MHU Student Presents at National Math Conference

August 9, 2022

Student Jordan Schmucker (right) and Professor Laura Steil (left) showcased MHU’s math program at the Mathematical Association of America’s MathFest last week in Philadelphia. Jordan, a senior from Myakka City, Florida, presented a poster of a group project completed in the spring. She and two other students—Claudia Chandler and John Moss—analyzed data for the Madison County Transportation Authority, working out cost estimates for rides and examining the feasibility of retrofitting vans for propane fuel.

The project was part of a course called PIC Math (Preparation for Industrial Careers in the Mathematical Sciences). PIC Math prepares math students for industrial careers by engaging them in research problems that come directly from industry. A strong component of PIC Math involves students working as a group on a semester-long undergraduate research problem from business, industry, or government.

The students were able to connect with Madison County Transportation Authority through its involvement as a long-standing community partner with MHU’s Center for Community Engagement.

Every summer, MAA MathFest presents the latest in mathematical research and education to diverse audiences across the nation. The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) a is the world’s largest community of mathematicians, students, and enthusiasts. The mission of the MAA is to advance the understanding of mathematics and its impact on the world. Its members include university, college, and high school teachers; graduate and undergraduate students; pure and applied mathematicians; computer scientists; statisticians; STEM professionals, and many others in academia, government, business, and industry.