The Mathematical Association of America Maryland-District of Columbia-Virginia Section

The spring meeting of the MD/DC/VA Section of the MAA was held April 9 and 10 at James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

The program began with a reception and banquet Friday evening, featuring an address by Anita Solow. Refreshments at the reception were generously provided by Prentice Hall publishers.

On Saturday there were addresses by James Tattersall and Harel Barzilai, a workshop by James Sandefur, and contributed papers. There were also exhibits, and a book signing. The following authors signed copies of their work,

• Brent Morris: Magic Tricks, Card Shuffling and Dynamic Computer Memories.
• Dan Kalman: Elementary Math Models.
• Anita Solow: Learning by Discovery -- A Lab Manual for Calculus and Preparing for a New Calculus.

Invited Addresses

Dr. Harel Barzilai

Invited Address: The Birth of Molecular Computation

Abstract: Dr. Barzilai's address, The Birth of Molecular Computation, describes the use of DNA to perform computations. The idea is to encode the computations in such a way that genetic processes of combination and replication can be interpretted as mathematical operations. The chemistry of DNA then provides massively parallel computation at the molecular level.

Biographical Sketch: Dr. Barzilai is equally at home in the role of research mathematician and mathematics educator. He received his PhD from Cornell University in 1997, completing a dissertation in topology, while simultaneously taking an active role in calculus reform efforts initiated by graduate students. He is a Project NExT Fellow, and is listed in the Project NExT Speaker's Exchange Program.

Dr. Anita Solow

Banquet Address: Women in Mathematics: Reality and Myths

Abstract: Dr. Solow's address, Women in Mathematics: Reality and Myths, concerns the historical underrepresentation of women in quantitative fields, and efforts dating from the 1970's to increase the participation of women in these fields. In addition, she will discuss some recent work on the effect of gender on science.

Biographical Sketch: Dr. Anita Solow is Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College at Randolph-Macon Woman's College, and is the First Vice President of the MAA. Her extensive experience in collegiate mathematics includes committee responsibilities for the MAA, work with the AP Calculus program, and editing two MAA Notes Volumes.

Dr. James Sandefur

Workshop: Applications for Lower Level College Mathematics

Abstract: Dr. Sandefur's workshop, Applications for Lower Level College Mathematics, will present several models that arise in genuine applications suitable for discussion in lower level mathematics courses. The subjects of these models include alcohol elimination, a genetic relationship between sickle cell anemia and malaria, and metabolic dynamics in problems of lead poisoning and vitamin A deficiency. Development of these and other classroom applications has been supported by an NSF Grant that Dr. Sandefur directs.

Biographical Sketch: Dr. James Sandefur is Professor of Mathematics at Georgetown University. He is the author of two textbooks on modeling, served as a program officer at the NSF, and played a leadership role in the development of MAA minicourses for national meetings. He is currently serving as a writer for the NCTM's Standards 2000 effort.

Dr. James Tattersall

Invited Address: Mathematical Vignettes from Cambridge University

Abstract: Dr. Tattersall's address, Mathematical Vignettes from Cambridge University, discusses the role in British Mathematics played by problems published in The Educational Times and by the Mathematical Tripos exams at Cambridge University. He will discuss the accomplishments of several ET problem solvers from Cambridge University including Hertha Ayrton, Charlotte Scott, and Philippa Fawcett.

Biographical Sketch: Jim Tattersall serves as president of Canadian Society for the History and Philosophy of Mathematics, Archivist/Historian of North East Section of the MAA, and Associate Secretary of the MAA. He has held visiting positions at Wolfson College, Cambridge University, the U.S. Military Acadamy at West Point, and the American Mathematical Society, and has been honored with awards for distinguished teaching and distinguished service by the North Eastern Section of the MAA.