Students and a faculty member from Howard Payne University’s Department of Mathematics attended the Texas Section meeting of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) in March. The meeting, held at Texas State University in San Marcos, featured more than 70 presentations by plenary speakers, undergraduate students, graduate students and faculty.

 HPU students in attendance were Braelyn Askew, sophomore mathematics education major from Princeton; Allie Barnett, senior mathematics and Guy D. Newman Honors Academy major from Bellville; Zachary Blizel, sophomore mathematics and Guy D. Newman Honors Academy major from Lubbock; Deaven Connelly, junior math education and Guy D. Newman Honors Academy major from Burleson; and Hannah Richard, senior mathematics major from Devine. The HPU group was sponsored by Scott Eddy, instructor of mathematics.

 “The day after we returned and went back to classes, I could already see what difference the trip had made,” said Eddy. “I am so thankful these students chose to attend and for the opportunity to get to know them all a little better.”

 Eddy gave a presentation entitled “Finding Correct Solutions Using ‘Bad Algebra'” at the event. Richard had the opportunity to present her own research on mathematical spirals at the meeting.

 “Presenting at the MAA conference was a challenging and gratifying endeavor,” she shared. “I learned so much throughout this process. It was a great opportunity, and I am extremely grateful for the support and encouragement I received. I would especially like to acknowledge and thank Mr. Eddy for making this possible.”

 Eddy expressed how proud he was of Richard’s presentation.

 “This is the first time we’ve had an undergraduate presenting in the 10 years I’ve been at Howard Payne,” he said, “so Hannah deserves congratulations for her hard work.”

 The group met with a former HPU math major, Stephanie Tarigan ’19, who spoke at the meeting as well – her first presentation while pursuing her Ph.D. in mathematics at Texas State University.

 For more information about HPU’s School of Science and Mathematics, please visit www.hputx.edu/scienceandmath.