MC mathematics scholars are constant variables at Regional MAA Meeting

MC students and faculty attending the annual MAA Section Meeting include, from left, John Travis, professor of mathematics; Daniel Watson, associate professor and chair of mathematics; Linda Kingma; Taylor Poe, assistant professor of mathematics; Kennedy Maloney; Nash Euto; Michelle Harvath; Robert Pennell; and Thian Sumrall.

Ten Mississippi College students showcased their mathematical acumen and one earned a coveted third-place prize during the Louisiana/Mississippi Section meeting of the Mathematical Association of America during the weekend of Feb. 21-23 at Belhaven University in Jackson.

The meeting provided an opportunity for students to engage with mathematics in a real-world setting, whether presenting research, competing in problem-solving challenges or networking with peers and faculty from other institutions.

Nash Euto, a senior math-computer science double major from Huntsville, Alabama, was awarded third place in the student paper competition for his research, “Automated Scholarship Distribution Using Graph-Based Algorithms.” His work builds on research conducted by David Torrent and Mason Walker, MC students who participated in the 2024 MAA Section Meeting.

Euto implemented the Blossom Algorithm, a graph-based approach for weighted bipartite matching, to optimize scholarship assignments. He hopes to continue his research to develop a fully functional tool that the Foundation Office at MC can use to streamline endowment scholarship distribution.

Daniel Watson, associate professor and chair of mathematics at MC, said regardless of awards, the participating MC students made their mark in the regional mathematical community.

“Bringing students to the MAA Section Meeting is one of the most rewarding aspects as a professor,” Watson said. “It pushes them beyond the classroom, helping them develop critical thinking, communication skills and confidence in their abilities.

“I’m always proud to see our students rise to the challenge and represent Mississippi College so well. Their engagement and enthusiasm for mathematics were evident throughout the weekend and their achievements – both in competition and in personal growth – reflect the strength of the program.”

In addition to Euro, MC students presenting original research papers at the meeting included Adelaide Zink, “A Diamond Can Be a Circle,” and Robert Pennell, “Bathymetric Cross-Section Analysis: Ranking Preferred Geometries of River Systems in the American West.”

MC students participating in an Integration Bee included Luke Smith, Thian Sumrall, Robert Pennell, Landon Maughon, Michelle Harvath, Kennedy Maloney and Frank Kolski.

Mississippi College was also represented by two groups in the Student Team Competition. Team 1 was comprised of Smith, Sumrall, Pennell and Maughon, while Team 2 was composed of Harveth, Maloney, Kolski and Charlie Hight.

Three professors from the MC Department of Mathematics accompanied the students to the meeting: Watson, Taylor Poe and John Travis.

MC’s continuing participation in the Louisiana/Mississippi Section Meeting emphasizes the University’s commitment to academic rigor and intellectual growth, Watson said.

“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,” he said.