Arun Ram: ART seminars

Arun Ram

Department of Mathematics and Statistics
University of Melbourne
Parkville VIC 3010 Australia
aram@unimelb.edu.au

ART could stand for, Arun's Rehearsal Time, or Around Research and Teaching, or Advanced Representation Theory, or Advice Reactions and Tribulations, or Art Revelations and Transcendence. All of these could be suitable titles for this seminar, depending on the week. Sometimes there will be outside speakers, and sometimes it will a collection of thoughts and material curated by the organizer or some other speaker.

EVERYONE is welcome to attend and participate. Please do contact me if you have even the slightest interest in presenting in this seminar. There are no "rules" for this seminar. Let's discuss.

Seminars in June 2025

Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 3 June 2025

Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram

Title: Tesselations, alcoves and Catalan magic

Abstract: An amazing q-t-generalization of Catalan numbers discoverd by Garsia and Haiman in the early 90s has had an exciting development with connections to many other fields.
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 10 June 2025

Presenter: Hyam Rubinstein

Title: The history of topology in Australia

Abstract: Hyam will tell us about the developers and progression of topology research in the Australian community.
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 17 June 2025

Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram

Title: What I learned teaching Calculus this semester

Abstract: Every time I teach calculus I learn new and beautiful things. This will be a summary of new realizations from this semester's teaching.
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 24 June 2025

Presenter/facilitator: Aru Ray and Arun Ram

Title: The big fight: Aru Ray versus Arun Ram

Abstract: Aru and Arun will debate the burning questions around career development and career management: how many papers to write, how to get a job, how to win over your competitors, how to get promoted, how to write a CV, what to write on a job application, how to get grants, etc. Debate is the nice way to say it -- Knock down drag out fight is more along the lines of what will happen. Only one competitor will be left standing at the end. The other will be taken away on a stretcher.

If you have a question you'd like included in the debate, please send it to one of us.

The program below is currently under construction. Some ideas are below but the ordering and timing and topics are, at the moment, only suggestive and may change. Please give me your suggestions and requests regarding the program.

Please do contact me if you have even the slightest interest in presenting in this seminar. There are no "rules" for this seminar. Let's discuss.

Possible future seminars: Tell Arun Ram if you have an interest in having any of these in the Seminar

Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday ????? January 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Scenes from the movie Amadeus
Abstract: This talk will be an analysis of selected music, delivery, content from the movie and how it relates to a career in mathematics research.
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday ????? January 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Readings
Abstract: Readings from favorites: Feynman, Anne of Green Gables, Solzhenitsyn, Consuelo, Tolkein, ... TBA
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday ????? January 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Some poems
Abstract: Sunbeams, Queensland, The Mossman Cane cutters, Come let's away to prison, BeHolding, The tallest of the pines, TBA
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday ?????? 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Compiling and curating 40 years of Calculus teaching
Abstract: What do we actually teach in Calculus? What are good ways to say this? to 19 year olds? We'll explore why and how this is the most thrilling and midblowing activity one can undertake in a lifetime.
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday ???????? 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Thinking about discovery model learning
Abstract: TBA
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday ???????? 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: A new plan for the undergraduate math curriculum
Abstract: TBA
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday ???????? 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Why learn Chapter II of Macdonald' book on symmetric functions?
Abstract: TBA
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday ???????? 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Why learn Chapter II of Macdonald' book on symmetric functions?
Abstract: TBA
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday ???????? 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Career secrets: How to be a mentor
Abstract: TBA
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday ???????? 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Career secrets: How to be a member of the hiring committee
Abstract: TBA
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday ???????? 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Career secrets: How to apply for grants
Abstract: TBA
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday ???????? 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Career secrets: How to write reports
Abstract: TBA
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday ???????? 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Career secrets: How to write recommendation letters
Abstract: TBA
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday ???????? 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Career secrets: How to get a job
Abstract: TBA
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday ???????? 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Career secrets: How to practice effectively
Abstract: TBA
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday ???????? 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Career secrets: How to procrastinate
Abstract: TBA
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday ???????? 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Career secrets: How to spend money
Abstract: TBA
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday ???????? 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Career secrets: How to host visitors
Abstract: TBA
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday ???????? 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Career Secrets: The inquisition
Abstract: TBA
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday ???????? 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Career secrets: Shoes
Abstract: TBA

