Mathematics

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Mathematics is the language of the universe, and here, you'll learn to think, reason, and create in it. The Department of Mathematics at South Dakota Mines integrates 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.

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Meet Our Faculty and Staff

 

Department Overview

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. Members 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 the Data Miners, contact team coach Kyle Caudle at kyle.caudle@sdsmt.edu.

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 at South Dakota Mines 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, actively investigating multilinear subspace learning, tensor regression for time series forecasting, and population masking.

Mathematical Modeling

Our faculty members utilize mathematical tools to better understand the natural world around us. From using differential equations to model disease spread through deer populations to modeling raindrop sizes to predict lightning events, Mines mathematicians 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 members 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

Mathematics faculty members at Mines are recognized nationally for their excellence in teaching and research. Prepare to be inspired by the cutting-edge curriculum, research, practical applications, and visionary thinking that these esteemed professors bring to the field.

Dr. Kyle Caudle

With a background as a researcher, military officer, and statistical consultant, Dr. Kyle Caudle's current research foci include time series analysis and forecasting, as well as 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. Travis 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.

Have more questions?

Department Head:
Dr. Travis Kowalski
(605) 394-2471
Travis.Kowalski@sdsmt.edu