Mathematics is the language of the universe—and at South Dakota Mines, you’ll learn to think, reason, and create in it. The Mathematics program combines theory, application, and computation to prepare
students for solving the complex problems that drive modern science and engineering.
With flexible degree options, hands-on research, and opportunities for specialization,
students gain the analytical and computational skills sought across industries. Graduates
pursue careers in data science, finance, software design, research, aerospace, and
beyond, applying the power of mathematics to shape the future.
Explore key information about the Department of Mathematics, including program details,
research opportunities, and ways to get involved.
Graduates of the Mathematics program at South Dakota Mines pursue diverse and rewarding
careers in fields such as data science and visualization, actuarial and financial
analysis, statistical modeling and prediction, software design and testing, pharmaceutical
and manufacturing testing, resource management and sustainability, aerospace and space
exploration, telecommunications, and mathematical research.
Data Miners - The Data Miners is a student club that competes in regional data science and coding
competitions. Data Miners put their mathematical, statistical, and programming skills
to the test to analyze data, forecast behavior, and create innovative solutions.
The team has won competitions at MUDAC, MinneAnalytics, the NASA Space App Hackathon,
and others. For information on joining, contact team coach Kyle Caudle.
Research Focus Areas
Work with our renowned faculty and collaborate on groundbreaking projects that address
real-world challenges. The hands-on experience and expertise you will acquire here
will not only contribute to your academic growth but also prepare you for successful
careers in academia, industry, or government agencies.
Statistical and Data Analysis
The modern world is a world of data, and South Dakota Mines mathematicians are pioneering
ways to understand and use that data. Our faculty are on the cutting edge of data
science research, with faculty actively investigating multilinear subspace learning,
tensor regression time series forecasting, and population masking.
Mathematical Modeling
South Dakota Mines mathematicians are engaged in using mathematical tools to understand
the natural world around us. From using differential equations to model disease spread
through deer populations, using spatial statistics and satellite imagery to estimate
forest biomass, or modeling raindrop sizes to predict lightning events, our faculty
engage in interdisciplinary research to describe and predict real world phenomena.
STEM Education
South Dakota Mines mathematicians are nationally recognized, award-winning teachers
and expositors of mathematics. Our faculty design, engage in, and present innovative
and transformational modes of instruction and assessment, both in the Mines classroom
and nationally through NASA Computational Astronomy workshops.
Academic Excellence
South Dakota Mines Mathematics faculty are recognized nationally for their teaching
excellence and research work. Prepare to be inspired by the cutting-edge curriculum,
research, practical applications, and visionary thinking that these esteemed professors
bring to the field. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and advancement
as you learn.
Dr. Kyle Caudle
With a background as a researcher, military officer, and statistical consultant, Dr.
Caudle’s current research foci include time series analysis and forecasting and non-parametric
density estimation of data streams. He is an active member of the South Dakota Mines
Data Science Research Hub and co-coach of the Data Miners competition team. Dr. Caudle
is an active student research advisor whose students have won several awards, including
the 2015 Peter Holmes Prize.
Dr. Travis Kowalski
Dr. Kowalski likes to play in the intersection of mathematics, art, culture, and history.
His current research foci include formal power series theory and the arithmetrization
of star polygons. His 2016 work The Sine of a Single Degree won both the 2017 George
Polya Award and the 2021 Chauvenet Prize for mathematical writing. Dr. Kowalski is
passionate about undergraduate education and was the 2019 recipient of the Mathematical
Association of America’s Burton Jones Award for distinguished teaching.
