Applied Mathematics News

Math faculty attended the Spring 2024 Meeting of the MD-DC-VA section of the MAA at James Madison University. The conference featured a workshop on Promoting community, confidence, and creativity in the classroom, three invited talks, and a variety of contributed talks by both students and faculty from around Maryland, DC, and Virginia. Professor Amy Tucker presented a talk titled Utilizing a Mastery-Based Grading Method in a Foundational Math Class about the alternative grading practices she has implemented in MATH 005#, Foundations of Quantitative Reasoning.

Capstone students in the School of the Sciences presented posters about their capstone research and internship experiences. All students in the School of the Sciences complete a capstone experience in their senior year.

Physics professor, Dr. Sithy Maharoof, fulfilled a long-awaited dream of witnessing a total solar eclipse. Dr. Maharoof traveled with her family to Findlay, Ohio ending up in Riverbend Park for this once-in-a-lifetime event. In a statement shared by Dr. Maharoof, she said, “The park was teeming with families laying out picnic blankets, eclipse chasers equipped with various gadgets, and enthusiasts displaying homemade pinhole cameras and other tools. The park had even organized its own viewing event, complete with educational materials, activity tables, a photo booth, and giveaways. I felt like a child in a candy store amid the excitement and anticipation.” Dr. Maharoof went equipped with with her own Safe Solar Viewer that she was happy to share with others. (Photo Credit: KEVIN BEAN/ The Courier)

Math students and faculty attended the Spring 2024 Regional Undergraduate Math Research Conference at Towson University. The conference is designed to promote undergraduate research in mathematics. In addition to student presentations, the conference features two invited faculty plenary talks, a panel on career opportunities in government, industry, and academia, and networking opportunities. Applied Math senior Jay Whitmon presented his research on Optimizing Shut the Box.

We had a fantastic time a the 8th Annual Spring Spectacular. Hundreds of students, faculty, and staff joined in on the fun afternoon. The Spring Spectacular is an annual celebration of STEM put on by the School of the Sciences each spring featuring interactive math, science, and engineering games and demonstrations, free ice cream and popcorn, a glassblower, and much more. This year we had the Spring Spectacular on April 8 to coincide with the total solar eclipse. In addition to all of the usual engaging STEM activities, participants this year had an opportunity to experience a special viewing of the solar eclipse!