The assistant professor of mathematics and statistics discusses the positive outcomes of mathematical failure at the MAA Southeastern Section Conference
Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Statistics Kristen Mazur recently gave an invited address at the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) Southeastern Section Conference. In her talk, titled “Tales of Success from Mathematical Malpractice,” she celebrated failure in mathematics by telling four stories in which brilliant mathematical ideas grew from mistakes made by famous mathematicians.
The conference was held at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, on March 8 and 9, 2019. Around 350 undergraduate students, graduate students and faculty from five states attended the conference. Mazur’s lecture was part of her responsibilities as the 2018-19 Section Lecturer for the MAA Southeastern Section. The nominating committee of the Southeastern Section of the MAA selects one mathematics faculty member from the section as the Section Lecturer. Mazur is the first Elon faculty member to hold this position.
The Southeastern Section of the Mathematical Association of America advances the mathematical sciences in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee by considering mathematical professionals at all levels in the design of its program and activities, with a special emphasis on the collegiate level. One of the primary activities of the section is its annual Section Meeting. The meeting includes presentations on both mathematics research and the scholarship of teaching and learning undergraduate mathematics, professional development opportunities for junior faculty and activities for undergraduate students.