang. Arbitrariness of Jordan structure in factorization: the geometric multiplicity restriction and the $3\times 3$ case. *Asian-European Journal of Mathematics*, 5, no. 2 (2012), 1250018.

Further Geometric Restrictions on Jordan Structure in Matrix Factorization

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Abstract

It is known that a nonsingular, nonscalar, n-by-n complex matrix A may be factored as A = BC, in which the spectra of B and C are arbitrary, subject to det(A) = det(B)det(C). It has been shown that when two matrices have eigenvalues of high geometric multiplicity, this restricts the possible Jordan structure of the third. We demonstrate a previously unknown restriction on the Jordan structures of B and C. Furthermore, we show that this generalized geometric multiplicity restriction implies the already known geometric multiplicity restriction, show that the new more restrictive condition is not sufficient in general but is sufficient in a situation that we identify.

Recommended citation: C. Johnson, **D. Lewis**, & Y. Zhang. Further Geometric Restrictions on Jordan Structure in Matrix Factorization. *Asian-European Journal of Mathematics*, 5, no. 3 (2012) 1250036.

Vénéreau-type polynomials as potential counterexamples

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Abstract

We study some properties of the Vénéreau polynomials $b_m=y+x^m(xz+y(yu+z^2)) \in \mathbb{C}[x,y,z,u]$, a sequence of proposed counterexamples to the Abhyankar-Sathaye embedding conjecture and the Dolgachev-Weisfeiler conjecture. It is well known that these are hyperplanes and residual coordinates, and for $m \geq 3$, they are $\mathbb{C}[x]$-coordinates. For $m=1,2$, it is only known that they are 1-stable $\mathbb{C}[x]$-coordinates. We show that $b_2$ is in fact a $\mathbb{C}[x]$-coordinate. We introduce the notion of Vénéreau-type polynomials, and show that these are all hyperplanes and residual coordinates. We show that some of these Vénéreau-type polynomials are in fact $\mathbb{C}[x]$-coordinates; the rest remain potential counterexamples to the aforementioned conjectures. For those that we show to be coordinates, we also show that any automorphism with one of them as a component is stably tame. The remainder are stably tame, 1-stable $\mathbb{C}[x]$-coordinates.

Recommended citation: **D. Lewis**, Vénéreau-type polynomials as potential counterexamples.*Journal of Pure and Applied Algebra*, 217, no. 5 (2013), 956-957.

Strongly residual coordinates over A[x]

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Abstract

For a commutative ring $A$, a polynomial $f \in A[x]^{[n]}$ is called a strongly residual coordinate if $f$ becomes a coordinate (over $A$) upon going modulo $x$, and $f$ becomes a coordinate (over $A[x, x^{-1}]$) upon inverting $x$. We study the question of when a strongly residual coordinate in $A[x]^{[n]}$ is a coordinate, a question closely related to the Dolgachev-Weisfeiler conjecture. It is known that all strongly residual coordinates are coordinates for $n = 2$ over an integral domain of characteristic zero. We show that a large class of strongly residual coordinates that are generated by elementaries over $A[x, x^{-1}]$ are in fact coordinates for arbitrary n, with a stronger result in the n = 3 case. As an application, we show that all Vénéreau-type polynomials are 1-stable coordinates.

Recommended citation: __D. Lewis__. Strongly Residual Coordinates over $A[x]$, _Automorphisms in birational and affine geometry_, Springer Proceedings in Mathematics and Statistics, 79 (2014), 407340.

Some families of polynomial automorphisms III

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Abstract

We prove that the closure (for the Zariski topology) of the set of polynomial automorphisms of the complex affine plane whose polydegree is $(cd-1,b,a)$ contains all automorphisms of polydegree $(cd+a)$ where $a,b \geq 2$ and $c\geq 1$ are integers and $d=ab-1$. When $b=2$, this result gives a family of counterexamples to a conjecture of Furter.

Recommended citation: E. Edo & __D. Lewis__, Some families of polynomial automorphisms III, _Journal of Pure and Applied Algebra_, 219, no. 4 (2015), 864-874.

The affine automorphism group of A^3 is not a maximal subgroup of the tame automorphism group

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Abstract

We construct explicitly a family of proper subgroups of the tame automorphism group of affine three-space (in any characteristic) that are generated by the affine subgroup and a nonaffine tame automorphism. One important corollary is the titular result that settles negatively the open question (in characteristic zero) of whether the affine subgroup is a maximal subgroup of the tame automorphism group. We also prove that all groups of this family have the structure of an amalgamated free product of the affine group and a finite group over their intersection.

