WSU to Host NPR’s “Math Guy”
OGDEN, Utah — Known by millions as the “Math Guy” for his regular contributions to National Public Radio’s Weekend Edition, Keith Devlin will speak at Weber State University Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Lind Lecture Hall Rooms 125-126.Devlin’s goal is to make math fun and accessible to people of all ages. The presentation is part of the Harold W. Ritchey Lecture Series and made possible by a generous endowment to the WSU College of Science by the late Dr. Ritchey, who was a renowned scientist and engineer, the father of solid propellant rocketry and former Thiokol (now ATK) chairman of the board.
“The impetus for inviting Keith Devlin to speak at WSU is to capture the imagination of the community and provide perspective,” said Julian Chan, WSU assistant mathematics professor. “Whether you are interested in science, math, education or humanities, he will have something to offer everyone.”
Devlin holds a doctorate in mathematics from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom and teaches at Stanford University. He began making periodic appearances on NPR in 1995. One of his specialties has been to break down the math used in several Hollywood movies, such as “Good Will Hunting” and “21.” He uses simple examples to illustrate the mathematics that can be found in everyday life.
“The growth of trade and commerce required that more and more individuals learn and access arithmetic,” Chan said. “From this historical perspective Dr. Devlin will discuss what mathematics is and how to make math more accessible and intuitive.”
Devlin is the author of 32 books and 80 research articles on mathematics and science. His current research is focused on the use of different media to teach and communicate mathematics to diverse audiences. He co-founded an educational technology company, BrainQuake, which creates mathematics learning video games.
“Great advancement in science and technology will not continue without math,” Chan said. “Dr. Devlin will show us why we should not only embrace math, but do so enthusiastically — because it’s fun.”
For more information on WSU’s College of Science, visit weber.edu/cos.
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- Marcus Jensen, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7295 • marcusjensen@weber.edu - Contact:
- Julian Chan, assistant mathematics professor
801-626-6442 • julianchan@weber.edu