Theses

Since Spring 2013, our department has offered a Thesis option to our Masters students. A thesis, unlike a project, consists on original research done by the student. Below are the theses our students have produced.

Recent Theses

Student: Travis Steele
Advisor: Khang Tran
Graduation Date: May 2023
Thesis Title: Zero Distribution of Polynomials Generated by a Power of a Cubic Polynomial 
Abstract: We study the zero distribution of the sequence of polynomials $(P_m^{(\alpha)}(z))_{m=0}^\infty$ generated by $(1+t+zt^3)^{-\alpha}$, where $\alpha$ is an  arbitrary fixed positive real number. Through asymptotic analysis we show that the real interval $(-\infty,-\frac{4}{27})$ contains all but two of the zeros of $P_m^{(\alpha)}(z)$ for $m$ sufficiently large.

Student: Eric Montoya
Advisor: Marat Markin
Graduation Date: May 2023
Thesis Title: On Hypercyclicity and Linear Chaos in a Nonclassical Sequence Space and Beyond.
Abstract: We analyze the hypercyclicity, chaoticity, and spectral structure of (bounded and unbounded) weighted backward shifts in a nonclassical sequence space. Based on the weighted backward shifts, we further construct new (bounded and unbounded) linear hypercyclic and chaotic operators both in the nonclassical sequence space and the classical space $l_1$.

Student: Gabriel Chavez
Advisor: Yaomingxin Lu
Graduation Date: May 2023
Thesis Title: Pedagogy: Its Effects on Non-Cognitive Outcomes for First Semester Calculus I Students 
Abstract: We investigate pedagogical approaches in a first-semester calculus I course at California State University, Fresno (Fresno State), and their implications for student outcomes in STEM fields. To address achievement gaps for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented minority students (URM), Fresno State redesigned its traditional calculus course into a reformed calculus curriculum. We develop an analytical framework to assess the impact of these distinct pedagogical approaches on students’ non-cognitive achievements, focusing on the role of cooperative learning in fostering non-cognitive outcomes such as confidence and self-efficacy. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we conduct a detailed analysis of student surveys, interviews, and classroom observations to elucidate the specific mechanisms through which pedagogical strategies affect URM students, incorporating an intersectional lens to better understand the diverse experiences of these learners. Our findings reveal significant differences in students’ non-cognitive achievements between traditional and reformed calculus instruction, highlighting the potential benefits of reformed teaching practices in promoting students’ confidence, self-efficacy, and overall success in STEM fields.

 

Past Theses

Student: Gabriel Martinez Lazaro
Advisor: Marat Markin
Graduation Date: May 2022
Thesis Title: On Linear Chaos in The Space of Convergent Sequences
Abstract: We show that linear chaos in the space $c(\N)$ of convergent sequences cannot be arrived at by merely extending the weighted backward shifts in the space $c_0(\N)$ of vanishing sequences. Applying a newly found \textit{sufficient condition for linear chaos}, we furnish concise proofs of the chaoticity of the foregoing operators along with their powers and also itemize their spectral structure. We further construct bounded and unbounded linear chaotic operators in $c(\N)$ as conjugate to the chaotic backward shifts in $c_0(\Z_+)$ via a homeomorphic isomorphism  between the two spaces.

 

Student: Marissa Morado
Advisor: Comlan De Souza
Graduation Date: May 2022
Thesis Title: Solving The Phase Retrieval Problem Using an Artificial Neural Network
Abstract: Previous algorithms have attempted to solve the Phase Retrieval Problem using linear approximations. The Gerchberg Saxton (GS) Algorithm was the first algorithm that created an efficient way to solve the Phase Retrieval Problem by measuring the intensities between the image and Difractionplanes. While initially successful, the algorithm’s drawbacks include a low recovery rate of the phases and stagnated iterations, causing
excessive computation time and unreliable solutions. To improve the success rate of the algorithm, we have created a neural network that combines the reconstructive methods from the Gerchberg Saxton (GS) Algorithm with an artificial neural network (ANN) to produce a more accurate phase retrieval algorithm than the original GS Algorithm. These modifications can be beneficial in applications such as x-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, astronomical imaging, and a multitude of image and signaling problems. Our goal is to provide a practical approach to the Phase Retrieval Problem that provides a feasible solution that is not computationally expensive.