Recommended citation: E. Edo & __D. Lewis__, The affine automorphism group of $\mathbb{A}^3$ is not a maximal subgroup of the tame automorphism group, _Michigan Mathematics Journal_, 64(3) (2015), 555-568.

An algorithmic approach to the Polydegree Conjecture for plane polynomial automorphisms

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Abstract

We study the interaction between two structures on the group of polynomial automorphisms of the affine plane: its structure as an amalgamated free product and as an infinite-dimensional algebraic variety. We introduce a new conjecture, and show how it implies the Polydegree Conjecture. As the new conjecture is an ideal membership question, this shows that the Polydegree Conjecture is algorithmically decidable. We further describe how this approach provides a unified and shorter method of recovering existing results of Edo and Furter.

Recommended citation: __D. Lewis__, K. Perry, & A. Straub. An algorithmic approach to the Polydegree Conjecture for plane polynomial automorphisms, _Journal of Pure and Applied Algebra_, 223, no. 12 (2019), 5346-5359.

Co-tame polynomial automorphisms

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Abstract

A polynomial automorphism of $\mathbb{A}^n$ over a field of characteristic zero is called co-tame if, together with the affine subgroup, it generates the entire tame subgroup. We prove some new classes of automorphisms of $\mathbb{A}^n$, including nonaffine $3$-triangular automorphisms, are co-tame. Of particular interest, if $n=3$, we show that the statement “Every m-triangular automorphism is either affine or co-tame” is true if and only if $m=3$; this improves upon positive results of Bodnarchuk (for $m=2$, in any dimension $n$) and negative results of the authors (for $m=6$, $n=3$). The main technical tool we introduce is a class of maps we term translation degenerate automorphisms; we show that all of these are either affine or co-tame, a result that may be of independent interest in the further study of co-tame automorphisms.

Recommended citation: E. Edo & __D. Lewis__. Co-tame polynomial automorphisms, _International Journal of Algebra and Computation_, 29(5), (2019), 803-825.

Applying a standards-based grading framework across lower level mathematics courses

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Abstract

This article describes a framework of Standards-Based Grading suitable for use in a variety of mathematics courses. We detail our experience adapting this framework to various courses, ranging from Pre-calculus to Differential Equations, at four different institutions, including both small liberal arts colleges and large universities, and in class sizes ranging from small to large. Of particular note, we describe our structure of reassessments, including the use of oral reassessments. We also give examples of how this framework provides data allowing instructors to make evidence-based changes to their teaching practice.

Recommended citation: J. Elsinger & __D. Lewis__, Applying a standards-based grading framework across lower level mathematics courses. _PRIMUS_, 30, no. 8 (2020), 885-907.

Comparing demographics of signatories to public letters on diversity in the mathematical sciences

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Abstract

In its December 2019 edition, the Notices of the American Mathematical Society published an essay critical of the use of diversity statements in academic hiring. The publication of this essay prompted many responses, including three public letters circulated within the mathematical sciences community. Each letter was signed by hundreds of people and was published online, also by the American Mathematical Society. We report on a study of the signatories’ demographics, which we infer using a crowdsourcing approach. Letter A highlights diversity and social justice. The pool of signatories contains relatively more individuals inferred to be women and/or members of underrepresented ethnic groups. Moreover, this pool is diverse with respect to the levels of professional security and types of academic institutions represented. Letter B does not comment on diversity, but rather, asks for discussion and debate. This letter was signed by a strong majority of individuals inferred to be white men in professionally secure positions at highly research intensive universities. Letter C speaks out specifically against diversity statements, calling them “a mistake,” and claiming that their usage during early stages of faculty hiring “diminishes mathematical achievement.” Individuals who signed both Letters B and C, that is, signatories who both privilege debate and oppose diversity statements, are overwhelmingly inferred to be tenured white men at highly research intensive universities. Our empirical results are consistent with theories of power drawn from the social sciences.

Recommended citation: C. Topaz, J. Cart, C. Diaz Eaton, A. Hanson Shrout, J. Higdon, K. Ince, B. Katz, __D. Lewis__, J. Libertini, & C. Smith. Comparing demographics of signatories to public letters on diversity in the mathematical sciences. _PloS one_, 15, no. 4 (2020), e0232075.

