As a lecturer at the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Yeni Susanti, S.Si., M.Si., was officially inaugurated as a Professor of Discrete Mathematics on February 13, 2025 based on the Decree of the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia Number 136524/M/07/2024. The event was held at the UGM Senate Hall and was opened by the Chairman of the Professor Council, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Baiquni, M.A., and attended by the Dean of FMIPA UGM, Prof. Dr.Eng. Kuwat Triyana, M.Si., academics, students, and invited guests.
In her scientific lecture entitled “Graf Cayley: Jejak Indah di Matematika Diskrit”, Prof. Yeni highlighted the significant role of mathematics in everyday life. She explained that mathematical principles operate behind modern technology, communication networks, and natural patterns, often unnoticed. One such branch of mathematics, often overlooked but crucial, is discrete mathematics.
Prof. Yeni then introduced graph theory, which visually represents mathematical structures through vertices and edges. One of the fundamental concepts in this field is the Cayley graph, a graph constructed from groups and specific sets of links. This type of graph exhibits properties such as regularity, connectivity, and symmetry, making it highly applicable in group theory, symmetry studies, and cryptography.
In concluding her scientific talk, Prof. Yeni emphasized that Cayley graphs still have great potential for further research. Some areas for exploration include more complex group variations, applications in group-based security systems, and the relationship between automorphism groups and graph properties. The inaugural event was closed by the Chairman of the Professor Council as a form of appreciation for Prof. Yeni’s academic achievements.
With her inauguration, Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Yeni Susanti, S.Si., M.Si., becomes one of 525 active professors at Universitas Gadjah Mada, including 53 at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
Keywords: Professor, Discrete Mathematics, Cayley graphs
Author: Iin Nauli Rahmawati
Photographer: Yohanes Dewo