Student: Matthew Nuyten 
Advisor: Carmen Caprau
Graduation Date: May 2022
Thesis Title: Extending the Kauffman 2-Variable Polynomial to Singular Links
Abstract: In this work we construct invariants of singular links in three-space via the existence of a classical invariant of framed links known as the Kauffman 2-variable polynomial, or simply, the Kauffman polynomial. We extend the Kauffman polynomial to singular links by way of algebras and trace functions. In constructing our invariant, we give motivation for extending the notions for classical links and braids to those of singular links and singular braids. Additionally, we define and study the singular Birman-Murakami-Wenzl algebra and explain how it is used in defining our invariant of singular links. We then show that there exists an infinite number of invariants that extend the Kauffman polynomial to singular links. Lastly, we provide an alternative way to construct our invariants, by defining and studying the Kauffman skein algebra for framed singular links. This research shows us how we can extend other classical link invariants to singular links in a similar way.

 

Student: Miguel Baza
Advisor: Oscar Vega
Graduation Date: December 2021
Project Title: The Positively Realizable Groups of H₈ and G₃
Abstract: Spatial graph theory is the study of graphs embedded in R³. Given a graph and its automorphism group, we show how studying fixed vertices and edges allows us to determine the possible symmetries which a graph may have in R³. In particular, we study graphs H₈ and G₃ from the K7 family, demonstrating a new technique to determine that a group cannot be induced by orientation preserving homeomorphisms of the space R . In doing so, we classify the positively realizable groups for the graphs H₈ and G₃.

 

Student: Summer Al-Hamdani
Advisor: Khang Tran
Graduation Date: May 2021
Thesis Title: Zero Distribution of Binomial Combinations of Chebyshev Polynomials of the Second Kind.
Abstract:  We consider the sequence {P_m(z)}_{m=0}^\infty, which is a binomial combination of the well-known Chebyshev polynomials of the second kind; they have all real zeros on the interval (-1,1). We prove that there exists a constant C (independent of m) such that the number of zeros of P_m(z) outside of the interval (-1,1) is at most C for all m in N.

Student: Jagdeeep Basi
Advisor: Carmen Caprau
Graduation Date: May 2021
Thesis Title: Quandle Coloring Quivers of Torus Knots.
Abstract: Quandles provide an algebraic perspective to the general goal of knot theory of classifying and distinguishing mathematical knots.  We study patterns of dihedral quandles under the lens of quandle colorings and quandle coloring quivers.   This work classifies the full quandle coloring quivers of (p,2)-torus knots as a base case for the full quandle coloring quivers of general (p,q)-torus knots.

Student: Samuel Cleofas
Advisor: Oscar Vega
Graduation Date: May 2021
Thesis Title: Hyperplanes Arrangements over Finite Fields.
Abstract: This work studies blocking sets of the complement of a hyperplane arrangement in a vector space over a finite field in a way that it generalizes the work of Settepanella on hyperplane arrangements in a finite space.

Student: Maria Diaz
Advisor: Oscar Vega
Graduation Date: May 2021
Thesis Title: The Characteristic Polynomial of a Spread in F_q^4.
Abstract: We introduce the concept of the characteristic polynomial of a spread in F_q^4 and then see what the degree of these polynomials are for a variety of spreads of F_q^4, mostly for small values of q. We focus specially on regular and Andre spreads.

Student: Erick Gonzalez
Advisor: Oscar Vega
Graduation Date: May 2021
Thesis Title: The Topological Symmetry Group of Graphs in F_Delta(K_7).
Abstract: We study the embeddings of C_{13} and H_8, and determine which automorphism groups of these graphs can be induced by groups of homeomorphisms of R^3.