Gender effects on re-assessment attempts in a standards-based grading implementation

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Abstract

This article describes a Standards-Based Grading (SBG) implementation used in a variety of lower-level mathematics courses, notably including the use of oral re-assessments. A retrospective study of this implementation was conducted that showed that female students take advantage of optional oral re-assessments at greater rates than male students (p < 0.0001). This paper also discusses the potential ways the assessment structure of SBG can foster a more equitable learning environment, such as through reducing anxiety and stereotype threat in students.

Recommended citation: __D. Lewis__, Gender effects on re-assessment attempts in a standards-based grading implementation. PRIMUS, 30, no. 5. (2020), 539-551.

Improving mathematics content mastery and enhancing flexible problem solving through team-based inquiry learning

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Abstract

This article examines how student learning is affected by the use of team-based inquiry learning, a novel pedagogy in mathematics that uses team-based learning to implement inquiry-based learning. We conducted quasi-experimental and observational studies in intermediate level mathematics courses, finding that team-based inquiry learning led to increased content mastery and that students took a more flexible approach to solving problems. We also found that in the courses using this pedagogy, women (but not men) had a reduction in communication apprehension over the course of a semester. We conclude that team-based inquiry learning effectively enhances student learning and problem solving, preparing students for future academic success and fostering career readiness.

Recommended citation: __D. Lewis__ & Julie Estis, Improving mathematics content mastery and enhancing flexible problem solving through team-based inquiry learning. _Teaching & Learning Inquiry_, 7, no. 2 (2020), 165-183.

Normal subgroups generated by a single polynomial automorphism

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Abstract

We study criteria for deciding when the normal subgroup generated by a single special polynomial automorphism of $\mathbb{A}^n$ is as large as possible, namely, equal to the normal closure of the special linear group in the special automorphism group. In particular, we investigate m-triangular automorphisms, i.e., those that can be expressed as a product of affine automorphisms and m triangular automorphisms. Over a field of characteristic zero, we show that every nontrivial 4-triangular special automorphism generates the entire normal closure of the special linear group in the special tame subgroup, for any dimension n = 2. This generalizes a result of Furter and Lamy in dimension 2.

Recommended citation: __D. Lewis__, Normal subgroups generated by a single polynomial automorphism. _Transformation Groups_, 25 (2020), 177-189.

Student anxiety in standards-based grading in mathematics courses

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Abstract

This paper describes a study examining how mathematics anxiety, test anxiety, and communication apprehension are related to student behavior in courses using standards-based grading. An observational study of mathematics courses with 221 participants found that test anxiety increased over the semester although many students reported lower stress or anxiety in an open-ended survey question. Mathematics anxiety and test anxiety were positively correlated with the number of voluntary reassessments students attempted, while communication apprehension was negatively correlated. These findings indicate that standards-based grading is an assessment framework that can provide alternate methods for some students to demonstrate content mastery. While this study was conducted in mathematics courses, the findings on test anxiety are likely to extend to other disciplines.

Recommended citation: __D. Lewis__, Student anxiety in standards-based grading in mathematics courses. _Innovative Higher Education_, 45 (2020). 153-164.

Fostering Cognitive Presence, Social Presence and Teaching Presence with Integrated Online Team-Based Learning

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Abstract

This paper describes the development of the Integrated Online Team-Based Learning (IO-TBL) model and details students’ perceptions of IO-TBL using the Community of Inquiry framework. IO-TBL is an online team-based learning course design that combines the flexibility of asynchronous engagement with the connectedness offered through synchronous meetings. Student comments from small group instructional feedback sessions and end-of-course teaching evaluations were grouped into clusters of similar statements about what was going well and suggestions for improvement, which were then assigned to one of the three presences of the Community of Inquiry framework. While students most commonly identified increased learning, synchronous meetings, teamwork, and the instructor as going well in the course, students found IO-TBL to impose a heavy workload and require a significant amount of time. Clusters were most often related to teaching presence, followed by social presence, and then cognitive presence.

Recommended citation: C. Parrish, S. Guffey, D. Williams, J. Estis, __D. Lewis__, Fostering Cognitive Presence, Social Presence and Teaching Presence with Integrated Online Team-Based Learning. _TechTrends_ (2021).

Team-Based Inquiry Learning

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Abstract

Team-Based Learning (TBL) is a cooperative learning strategy blending elements of flipped learning, inquiry-based learning, and problem-based learning. Although used quite frequently in other disciplines, use of this strategy in mathematics has been limited. In this article, we describe how TBL can be implemented in math courses with adherence to essential elements of TBL and introduce modifications specific to mathematics instruction. In particular, we introduce a particular style of TBL, which we term Team-Based Inquiry Learning, that satisfies the defining pillars of inquiry-based learning.

