Applied Mathematics and Machine Learning

Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Texas Tech University

Fall 2026

Since Fall 2018, the seminar provides a venue for researchers and students to present and discuss mathematical approaches for the investigation of challenging real-life problems. Topics range from pure mathematical subjects to applications. The seminar also aims to encourage students to develop their own research projects. We welcome all those who want to broaden their perspective on the mathematical methods used in contemporary research.

Send an e-mail to igtomas@ttu.edu if:
- You want to be notified about TTU's Applied Mathematics Seminar on a weekly basis.
- You are faculty or doctoral student willing to present.

Wednesday
Sep. 2
4 PM
Math 011

Robert Duncan
Department of Physics & Astronomy, Texas Tech University

Abstract: TBA

When: 4:00 pm (Lubbock's local time is GMT -6)
Where: room Math 011 (Math Basement)
ZOOM details:
- Choice #1: use this link Direct Link that embeds meeting and ID and passcode.
- Choice #2: join meeting using this link Join Meeting, then you will have to input the ID and Passcode by hand:
* Meeting ID: 949 9288 2213
* Passcode: Applied

Wednesday
Sep. 16
4 PM
Math 011

Dynamic Mems: Microfabrication, Mechanisms, and Motion
Tim Dallas
Electrical & Computer Engineering, Texas Tech University

Dynamic microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) use controlled mechanical motion at the microscale to perform useful functions. This talk will begin with an introduction to Dynamic MEMS, including basic device architectures, actuation mechanisms, scaling effects, and the fabrication approaches used to create movable structures at the microscale. The second part of the talk will present three examples of Dynamic MEMS. The Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) will provide a vivid example of a highly successful commercial MEMS technology based on the controlled motion of large arrays of microscopic mirrors. Devices fabricated using Sandia National Laboratories’ SUMMiT V surface-micromachining process will illustrate more complex planar micromechanisms, followed by recent work using two-photon polymerization with the Nanoscribe platform to create three-dimensional microstructures and mechanisms. Together, these examples show how advances in microfabrication have expanded the types of motion and mechanical functionality that can be realized at the microscale.

Tim Dallas, PhD is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Texas Tech University. Dr. Dallas’ research includes developing MEMS-based education and research tools, innovative solar racking techniques, and UAS-enabled transplant organ transport. In 2008, he established Class on a Chip, Inc. to commercialize an array of micro-experimental devices for use in engineering, physics, and MEMS classes. He works with colleagues in the College of Education on the development of an education portal, Classroom on a Chip, and the Solar Powered Digital Classroom in a Box (SPDCB). The SPDCB technology has been deployed to off-the-grid locations in Africa, Asia, and Central America. Each summer, he teaches a class entitled Solar Energy, which includes a solar energy system design project. He has also established classes in entrepreneurship and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Prof. Dallas serves as a mentor for the TTU Innovation Hub’s accelerator program and other startup programs. Dr. Dallas has served as the principal investigator for three National Science Foundation sponsored Scholarships in STEM (S-STEM) projects, three Research Experience for Undergraduates Sites, a Course Curriculum and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI) project, and a number of other research and equipment grants from NSF. He has also been funded by the Keck and Welch Foundations for MEMS-based education technologies. He serves as an Associate Dean for the Graduate School and has served as an Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Education. He is a Senior Member of IEEE and a Fellow of TTU’s STEM-CORE.

When: 4:00 pm (Lubbock's local time is GMT -5)
Where: room Math 011 (Math Basement)
ZOOM details:
- Choice #1: use this Direct Link that embeds meeting and ID and passcode.
- Choice #2: join meeting using this link Join Meeting, then you will have to input the ID and Passcode by hand:
* Meeting ID: 949 9288 2213
* Passcode: Applied

Wednesday
Sep. 23
4 PM
Math 011

TBA
Adam Umar
Department of Mathematics & Statistics, Texas Tech University

Wednesday
Sep. 30
4 PM
online

TBA
Amirpasha Kamalhedayat
Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan

Wednesday
Oct. 14
4 PM
online

TBA
Michael Murillo
Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Michigan State University

Wednesday
Oct. 21
4 PM
online

TBA
Amanda Diegel
Department of Mathematics, Mississippi State

Wednesday
Oct. 28
4 PM
online

TBA
Elena Giorgi
Department Mathematics, Columbia University

Wednesday
Nov. 4
4 PM
online

TBA
Eric Cyr
Computer Science Research Institute, Sandia National Laboratories

Wednesday
Nov. 11
4 PM
online

TBA
Joe Kileel
Department Mathematics, Univesity of Texas Austin

Wednesday
Nov. 18
4 PM
online

TBA
Qi Wang
Department of Mathematics, University of South Carolina