Student: Bradley Scott
Advisor: Carmen Caprau
Graduation Date: May 2021
Thesis Title: Minimal Generating Sets of Oriented Reidemeister-Type Moves for Knot and Spatial Trivalent Graph Diagrams.
Abstract: It has recently been shown by Polyak that all oriented versions of Reidemeister moves for knot diagrams can be generated by a set of just 4 oriented Reidemeister moves, and no fewer than 4 moves generate them all. We expand upon Polyak's work by proving the existence of an additional 11 minimal generating sets of oriented Reidemeister moves for oriented knot diagrams, and we prove that these 12 sets represent all possible minimal generating sets. Then we consider the Reidemeister-type moves that relate oriented spatial trivalent graph diagrams and prove the minimality of a generating set of 10 such moves.

Student: Erica Sawyer
Advisor: Mario Banuelos
Graduation Date: December 2020
Thesis Title: Deep Learning Methods for Detecting Structural Variants in Related Individuals
Abstract: We implement neural networks to predict Structural Variants (SVs).  We discuss a model, which incorporates the observed genomic information of two parents and an offspring to predict locations of SVs in the genome of the child.  We discuss a generalization of this model and we investigate the performance of these models under different neural network architectures.

 

Student: Elizabeth Compton
Advisor: Oscar Vega
Graduation Date: December 2019
Thesis Title: The Power Graph of Split Metacyclic Groups
Abstract: Split metacyclic groups generalize the family of dihedral groups in a natural way. The power graph of a group is a refinement of the group lattice that focuses only on cyclic subgroups.  This thesis characterizes the power graph of split metacyclic groups using exclusively group-theoretical tools.

Student: John Jimenez
Advisor: Marat Markin
Graduation Date: December 2019
Thesis Title: On the Chaoticity of Rolewicz-Type Operators on Function Spaces
Abstract: The chaoticity of Rolewicz-type linear operators on certain function spaces is proved and their spectral structure is revealed.  

 

Student: Edward Sichel
Advisor: Marat Markin
Graduation Date: December 2019
Thesis Title: On Expansive Mappings and Non-Hypercyclicity
Abstract: We take a close look at the nature of expansive mappings on certain metric spaces (compact, totally bounded, and bounded), provide a finer classification for such mappings, and use them to characterize boundedness. We also furnish a simple straightforward proof of the non-hypercyclicity of an arbitrary (bounded or not) normal operator in a complex Hilbert space as well as of a certain collection of its exponentials.

 

Student: Jennifer Elder
Advisor: Oscar Vega
Graduation Date: May 2016
Thesis Title: Generalizing the Futurama theorem
Abstract: Every permutation x can be written as a product of cycles that have not been used in the construction of x, as long as two new elements are incorporated in the transpositions. This results generalizes Keeler's Theorem A.K.A. The Futurama Theorem.

Student: Hillary Bese
Advisor: Oscar Vega
Graduation Date: May 2015
Thesis Title: The Well-covered Dimension of the Adjacency Graph of Generalized Quadrangles
Abstract: The well-covered space of the adjacency graph of the classical generalized quadrangle W_q is trivial, for every prime power q.

Student: David Heywood
Advisor: Tamas Forgacs
Graduation Date: May 2015
Thesis Title: Multiplier Sequences of the Second Kind
Abstract: An investigation of sequences of real numbers, which - when viewed as standard diagonal linear operators on polynomials - preserve the real rootedness of polynomials with only real zeroes of the same sign.

Student: Megan Kuneli
Advisor: Oscar Vega
Graduation Date: May 2014
Thesis Title: Spreads and Parallelisms
Abstract: Study of partitions of the lines in a projective plane into lines that partition the points in such plane.

Student: Katherine Urabe
Advisor: Carmen Caprau
Graduation Date: May 2014
Thesis Title: The Dubrovnik Polynomial of Rational Knots
Abstract: Finding a closed form expression for the Dubrovnik polynomial of a rational knot or link diagram in terms of the entries of its associated vector. The resulting closed form allows a Mathematica program which efficiently computes the Dubrovnik polynomial of rational knots and links.

Student: Karen Willis
Advisor: Oscar Vega
Graduation Date: May 2014
Thesis Title: Blocking Polygons in Finite Projective Planes
Abstract: Study of configurations of points in a finite projective plane that do not allow the existence of polygons that are disjoint from such set.