Recommended citation: __D. Lewis__, S. Clontz, & J. Estis, Team-Based Inquiry Learning. _PRIMUS_, no. 2 (2021), 223-238.

Team learning in a technology-driven era

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Abstract

Today’s students are team-oriented, confident, and dependent on technology. These attributes are coupled with a desire for immediate feedback to promote improvement. However, they are dampened by a lack of socialization, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills (Shatto and Erwin, Creative Nurs 23:24-28, 2017). Educators must adapt to address these needs and promote attainment of these skills for both collaboration and competitiveness in the workplace. To accomplish this goal, an evolution from traditional learning to team learning using technology is imperative. An overview of active learning strategies is discussed with a focus on team-based learning (TBL), including the additional benefits of TBL and the use of complimentary technology.

Recommended citation: J. K. Takemoto, __D. Lewis__, C. W. Parrish, L. Coyne, & C. M. Burns. Team learning in a technology-driven era. In L. O. Campbell, R. Hartshorne, and R. F. DeMara, editors, _Perspectives on Digitally-Mediated Team Learning_, (2021), 33-51. Springer International Publishing, Cham.

Alternative Grading

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Two page handout summarizing commonalities and distinctions among the most popular varieties of alternative grading. Licenced under CC-BY-SA-4.0

Recommended citation: __D. Lewis__, _Alternative Grading_.

A unified approach to embeddings of a line in 3-space

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Abstract

While the general question of whether every closed embedding of an affine line in affine $3$-space can be rectified remains open, there have been several partial results proved by several different means. We provide a new approach, namely constructing (strongly) residual coordinates, that allows us to give new proofs of all known partial results, and in particular generalize the results of Bhatwadekar-Roy and Kuroda on embeddings of the form $(t^n,t^m,t^l+t)$.

Recommended citation: __D. Lewis__, A unified approach to embeddings of a line in 3-space. arXiv:2203.08178 (2022).

Impacts of Standards-Based Grading on Students' Mindset and Test Anxiety

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Abstract

Standards-based grading is an alternative grading method with many claimed benefits. This paper reports on quantitative studies investigating several of these oft-made anecdotal claims, such as reducing students’ test anxiety and fostering a growth mindset. We found that standards-based grading did reduce students’ test anxiety; moreover, the typically found difference in test anxiety between male and female students was eliminated in standards-based grading courses. We found no change in students’ growth mindset, but that students’ mastery avoidance goals were reduced.

Recommended citation: __D. Lewis__, Impacts of Standards-Based Grading on Students' Mindset and Test Anxiety. _Journal of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning_ 22, no. 2 (2022), 67-77.

On definitions of mathematician

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Abstract

The definition of who is or what makes a “mathematician” is an important and urgent issue to be addressed in the mathematics community. Too often, a narrower definition of who is considered a mathematician (and what is considered mathematics) is used to exclude people from the discipline – both explicitly and implicitly. However, using a narrow definition of a mathematician allows us to examine and challenge systemic barriers that exist in certain spaces of the community. This paper explores and illuminates tensions between narrow and broad definitions and how they can be used to promote both inclusion and exclusion simultaneously. In this article, we present a framework of definitions based on identity, function, and qualification and exploring several different meanings of “mathematician”. By interrogating various definitions, we highlight their risks and opportunities, with an emphasis on implications for broadening and/or narrowing participation of underrepresented groups.

Recommended citation: Ron Buckmire, Carrie Diaz Eaton, Joseph E. Hibdon Jr., Katherine M. Kinnaird, __Drew Lewis__, Jessica Libertini, Omayra Ortega, Rachel Roca, and Andrés R. Vindas-Meléndez. On Definitions of "Mathematician" (2023). _Journal of Humanistic Mathematics_, 13(2), 8--38. https://doi.org/10.5642/jhummath.ZRUZ1463

#DisruptJMM: Online social justice advocacy and community building in STEM.