Seminars in January 2025

Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 28 January 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: A perspective on the Indian mathematics research community
Abstract: A review of the Indian mathematical research community of the last 40 years and a look into the 21st century. Who are the big players? What are the key insitutions? What are the mechanisms and avenues for collaboration and stimulation?
Music Intro: Sujaat Khan This Pale https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29b_QKhqamo
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 21 January 2025
Interviewer: Arun Ram -- Special guest: Aru Ray
Title: The Omar Khayyam show with special guest Aru Ray
Abstract: This session will be modeled on shows like the Johnny Carson Show, or David Letterman, where special guests come in for a chat.
Music Intro: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan -- Daiya Daiya Daiya Re https://youtu.be/6iAVZr7aAJQ?si=QILyJpWnZhuATurZ
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 14 January 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Formulas for Macdonald polynomials
Abstract: Which formula is the best? To 'quote' Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Yes, I know there are other composers in Vienna, but I'm the best.
Music Intro: Pauline Viardot Aimez Moi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8oDcIZeq7A
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 7 January 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Vector calculus in 4 pages
Abstract: Can I write a 4 page vector calculus book? What should be put on each page?
Music Intro: The Beths -- Expert in a Dying Field https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KACt6YhOyY

Seminars in February 2025

Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 4 February 2025
Interviewer: Arun Ram -- Special guest Jonathan Gruber
Title: The Omar Khayyam show with special guest Jonathan Gruber
Abstract: This session will be modeled on shows like the Johnny Carson Show, or David Letterman, where special guests come in for a chat.
Music intro: Rita Payes Tiny Desk Concert https://youtu.be/ZVEeAxeyAPU?si=GT9UYAPA5SsMUTL8
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 11 February 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Marcy Robertson
Title: How to categorify Z hat
Abstract: Problems arise when you want to do algebra with groups, rings, etc that have some topology. For example, topological abelian groups don't form an abelian category. Condensed math is a new formalism coming from work of Clausen and Scholtze which resolves some of these problems. I'll give a short introduction to condensed math, focused on examples coming from topological groups, to illustrate the properties of this new topology. On audience request, I'll also provide some explanation of the set theoretic issues which make this topology slightly formidable.
Music intro: Norah Jones Austin City Limits Music Festival 2024 -- Staring at the wall https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUJjwerA5-s&t=2362s
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 18 February 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Will Troiani (Melbourne connectionist)
Title: Patterns of Thought: A Philosophical Journey Through Mathematics and Music
Abstract: What connects the precision of mathematics to the expressiveness of music? In this lecture, inspired by Edward Rothstein’s Emblems of Mind, I will explore the philosophical underpinnings of these two disciplines and their shared ability to capture the structure of experience. Drawing on personal reflections, I will examine how mathematics and music shape how we think, feel, and interpret the world. Why do they both resonate so deeply with ideas of harmony, balance, and tension? What does it mean to create or discover within these fields? This talk invites you to consider how logic and emotion, abstraction and immediacy, can converge to illuminate not just the external world, but the inner workings of our minds.
Music intro: Obdurate Fleet -- Klipso Island (Is a Place in the Sky) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJovdb4vmP8
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 25 February January 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Sofia Carbonara (Melbourne percussionist)
Title:"You Have to Play the Notes!" : Music, Mathematics, and Lessons from Proof Machine
Abstract: Proof Machine is an ongoing performance project co-created by percussionist Sofia Carbonara and mathematician Arun Ram. Carbonara and Ram explore lessons from mathematics, music, personal history, and Ram's "proof machine" -- a recipe for logical argumentation -- through contemporary music. What does it mean to "play the notes" in music and mathematics? How can "assume the ifs, to prove the thens" be actualized in performance, and what can this mathematical phrase teach us about practice and creativity? Sofia investigates these questions through discussion of Proof Machine and their own research in embodied cognition, phenomenology, and creative music.
Music Intro: THe Australian ART orchestra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLo7lj1lhrA

Seminars in March 2025

Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 4 March 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Beautiful gems from Calculus -- Compiling and curating 40 years of calculus teacihng
Abstract: This semester I'm teaching Calculus 1. Once again I am blown away by the amazing beautiful gems found here. What do we actually teach in Calculus? What are good ways to say this? to 19 year olds? We'll explore why and how this is the most thrilling and midblowing activity one can undertake in a lifetime.
Music Intro: Beethoven quartet Op. 133 Movement 3 -- Amadeus Quartet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=te3j_Gqr1l0
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 11 March 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: I'm degenerating
Abstract: Let's look at some easy examples of degenerations. In this talk I'll degenerate to the rational Cherednik algebra and its polynomial representation. (Continuous functions degenerate to their linear approximations, varieties degnerate to tropical vareieties, groups degenerate to Lie algebras, Macdonald polynomials dengerate to Jack polynomials, K-theory degenerates to cohomology, quantum groups degenerate to Yangians.)
Music Intro: Martin Frost -- The Dollhouse https://youtu.be/XzlW9MxHmEI?si=pO7Crok2QAHXIFha
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 18 March 2025
Interviewer: Arun Ram -- Special guest Justin Lanier
Title: The Omar Khayyam show with special guest Justin Lanier
Abstract: This session will be modeled on Shows like the Johnny Carson Show, or David Letterman, where special guests come in for a chat.
Music Intro: Michael Hedges -- Because it's there https://youtu.be/5vKvLYmmMPc?si=FoBi4CAT48J9Fyns
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 25 March 2025
Presenter/Facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Getting started with an MSc research project advisor (focus: Aurore Delaigle)
Abstract: I'm doing a Math Masters and I should organise a research project advisor. How do I get into this? How do I read a paper?
Music Intro: La cabane au fond du jardin - Jardin d'hiver https://youtu.be/7hXEUjL1of8?si=akZxbbJ51UY-QWXJ

