Past Events

9:00 - 9:20

Continental Breakfast and Registration

9:20 - 9:30

Opening Remarks by Dean Eichhorn and a Welcome from the Organizers

9:30 - 10:15

Workshop: Modular Origami 

Abstract: Though origami is most closely tied to Japan, it has roots in China and Europe and was most likely invented shortly after the invention of paper itself in 105 AD. The mathematics of origami dates back to 1893, when T. Sundara Rao published a book that used paper folding to demonstrate some proofs of geometrical constructions. In this book, it was implied that a cubic equation could not be solved by origami. In 1936, Margherita P. Beloch showed that use of the "Beloch fold", later used in the sixth of the Huzita-Hatori, in fact allowed the general cubic equation to be solved using origami.

In this workshop we'll explore some of the mathematics of origami and build two modular origami units.

10:15-10:30 

 Break and Snacks

10:30 - 11:15

Plenary Lecture: Math Girl Magic

Speaker: Dr. Raegan Higgins

Abstract: I didn’t always love math. To me, it was just another subject, something everyone had to take, like gym or history. It wasn’t exactly fun, but it wasn’t awful either. It just… existed.

That all changed when I placed out of pre-algebra in middle school and found myself face-to-face with a new challenge: algebra. Suddenly, math wasn’t just numbers—it was letters, symbols, and a whole lot of mystery. I called it “The Land of Unknowns,” and at first, it felt like enemy territory. With a little pre-algebra background, I struggled!

But I wasn’t in it alone. I had a no-nonsense teacher who pushed me to do better and parents who had always been in my corner, never demanding perfection — just my best. With their encouragement (and a lot of determination), I fought through the frustration, tackled the unknowns, and—somewhere along the way—fell in love with the challenge. Algebra wasn’t the enemy anymore. It was a puzzle waiting to be solved.

And that’s how I went from “just taking math” to becoming an aspiring mathematician.

In today’s talk, I will share my journey as a mathematician, highlighting the early parts. I will also present a hands-on introduction to difference equations, which are used in my research.

11:15 - 11:30

Break

11:30 - 12:15

Workshop: Modern Math and Art

Abstract: This workshop invites students to explore the fascinating intersection of mathematics and modern art. Through hands-on activities, participants will learn more about how mathematical concepts like the golden ratio and other mathematical algorithms are integral to the creation of a number of iconic modern artworks.

12:15 - 1:30

Lunch

1:30 - 2:15

Workshop: The Game of Spot It!

Abstract: The game of Spot It! is designed using the projective plane of degree 7. In this workshop we will learn about projective planes in general, make our own version of Spot It! based on the projective plane of degree 3 and then play both the game you created as well as the game of Spot It!

2:15 - 2:30

Break and Snacks

2:30 - 3:15

Panel Discussion:  Women in STEM

3:15 - 3:30

Closing and Evaluations

9:00 - 9:20

Continental Breakfast and Registration

9:20 - 9:30

Opening Remarks by WSU Provost, Dr. Shirley Lefever and a Welcome from the organizers

9:30 - 10:15

Workshop: Fractals 

Abstract:  In this workshop we'll learn about fractals and individually and all together we'll build an example of one, a Sierpinski tetrahedron.

10:15-10:30 

 Break and Snacks

10:30 - 11:15

Plenary Lecture: The mathematics of juggling!

Speaker: Dr. Pamela Harris

Abstract: In this talk we explore the mathematics of juggling. We will explore the history of juggling and we will work together to understand how mathematics can give us a common language to describe juggling patterns. No juggling ability is required! 

11:15 - 11:30

Break

11:30 - 12:15

Workshop: Juggling

Abstract:  In this workshop we'll learn the basics of how to juggle, focusing on learning how to do a 3-ball cascade. Juggling balls will be provided and no prior experience is required!