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Abstract

In 2019, #DisruptJMM, a Twitter hashtag, began circulating after an Inclusion/Exclusion blog by Dr. Piper H pointing to the need to make commonplace conversations about human suffering in the Joint Mathematics Meetings (JMM). While the #DisruptJMM hashtag has been used since 2019, the vast majority of use was in the JMM 2020 meetings. Twitter hashtags are used by activists to push forward conversations, join communities around a single idea, and create change. In this article, we draw on frameworks from community building seen in other equity and inclusion advocacy hashtags such as #GirlsLikeUs (Jackson et al., 2018) to qualitatively code and analyze tweets which used the #DisruptJMM hashtag. This analysis gives us a glimpse into the evolving conversations on social justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in the mathematical community. We see an emergence of community around recentering humanity in mathematics. This community supported each other’s efforts, reflected on who is represented, and amplified discussions of power and privilege with a particular emphasis on bringing visibility to colonialism and sexual harrassment.

Recommended citation: Roca, R., Eaton, C. D., __Lewis, D.__, Hibdon, J. E., Jr., & Marshall, S. (2023). #DisruptJMM: Online Social Justice Advocacy and Community Building in Mathematics. _Journal of Humanistic Mathematics_, 13(2), 39--63. https://doi.org/10.5642/jhummath.IQAC8746

The mathematics of mathematics: Using mathematics and data science to analyze the mathematical sciences community and enhance social justice

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Abstract

We present and discuss a curated selection of recent literature related to the application of quantitative techniques, tools, and topics from mathematics and data science that have been used to analyze the mathematical sciences community. We engage in this project with a focus on including research that highlights, documents, or quantifies (in)equities that exist in the mathematical sciences, specifically, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) more broadly. We seek to enhance social justice in the mathematics and data science communities by providing numerous examples of the ways in which the mathematical sciences fails to meet standards of equity, equal opportunity and inclusion. We introduce the term “mathematics of Mathematics” for this project, explicitly building upon the growing, interdisciplinary field known as “Science of Science” to interrogate, investigate, and identify the nature of the mathematical sciences itself. We aim to promote, provide, and posit sources of productive collaborations and we invite interested researchers to contribute to this developing body of work.

Recommended citation: Buckmire, R., Hibdon Jr., J.E., __Lewis, D.__, Ortega, O., Pabon, J., Roca, R., & Vindas-Melendez, A.R.(2024). The mathematics of mathematics: Using mathematics and data science to analyze the mathematical sciences community and enhance social justice. https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.03241

Quantifying Inequities and Documenting Elitism in PhD-granting Mathematical Sciences Departments in the United States

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Abstract

In this paper we provide an example of the application of quantitative techniques, tools, and topics from mathematics and data science to analyze the mathematics community itself in order to quantify inequity and document elitism. This work is a contribution to the new and growing field recently termed “mathematics of Mathematics,” or “MetaMath.” Our goal is to rebut, rebuke, and refute the idea that the mathematical sciences in the United States is a meritocracy by using data science and quantitative analysis. Using research and data about PhD-granting institutions in the United States, we quantify, document, and highlight inequities in departments at U.S. institutions of higher education that produce PhDs in the mathematical sciences. Specifically, we determine that a small fraction of mathematical sciences departments receive a large majority of federal funding awarded to support mathematics in the United States and that women are dramatically underrepresented in these departments. Additionally, we quantify the extent to which women are underrepresented in almost all mathematical sciences PhD-granting institutions in the United States.

Recommended citation: Buckmire, R., Diaz Eaton, C., Hibdon Jr., J.E., Kauba, J., __Lewis, D.__, Ortega, O., Pabon, J., Roca, R., & Vindas-Melendez, A.R. (2024). Quantifying Inequities and Documenting Elitism in PhD-granting Mathematical Sciences Departments in the United States. https://arxiv.org/abs/2308.13750

Paper Title Number 4

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This paper is about fixing template issue #693.

Recommended citation: Your Name, You. (2024). "Paper Title Number 3." GitHub Journal of Bugs. 1(3).
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Supporting instructors in implementing team-based inquiry learning

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Abstract

Team-Based Inquiry Learning (TBIL) is a novel active learning pedagogy designed to facilitate the use of inquiry-based learning in lower division courses. This preliminary report examines supports provided by the TBIL project to instructors, as well as the fidelity of implementation of TBIL by participants of the project. Initial findings suggest that classroom-ready materials and ongoing support, both synchronous and asynchronous, were most helpful to faculty in their TBIL implementations.

Recommended citation: __Lewis, D.__, Clontz, S., Parrish, C., Estis, J., & Chaudhury, S.R. (2024). Supporting instructors in implementing team-based inquiry learning. _Proceedings of the 26th Anuual Conference on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education_