"Oh? Interdisciplinary history has need of an algebraic geometrist?"
Crap. You've gotten too used to talking to fellow practitioners. You'll have to watch what you say more carefully in the future.
In the present, though, you need to give Kayla an answer she'll believe. And not, "I'd love to know if your research could give me deeper information about magical patterns."
"I study the historical use of patterns in various cultures, and you study patterns, too, in a way, right?" Your face heats up. "Dr. Lewis, do you see how we might work together?"
Dr. Lewis shakes his head. "No, and that's not for me to say. It's for the two of you to work out."
"I'm very busy preparing classes and getting settled in," Kayla says. "I'd prefer to focus on those tasks rather than chase flights of fancy."
"Mmm, fair point, fair point," Dr. Lewis says.
Having failed to engage Dr. Lewis, you give up and concentrate on your chicken.
Guess You're Not Great With Mathematicians