12:15 - 1:15

Lunch

1:15 - 2:15

Workshop: 3-D Printing

Abstract:  In this workshop we’ll learn the basics of 3D printing, including how to create your own models or download them from online sources, convert the models into the language a 3D printer can understand, and then finally 3D printing your models. You will also be provided information and guidance on how you can print your models using 3D printers available at your local libraries.

2:15 - 2:30

Meet with Dr. Marche Fleming-Randle, Break and Snacks

2:30 - 3:15

Panel Discussion:  Women in STEM with Dr. Laila Cure, Sam De Abreu, Dr. Pamela Harris, and Arelis Silva-Trujillo

3:15 - 3:30

Closing and Evaluations

9:20 - 9:50

Continental Breakfast and Registration

9:50 - 10:00

Opening remarks by WSU Provost, Dr. Shirley Lefever, followed by a welcome from the organizers

10:00 - 10:45

Workshop: Modular Origami

Abstract: Though origami is most closely tied to Japan, it has roots in China and Europe and was most likely invented shortly after the invention of paper itself in 105 AD. The mathematics of origami dates back to 1893, when T. Sundara Rao published a book that used paper folding to demonstrate some proofs of geometrical constructions. In this book, it was implied that a cubic equation could not be solved by origami. In 1936, Margherita P. Beloch showed that use of the "Beloch fold", later used in the sixth of the Huzita-Hatori, in fact allowed the general cubic equation to be solved using origami.

In this workshop we'll explore some of the mathematics of origami and build two modular origami units.

10:45 - 11:30

Plenary Lecture: Geometry Ex-Planed

Speaker: Dr. Megan Kerr, Wellesley College

Abstract: You and your friend walk side-by-side at the same pace. Obviously, if you each walk straight ahead, the comfortable distance between you will be the same as you walk along. But wait, suppose you start at the equator and walk north all the way to the North Pole. Won’t you collide at the end (not from exhaustion)? In this talk we will explore the similarities and differences between geometry in a plane, on a sphere, and hyperbolic space.

In his Elements, Euclid systematized the Greeks' knowledge of geometry (around 300 BCE).   Beginning with a set of fundamental definitions and just five axioms, Euclid deduced all other known geometric results. For the next 2000 years, mathematicians attempted to prove that Euclid's fifth axiom, the Parallel Postulate, was really a short cut. That is, it could be deduced from the first four axioms. It was the only one that did not seem self-evident.

Euclid's Parallel Postulate: Given a line l and a point p not on the line l, there is a unique line l'  through p, parallel to l.

Eventually Euclid was vindicated; changing his Parallel Postulate creates different geometries.  We will explore the geometries of the plane, the sphere and hyperbolic space.

11:30 - 11:45

Break and Snacks

11:45 - 12:30

Workshop: The mathematics behind 3-D printing

Abstract: 3D printing is a relatively new, but very useful technology with a wide range of possible applications. 3D printing creates objects by building them up one layer at a time.

In this workshop we will learn about how to design, then code and print an object using a 3-D printer. premade models will be printed in advance for students to take home. 

12:30 - 1:30

Lunch with Associate Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Management, Dr. Carolyn Shaw

1:30 - 2:15

Workshop: The mathematics behind the card game "SET"

Abstract: The card game SET was invented by population geneticist Marsha Jean Falco in 1974 when she was studying epilepsy in German Shepherds.  In SET, each card is determined by four characteristics: number, color, shape and shading. There are three possibilities for each characteristic. The dealer deals 12 cards each time. The goal is to find a “SET”, which consists of three cards satisfying certain rules.

A natural question to ask is how many cards must be dealt to guarantee the presence of a SET? By reframing the question, we can use combinatorics and concepts of affine and modulo spaces to solve it. In this workshop, not only we are going to play this addictive, fast-paced card game, but also learn about some of the rich mathematical structure behind it.

2:15 - 2:30

Break and Snacks

2:30 - 3:15

Panel Discussion: TBD 

3:15 - 3:30

Closing and Evaluations