2025-26 Department of Mathematics and Statistics Events

May 2026

May 25-28
WPB Convention
Center
9 am - 6 pm

Public-Key Cryptography (PKC)

The International Conference on Practice and Theory in Public Key Cryptography (PKC) has been sponsored by the IACR since 2003.Florid Atlantic University will host the 2026 PKC, which will take place at the Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, May 25-28, 2026.  PKC has been the main annual conference focusing on all aspects of public-key cryptography, attracting cutting-edge results from world-renowned scientists in the area. PKC oversight is provided by the  PKC Steering Committee.      PKC 2026 is organized by the International Association for Cryptologic Research (IACR).

Thurs.
May 28
3:00 pm
SE 215

Ph. D. Preliminary Exam

Speaker:  Matthew Trang, Ph.D. Canidate, Florida Atlantic University

Title: Algebraic Frameworks in Neuroscience

Abstract:  This preliminary examination explores two distinct algebraic frameworks motivated by challenges in neuroscience: the structural analysis of combinatorial neural codes and the algebraic computation of persistent homology.

The first half of the exam focuses on the theoretical feasibility of neural coding, examining how co-firing patterns of place cells represent spatial environments through open convex sets. We bridge topology, geometry, and combinatorics by establishing the core vocabulary of the field, including combinatorial neural codes, geometric realizations, and convex neural codes. To analyze these structures, we introduce key combinatorial frameworks: the structural role of trunks, morphisms as a mechanism for code comparison, and the partially ordered set P_Code, which governs the hierarchical organization of neural codes. This section ends with utilizing the theory of code morphisms to explicitly characterize the downward covering relations within P_Code.

The second half shifts toward the topological and algebraic analysis of empirical, real-world neural data. After introducing fundamental concepts in algebraic topology, including simplicial complexes, chain complexes, homology, and persistence, we establish the algebraic foundations of persistent homology. By characterizing persistence modules as graded R[x]-modules, we apply the Structure Theorem for Principal Ideal Domains (PIDs) to derive their unique decomposition when R is a field. Finally, we formalize the standard persistence algorithm, detailing the matrix reduction techniques essential for computing these modules.

Together, these topics demonstrate the power of algebraic and combinatorial topology in decoding complex geometric structures and neural representations from experimental data.

August 2026

August 3-7
9 am-5 pm
Sandbox

CryptoTeens in South Florida Summer Camp

Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity

The "CryptoTeens in South Florida" is an exciting program tailored for talented high school students - boys and girls - who are passionate about mathematics, computer science, and cybersecurity. Open to all schools in the South Florida region (and beyond), the camp attracts a diverse group of participants and emphasizes a unique focus on cryptography, particularly the cutting-edge field of post-quantum cryptography.

There is a participation fee of $90; however, scholarships will be available to fully reimburse students who successfully attend all five days of the program. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the summer camp organizers at  cryptoteens@fau.edu. 

Registration is Open!  Click Here!