AU Students Win First Place for Mathematical Research
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Anderson, Ind. — Anderson University students Laura Batts ’21 and Megan Moran ’22 recently earned the first place award for their presentation of mathematical research at the national convention of Kappa Mu Epsilon honor society in mathematics on April 17. Their paper, “Non-realizable Polynomial Root Sequences,” was presented at the virtual conference, which was hosted by the University of Central Missouri.
“I was honestly shocked,” said Batts. “It was really exciting and fulfilling that our work was recognized.”
The specific project topic investigates extensions that can be made to Rolle’s Theorem, which is a result first published in 1691, and it is typically first encountered in first-semester Calculus.
“Ever since we started this project back in January 2020, both Laura and Megan have demonstrated remarkable talent and a willingness to learn,” said Dr. Courtney Taylor, chair of the department of mathematics. “They have used their creativity to not only discover new mathematics, but also present their work in clear and insightful ways. Their first place award was very highly deserved.”
Batts described the research process as trying to put a puzzle together, except “you don’t have the box to reference the picture,” she said. “You think you have an idea of what the completed puzzle looks like, and you’re able to fit some pieces together, but then you realize that things look a lot different than you thought they would.”
“I do not think I would have had this sort of real-world research experience, or been able to participate in the way that I have the past few semesters, if I was not at AU,” said Moran. “It has been an opportunity to grow not only academically, but also professionally and personally.”
The group plans to submit their results to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. A video recording of the conference presentation can be viewed online.
Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.