Mississippi College Mathematics Students Excel at Regional MAA Conference, Achieve High Honors
For a group of Mississippi College mathematics students, the journey from competition to victory was as optimal as a straight line in geometry.
Eight MC students showcased their talents at the recent Louisiana/Mississippi Section meeting of the Mathematical Association of America in New Orleans. Accompanied by professors from the Department of Mathematics at MC, they earned accolades at the annual meeting and made their mark in the regional mathematical community.
David Torrent emerged as a standout, clinching top honors with his presentation, "Using the Hungarian Method for Endowment Distribution." His insightful exploration, in collaboration with fellow MC student Mason Walker, captivated the judges and garnered recognition for its depth and originality.
Torrent and Walker applied the well-known method to solve a widespread problem related to optimally matching available scholarships with qualified student applicants.
“Winning reaffirms my dedication to mathematics and inspires me to continue pushing to take this application into actual use," Torrent said.
Shelby Dean, another promising MC student, secured second place with her compelling graph theory-related presentation, "Branching Out: A Further Look at Christmas Trees."
“Having my classwork in senior seminar become something that wins a prize was very gratifying,” Dean said. Her work further exemplifies the University's commitment to fostering innovative thinking and academic excellence.
In addition to individual successes, the Mississippi College contingent demonstrated its collective prowess in the team written exam competition. The first MC Team of Adelaide Zink, Luke Boarman, Trevor Thomas, and Torrent, distinguished itself by securing second-place.
In her third year to participate in the competition, Zink said “it is encouraging to contribute more effectively each year as I have progressed in my studies at MC. It confirms that MC offers a valuable education.”
The second MC team, comprised mostly of sophomores, exhibited remarkable tenacity and skill, clinching sixth place in the competition.
Dan Watson, department chair, said the performance of the MC teams surpassed expectations and marked MC's most impressive showing in the competition to date.
“The way our students participated in this conference and having them honored for their work is truly gratifying,” Watson said.
Accompanying the students on this enriching journey were several professors from the MC Department of Mathematics, including Watson, Taylor Poe, Kevin Burns, and John Travis. Their mentorship and guidance undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping the students' success and fostering a culture of excellence within the department.
The outstanding achievements of MC's mathematics students at the Louisiana/Mississippi Section meeting underscore the University's commitment to academic rigor and intellectual growth.
As these budding mathematicians continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation, they serve as shining examples of the transformative power of a Mississippi College educational journey that effectively connects learning to excellence.
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