In spring, we have the opportunity to attend some mathematics and physics professional conferences. These meetings are on weekends so not mandatory, but you’re encouraged to think about attending either or both.
The first conference is at the end of the second week of spring quarter, Fri. Apr. 10 and Sat. Apr. 11. The Pacific Northwest section of the Mathematics Association of America (PNW MAA) will hold its annual meting at the University of Washington Tacoma. It will be possible to go on Friday, Saturday, or both days. Professor Brian Walter will attend on Friday and is willing to help you plan how to take best advantage of the meeting. I will attend on Saturday for sure (maybe Friday but that’s up in the air) and will help you plan your day. Depending on how many students are interested in attending, we’ll need to arrange for transportation. If you are interested in attending and either are a certified van driver or willing to become certified (see Motor Pool info), please let me know.
The second conference is at the end of the seventh week, Thu. May 14 – Sat. May 16. The Northwest Section of the American Physical Society (APS NW) will hold its annual meeting at Washington State University in Pullman. This is a longer trip so attendees would probably leave Thursday afternoon or evening and return Saturday afternoon. Professor Mario Gadea is attending and is willing to support you. I am hoping to attend as well. Again, we’ll need to arrange for transportation.
Evergreen faculty and students frequently attend these meetings, and we find them interesting, useful, and inspiring. I took students to the APS NW meeting in spring 2009 held at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. You can read what some of them had to say here.