George Hart (george@georgehart.com)
is a sculptor and applied mathematician who demonstrates
how mathematics is cool and creative in ways you might not have
expected. Whether he is slicing a bagel into two linked halves
or leading hundreds of participants in an intricate geometric
sculpture barn raising, he always finds original ways to share
the beauty of mathematical thinking. An interdepartmental
research professor at Stony Brook University, he holds a B.S. in
Mathematics and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer
Science from MIT. His background in math, engineering, and
education has enabled him to design many hands-on activities and
to lead workshops around the world. George is an organizer of
the annual Bridges Conference on mathematics and art and the
editor for sculpture for the Journal of Mathematics and the
Arts. His research explores innovative ways to use computer
technology in the design and fabrication of his artwork, which
has been exhibited widely around the world. George co-founded
the Museum of Mathematics in New York City and developed its
initial set of hands-on exhibits. He also makes videos that show
the fun and creative sides of mathematics. See georgehart.com for examples
of his work.
Elisabeth
Heathfield (elisabetheathfield@gmail.com)
is a certified teacher, math facilitator, and an
artist, with in-depth experience leading professional
development workshops for elementary and middle school
educators. For the 2015/2016 academic year, she was a visiting
scholar at Stony Brook University conducting research into early
math education. She is interested in exploring the connections
between math and art and how hands-on construction activities
can change children's mindsets about mathematics. Elisabeth has
created and managed a weekly after-school STEAM club, as well as
community math nights and Celebration of Mind events for Martin
Gardner's birthday. She has given math-education workshops to
teachers at schools, universities, the Ontario Association of
Math Educators Conference, the MIT Museum, and various NY City
schools. Elisabeth has a B.A. in Visual Art from OCAD
University, a B.Ed. from Lakehead University, and an M.A. from
Norwich University of Art. She is also a practicing artist whose
work has been exhibited in Canada, Europe, and the US.