Skip to main content
AI Assistant
Apply
Visit
Give

News & Stories

Latest From Valpo

Valparaiso University sign with emblem and flame, set against a blue sky with some clouds, highlighting the university’s excellence that draws national attention.
Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention
A diverse group in colorful cultural outfits stands together, smiling and linking arms on stage.
A Beacon’s Reflection | MyLinh (Millie) Mac ’16, M.A., M.A.
Three students in yellow shirts talk around a table with a laptop in a brightly lit room, sharing insights about what to expect during the first semester of grad school.
What to Expect in Your First Semester of Grad School
A person in a silver holographic ghost costume and cowboy hat at a Valparaiso University Halloween event.
Valparaiso University Offers Costumed Fun for the Whole Family this Halloween
Three people smiling in front of an American Red Cross Greater Chicago sign on a sunny day, highlighting a memorable moment from a CAPS Fellow Story.
Connecting Service to Purpose: Inside the 2026 Valpo CAPS Fellows Experience
Sign reading “Go BaBy go!” with smiley balloons and checkered bunting at a Valparaiso University Collaboration Challenge.
Valparaiso University Receives Collaboration Challenge Grant to Enhance Healthcare for Local Children
Man with headset and brown jacket sits at table with laptop, resting chin on hand, looking at camera—perhaps deep in thought as Paul Oren prepares for his next Beacon podcast episode.
Follow the Beacon | Paul Oren ’02, ’10 M.S.
Three people smiling, with the center person holding a Valparaiso University patent for water filtration.
Valparaiso University Professor Patents Methods of Distributing and Removing Microplastics in Water
A person in academic regalia stands in a church as people around them clap and stained glass shines behind, celebrating the Inauguration of President Rev. Brian Konkol at Valparaiso University.
Inauguration of Valparaiso University’s 20th President, Rev. Brian Konkol Draws Standing Room Only Crowd from Campus and Beyond

Mathematics Colloquium

Weekly Colloquium Series

The Mathematics and Data Science Colloquium gives students a platform to share ideas, present research, and engage with guest professionals. Each year, students gain communication skills while taking on more responsibility, from brief presentations to senior capstones.

Mathematics & CS Department

Meet Our Faculty

The Mathematics and Data Science Colloquium, held weekly during the academic year, offers students and faculty the opportunity to learn about each other’s interests and projects and introduces them to professionals from outside Valpo who work in mathematics, data science, and related disciplines. As students progress through their major, they take on increasing responsibility for the colloquium’s content by moderating discussions, giving feedback to their peers, and giving presentations of their own.

The Mathematics and Data Science Colloquium appears in the course catalog as MATH/DATA 299, 399 and 499. These courses are generally taken in the sophomore, junior, and senior years, respectively.

Mathematics & CS Department

Mathematics & Data Science Majors

Mathematics majors
  • During the sophomore year, students participate in MATH 299 by developing and delivering a brief (8-to-10-minute) mathematical presentation on a topic of their choice — this is usually done in coordination with MATH 266; in fact, concurrent enrollment in MATH 299 and MATH 266 is recommended.
  • During the junior year, students earn credit for MATH 399 by participating in co-curricular activities, such as attending a mathematics conference, participating in service learning opportunities, or taking the national Putnam Exam. Students identify and begin researching the topics on which they will give presentations for the following year’s colloquium.
  • During their senior year, students earn credit for MATH 499 by delivering a professional-style 18-to-20-minute presentation on an advanced mathematical topic and submitting a companion written paper on the same topic.

Data Science majors
  • During their sophomore year, students in DATA 299 conduct peer review of project proposals written by DATA 399 students and peer evaluations of project presentations by DATA 499 students. These peer review and evaluation assignments help DATA 299 students prepare for when they will have to do their own capstone projects.
  • During their junior year, students in DATA 399 write a formal proposal for their capstone project.
  • During their senior year, students in DATA 499 deliver a professional-style 20-minute oral presentation on their capstone project to the statistics/data science colloquium, and also have the opportunity to present a poster about their project at the annual University-wide Symposium on Research and Creative Expression.

Contact the Department

Valparaiso University’s Department of Mathematics and Computer Science welcomes inquiries from prospective students, fellow researchers, and community members.

Professor Tiffany Kolba, Ph.D., Department Chair

Mathematics and Computer Science

tiffany.kolba@valpo.edu

Gellersen Center, Room 112
1900 Chapel Drive
Valparaiso, IN 46383


You Belong Here.

Apply
Request Info
Visit