Seminars in April 2025

Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 1 April 2025
Persenter/Facilitator: Arun Ram,
Title: It's a numberful world (part I: clocks, freedom and addicts)
Abstract: 10 wonderful numberful number systems for children (and adults).
Music intro: Louis Armstrong -- What a wonderful world https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaCSuzR4DwM
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 8 April 2025
Persenter/Facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Getting started with an MSc research project advisor (focus: Robyn Araujo)
Abstract: I'm doing a Math Masters and I should organise a research project advisor. How do I get into this? How do I read a paper?
Music intro: Roby Lakatos -- Two Guitars https://youtu.be/blU9gmJx1l0?si=JXmWJRbUbVw4SAQ1
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 15 April 2025
Interviewer: Arun Ram
Title: The Omar Khayyam show with special guest Marco Carfagnini
Abstract: This session will be modeled on shows like the Johnny Carson Show, or David Letterman, where special guests come in for a chat.
Music intro: Paolo Conte - Un Gelato al Limon https://youtu.be/TZeEkXyq6z0?si=O6ggcGVOVDUT9Mir
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 22 April 2025 (NO SEMINAR ON THIS DATE)
Persenter/Facilitator: NO SEMINAR THIS WEEK
Title: NO SEMINAR THIS WEEK
Abstract: NO SEMINAR THIS WEEK
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 29 April 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Hayden Taylor
Title: Getting into classical music
Abstract: Let's learn how to tell the difference between a viola, a violin and a cello, distinguish betwee different pieces and periods. Learn how to listen with your friends and hence partake in an ancient tradition that has brought joy, intrigue, sadness, excitement, to many people.
Featured Music: Mozart Symphony No. 40: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyQ-POuTNn8

Seminars in May 2025

Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 6 May 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Thorsten Hertl
Title: The crazy zoo of wild topological spaces
Abstract: The definition of a topological space is a very general one - of too general to reasonably work with. Inside the category of topological spaces sits the category of CW complexes, which is reasonably behaved, and often, topologists restrict their attention to this subcategory. This makes sense, because constructions can be carried out inductively over the cells, and all commonly used invariants behave as expected. This begs the question: What happens if we leave our safe space?
After a brief recollection of CW-complexes, I will present examples of 'wild' topological space that exhibit peculiar phenomena. For example, I will explain why the Hawaiian earrings have an even bigger fundamental group than you would expect, or give an example of a space that has non-trivial real homology groups in degrees far beyond its dimension.
The talk is accessible to anyone with mild previous knowledge in topology (fundamental group and homology suffices).
Music Intro: Of Monsters and Men -- Dirty Paws https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y25LDO6OLzQ&t=282s
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 13 May 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Rory Yarr
Title: Tessellating the Plane: from periodic tilings to Hat and Spectre
Abstract: From periodic frieze groups, lattices and wallpaper groups to the aperiodic Hat and Spectre!
Music Intro: Shostakovich Prelude and Fugue No. 2 played by Tatiana Nikolayeva https://youtu.be/ZyURjdnYQaU?si=vegxIvdLhXS8RZ9z
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 20 May 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Aru Ray
Title: Readings - Poems, paragraphs, excerpts and vignettes
Abstract: Bring your favourite poem, paragraph, excerpt or vignette to share.
Music Intro: Schubert song: Der Lindenbaum -- Sung by Thomas Hampson https://youtu.be/uUa73KMES7s?si=yHKaeEya_ZXZJ1bW
Location: Room 162 Peter Hall Building University of Melbourne
Time: 15:30-17:00 on Tuesday 27 May 2025
Presenter/facilitator: Arun Ram
Title: Career Secrets - Shoes and Money
Abstract: No matter what field you are in, shoes and money are very useful for career success. We'll discuss philosophy, motivation and applications of shoes and money.
Music Intro: If I were a Rich Man from Fiddler on the Roof -- Wayne Kennedy https://youtu.be/mqx6k31AC2o?si=TbvuivPenhEJ007P