Westminster College Participates in Conference by Largest Mathematical Professional Organization in the Country

Westminster College students, professors, and faculty emerita attended the Joint Mathematics Meetings, the annual conference of the American Mathematical Society (AMS) and the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), the two largest mathematical professional organizations in the country. Over 6,300 mathematicians attended this year’s conference in Seattle, Washington.

Shawna Howard, a senior mathematics major, presented “Unraveling Celtic Knots” at the MAA undergraduate student poster session. The presentation was based on work Howard completed for her senior research project advised by Dr. David Offner, associate professor of mathematics. She received an Outstanding Student Presenter Award.

Howard, from Bristolville, Ohio, is a daughter of Robert and Cynthia Howard and a graduate of Bristol High School

Torey DeAngelis, a senior mathematics major, presented “Using the Flipped Classroom to Teach Calculus” at the MAA undergraduate student poster session. The poster was based on DeAngelis’ student teaching experience advised by Dr. Sararose Lynch, assistant professor of education.

DeAngelis, from Lyndora, Pa., is a daughter of Lyn DeAngelis and a graduate of Butler Area High School.

Howard’s and DeAngelis’ travel accommodations were supported by the Westminster College IQ:STEM Noyce Scholars Program.

Dr. Carolyn Cuff, professor and program coordinator for mathematics, was invited to lead a four-hour mini course, “Teaching Introductory Statistics.” Designed for instructors who are new to teaching introductory statistics, this workshop exposed the participants to statistical concepts, assessment techniques, and classroom materials. Cuff also attended an officers meeting as an appointed member of the MAA's “Committee for SIGMAAs,” a committee charged with overseeing the special interest groups within the MAA.

Dr. David Offner, associate professor of mathematics, gave a talk, “Tiling the Hypercube,” in the AMS special session on graph products. Offner also served as a judge for the MAA undergraduate student poster session.

Dr. Pamela Richardson, associate professor of mathematics, attended meetings and performed duties as a member of the MAA's “Committee on Undergraduate Student Activities and Chapters.” In particular, Richardson helped run the MAA undergraduate student poster session, an event that included over 500 undergraduate research participants. Additionally, Dr. Richardson co-organized the graduate education mentoring workshop, a one-day workshop for women in graduate school.

Dr. Barbara Faires, faculty emerita, prepared scripts, agendas, and citations for many sessions of the Joint Meetings and ran meetings of various MAA groups in her role as secretary of the Mathematical Association of America.

For more information about mathematics at Westminster College, contact Cuff at ccuff@westminster.edu.

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