Re-assessing the Relationship Between Pure and Applied Mathematics American Mathematical Society Workshop for Department Chairs and Department Leaders Baltimore, Maryland Tuesday, January 15, 2019 Douglas Mupasiri University of Northern Iowa

Re-assessing the Relationship Between Pure and Applied Mathematics The Outline of the Session The case for re-assessing the relationship between pure and applied mathematics – what are the drivers? The lay of the land – what are departments doing on this topic? What challenges and/or opportunities does engagement with this topic present? Soft approach solutions vs. hard approach solutions Two programs that might help.

Group Task 1 Reasons for reassessing the relationship between pure and applied mathematics Internal reasons? External reasons? Is this even a topic worth engaging? Report out.

Group Task 2 The lay of the land – what are departments doing on this topic? Is your department thinking about, already engaged in discussions about, already undertaking, or done conducting a reassessment of the relationship between pure and applied mathematics? If you have already reassessed the relationship, how did you go about it, how did it go, who initiated it, and what was the role of the chair in the process? What challenges and/or opportunities (real or perceived) does engagement with this topic present? What advice would you offer to a chair whose department is considering reassessing the relationship? Report out.

The case for reassessing the relationship between pure and applied mathematics* Employment data for math graduates – a significant proportion of math graduate end up in nonacademic jobs. The need to expose math students to career options that are available to them. The need to educate math students to the foundational role that mathematics plays in service to other disciplines and to society at large. The need to open up and invite students with a practical bend to mathematics. Showing upper administration that department cares about the success of its graduates. This slide is for us to use in case the group discussions miss any of these points.

Group Task 3 What are some potential outcomes/results of a reassessment of the relationship between pure and applied mathematics? How might you implement/operationalize the results of a reassessment – what do you do with them? Report out.

Soft Approach* vs. Hard Approach** Solutions Engaging and developing relationships with external partners in industry or government who might provide internships to students.* Building collaborations with applied mathematician within the department or faculty in other departments to provide opportunities for math students to work on interdisciplinary problems.* Revise the curriculum to give pure math students opportunities to engage meaningfully with applied math**. Adding/diversifying faculty specialty areas to include applied mathematics.**

Two Programs tailor-made to address the relationship between pure and applied mathematics. The PIC Math (Preparation for Industrial Careers in Mathematical Sciences) Program https://www.maa.org/programs-and-communities/professional-development/pic-math The PSM (Professional Science Master’s) Program https://www.professionalsciencemasters.org