There are many homecoming events happening this weekend, the GRIT-X Talks being one of them. This is an opportunity from people across UMBC to share their stories. I wanted to highlight two of them which are more focused in the STEM disciplines. They will be happening in PAHB Dance Cube. Check the website for more details https://homecoming.umbc.edu/grit-x-talks/
Session 1 10 - 10:30 am
Manil Suri – Distinguished University Professor, Mathematics & Statistics
STEAMy Videos and X’y Tales – Approaching Math through Narrative
Teaching mathematics seems to have little to do with telling stories, but what if the two were combined? Could introducing narrative into mathematics instruction improve educational outcomes? Mathematician and bestselling novelist Manil Suri explores this question in a pilot math class aimed at non-STEM students. The research is being conducted by using excerpts and videos based on “The Godfather of Numbers,” a novel-in-progress which aims to show how the entire universe can be built up from math. This approach is an example of STEAM, an educational movement in which the Arts are used to motivate STEM subjects.
Session 3 11:30 am - noon
Kavita Krishnaswamy ’07, computer science and mathematics, Ph.D. ’19, computer science – Graduate Student
Robotic Journeys – A Quest for Independence
The modern era has seen an increase in the use of robotics and assistive technologies, which open the doors of accessibility to people with disabilities and seniors. By developing abilities and problem-solving skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) elds, we can tackle challenges in healthcare through innovation and technological advancement to bene t society today and impact future generations. Presenting via the Beam telepresence robot, Kavita Krishnaswamy shares her personal and professional experiences – from her dissertation research to overcoming challenges with the power of assistive technologies, arti cial intelligence, and robotics to achieve independence.
