Rhodes′ Chapter of MAA and Aftermath
The Rhodes College Student Chapter of The Mathematics Association of America
Faculty Advisor: Chris Seaton
The Rhodes College Student Chapter of the Mathematical Association of America is comprised of students who have an interest in mathematics and computer science. This is not just closed to those in the Mathematics/Computer Science Department however. We are open to both math majors and non-math majors.
The MAA Student Chapter here at Rhodes College is very much like an umbrella organization for the Mathematics/Computer Science Department. We handle most of the student activities sponsored by the department. Some of these activities include AfterMath, the tri-annual Hendrix/Rhodes/Sewanee Symposium, the Putnam Exam, and trips to Mathematics and Computer Science Conferences.
As stated before, the MAA Student Chapter is not closed to Math/CS majors. We actually have a wide range of majors within the group. Some of these include Biology, Physics, History, International Studies, Modern Languages, Chemistry and Religious Studies.
Every year we have elections for the officers of the Chapter. Again these positions are not limited to the Mathematics Department. The elected officers have several responsibilities. Some of these include budget proposals for Biannual Allocations, faculty meetings, and the scheduling of meetings and lectures.
AfterMath
AfterMath is a Friday afternoon gathering of students and faculty to discuss mathematical problems and issues, as well as play games, talk about life in general, and simply commune with friends and professors. It′s also a chance to have some free food. Some of the topics discussed in AfterMath include:
- (Sept. 1, 2006) We discussed plans for the upcoming Putnam exam. We also brought in a speaker to highlight study abroad opportunities in the fields of Math/Computer Science as well as the other natural sciences.
- (Sept. 8, 2006) Professor Tom Banchoff of Brown University gave a visiting lecture on “The Dali Dimension.” He spoke about his personal relationship with Salvador Dali as well as Dali’s relationships with others in the field of mathematics, physics, biology, and computer science. The lecture was attending by approximately 75 students.
- (Sept. 15, 2006) Jennifer Thompson, President of MAA and junior math and physics double major, presented a presentation of the game NIM. This included a short showing of clips from the movie “Last Year in Marienbad” as well as a general time to play and discuss the game strategy.
- (Sept. 22, 2006) Professor Murdock will be presenting several puzzles to the AfterMath group. They will work on these throughout the period and a discussion will follow.
- Mathematical Themed Movies
Funny Numbers: A Night With Steve Martin - Themed Lectures
Prof. Murdock on Teaching in Chile
Prof. Robert Devaney from Boston University on Chaos Game
Prof. James Keesling from University of Florida on Biomathematics
- Math Awareness Week
In April - Pi and e Days
e Day - 2/7
Pi Day - 3/14 - Math Sponsored Parties
Parties at Professors′ Houses, End of the Year Picnic, as well as play games, talk about life in general, and simply commune with friends and professors - Bowling Nights
Cosponsered with the Physics and Chemistry departments
