Rhodes′ Chapter of MAA and Aftermath

Rhodes’ Chapter of MAA and Aftermath

The Rhodes College Student Chapter of The Mathematical 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 organization 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, in a sense, like an umbrella organization for the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. We handle most of the student activities sponsored by the department. Some of these activities include AfterMath, the annual Hendrix-Rhodes-Sewanee (HRS) Symposium, the Putnam exam, and trips to mathematics and computer science conferences.

As stated before, the MAA Student Chapter is not exclusively for mathematics or computer science majors. We actually have a wide range of majors within the group. Some of these majors include neuroscience, physics, and economics.

Every year, we have elections for the officers of the chapter. The elected officers have several responsibilities. Some of these include budget proposals for biannual allocations, faculty meetings, and the scheduling of club 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. 24, 2010) Mathematics majors Ryan Carroll and Kaetlin Taylor, as well as mathematics-economics bridge major Adam Joplin presented on the research and programs in which they participated over the summer. Also at this meeting, Professor Mouron and Professor Hamrick spoke about the Putnam exam and the Mathematical Modeling Contest happening in the spring. Many students expressed interest in these activities.
• (Oct. 22, 2010) Society of Physics Students (SPS) – students interest in physics hosted the annual Math vs. Physics picnic at Shelby Meeman Park. It was a beautiful day for volleyball and grilling hamburgers and hot dogs.
• (Oct. 29, 2010) With Halloween only two days away, this AfterMath meeting was spent carving fun and interesting pumpkins!
• (Dec. 3, 2010) Aftermath Christmas party.
  

AfterMath and Rhodes MAA also put on several other events throughout the year, including: 

• Math Awareness Week: In April, the chapter will host a few activities to celebrate mathematics and its many applications!
• Pi Day (3/14) Day: AfterMath puts on an annual Pi Day celebration consisting of a Pi recitation contest, a hot-dog-based approximation of Pi, and eating delicious pies as well.
• Sponsored Parties: We host the Math vs. Physics Picnic every other year, a Christmas party, and an end-of-year celebration.
• “Calculus the Musical!” In Spring 2010, AfterMath and the Fine Arts Club cosponsored a performance of “Calculus the Musical!” at Rhodes. The event was  a big success with over 150 attendees. We plan to host “Calculus the Musical!” every other year.
• Lectures: In Spring 2010, Dr. Michael Monticino from the University of North Texas gave a lecture on “An Introduction to the Theory of Optimal Search.” We hope to bring another speaker to Rhodes in Spring 2011.

Below are the current AfterMath officers. Please feel free to contact them with any questions. 

President: Catherine Appleton ’11
Email: appcj@rhodes.edu

Vice President: Rikeen Patel ’13
Email: patry@rhodes.edu

Secretary: Michael Todd ’13
Email: todma@rhodes.edu

Treasurer: Teresa Zhou ’12
Email: zhoji@rhodes.edu