Research Spotlight: Math Playroom

Shadowing Satyan Devadoss, PhD, chair and professor of mathematics and Fletcher Jones Professor of Applied Mathematics, are students Gianna Rodrigez (Bridging the Gap - Mater Dei High School), Katherine Figueroa Lopez (McNair), majoring in mathematics and Spanish, and Stella Gibbons (BURST), majoring in behavioral neuroscience and mathematics. They are working in the field of mathematics on a project titled “Unfolding Boxes in Higher Dimensions.” This explores whether a 4-dimensional box (or higher) can unfold into and then be refolded into a completely different 4-dimensional (or higher) box. In short, looking into higher dimensional objects and their refolding properties.

Gibbons and Figueroa Lopez became involved in the Math Playroom and this project after taking classes with Devadoss and wanting to continue exploring mathematics through research. Rodrigez, a Mater Dei High School student, joined the group through “Bridging the Gap” as an internship opportunity and to see mathematics research firsthand. 

A typical day in the Math Playroom looks different for each member of the research team. Rather than assigning each student the same problem, students are encouraged to individually explore what interests them and follow that rabbit hole to see where it leads. Students then come together to share discoveries, explain their findings and check each other's work. Devadoss describes this as one of the unique joys of mathematical research, learning how to ask meaningful questions. 

Unlike other projects with clearly defined objectives, the Math Playroom begins with exploration and works from there. The students are invited to explore high dimensional objects and then eventually, with the help of Devadoss, find the bigger picture and where this project can take them. The students share that they found this to be the most unexpected, and at times challenging, part of their research. At first they struggled with having no clear next steps. The unknown meant that once they come up with a question, there is no telling if they will be able to answer it or have the materials to work in the right direction. However, working through this uncertainty has strengthened the students' problem-solving skills and resilience in academic fields. This serves as a reminder that progress doesn’t always look like immediate answers, but persistence. 

Reflecting on their experience, the students shared that those looking to be involved in research across any discipline should find a project that they genuinely enjoy and can have fun taking part in. For this project in particular that means being hands-on and continuing to be curious. They also encourage students to look into researching a topic even if they doubt themselves. If you're unsure, try it anyway, because it may end up being something you really enjoy.