About the conference

logo for the OSU LGBTQ+ in Math Alliance

The Spectra Survey of Mathematics Conference (SSMC) 2024 is a conference happening at the Ohio State University in Columbus, OH, on July 6-7, 2024. It is geared towards young LGBTQ+ researchers and allies in mathematics, giving them an opportunity to network with other researchers in all mathematical disciplines. This conference is organized by the Spectra chapter at OSU, known as the LGBTQ+ in Math Alliance, and it is the second annual SSMC conference, the first being last year at the University of Kentucky!

Plenary Speakers

Conference schedule and abstracts

Here is the conference schedule, and here is a booklet of titles and abstracts. SSMC 2024 Conference Photo

Registration

UPDATE 04/22/2024: The deadlines for the travel funding/accommodation form and the contributed talk application form have been extended to May 6.

The registration form can be found here. Registration will remain open, with priority given to those registering before May 6.

We warmly invite mathematicians at all levels to apply to give a 20-minute contributed talk on their research. Please fill out the application form here by May 6!

We will have limited funding to cover travel expenses within North America (see below for details), as well as accommodations in single dorm rooms on the OSU campus. If you wish to request travel funding or accommodation, please fill out this form by May 6!

To summarize, everyone planning on attending should fill out the registration form, people who are requesting travel funding or accommodation must fill out this form by May 6, and people who would like to give a 20-minute contributed talk must fill out this form by May 6!

Travel funding details

We expect to be able to offer reimbursement for air or ground travel within North America, with the total amount per person depending on attendance and total funds requested. Please complete the travel funding and accomodation request form (same form as above) to apply for funding.

Please note: any air travel should be booked on a US flag carrier.

After your funding as been confirmed, there are some forms that must be filled out and emailed to Kerry Moore (moore.10@osu.edu), preferably prior to the start of the conference to guarantee prompt turnaround:

  • Everyone must complete the supplier form. The address must be one where you can receive a paper check.
  • US non-residents must complete the W8-BEN form. We will also need a copy of your passport and visa.
  • If you have a WT visa, you must complete the compliance form.
  • If you are a US non-resident and cannot receive your reimbursement as a paper check in US dollars, we need a letter/form on your bank letterhead giving us wire information for your account.
Additionally, if you are driving to the conference, you may need to fill out a cost comparison form. For this form, please contact Kerry Moore.

About Columbus

How to get here

Driving here

There are several parking lots on campus. If you are driving to campus please contact Brett Hungar (contact information found below) in order to obtain a parking pass.

Flying here

The closest airport is John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH). There is another smaller airport in Columbus, namely Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK). Public transit from the airport to the university is very limited. From CMH, the COTA 7 bus runs infrequently to downtown Columbus. More information can be found here.

Restaurants near campus

There are several restaurants near the OSU campus. Here is a sampling of places close to the conference building:

  • Diaspora (Korean restaurant)
  • Roots Natural Kitchen (counter-serve salads and grain bowls)
  • Shawerma Bite (counter serve Middle Eastern restaurant)
  • Moy's Chinese Restaurant (Chinese restaurant)
  • I Love Noods (counter-serve ramen and pho)
  • Smashburger (counter-serve burgers)
  • BIBIBOP Asian Grill (counter-serve Asian bowls)

Queer in Columbus

Columbus has a thriving LGBTQ+ community. According to a Gallup poll conducted in 2015, Columbus is in the top 15 in terms of percentage of the population that identifies as LGBTQ+ among the United States' 50 large metropolitan areas (see here for more information). Stonewall Columbus organizes many LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, including Columbus pride. This article from the Columbus Dispatch lists several LGBTQ+ organizations in Columbus, as well as links to websites listing LGBTQ+ owned businesses.