GGM@Dearborn 2024
GGM@Dearborn 2024
In 2024 the GirlsGetMath@Dearborn program ran for 5 days, August 12-16, at the College of Arts, Sciences and Letters at the University of Michigan - Dearborn. There was a total of 20 participants from multiple cities across southeast Michigan.
The main topics covered this year consisted of Matrix Algebra, Recommendation Systems, Image Processing, Graph Theory, Voting Systems, and Apportionment (a.k.a. Fair Division). Camp participants were also able to practice what they have learned through the use of the MATLAB programming language and Excel spreadsheets. Throughout the program and the daily activities, students were also able to practice their teamwork, reasoning, problem-solving, and multiple other skills as well.
Near the end of the week, there was a panel of invited special guests and accomplished STEM professionals – Michelle Bissonette (a teacher at STEM Middle School in Dearborn), Maya Hamka (a Battery Controls Software Quality Assurance Engineer at General Motors), Rashmi Prasad (a Staff Researcher in General Motors’ Research & Development), Rebecca Stockbridge (a Senior Android Engineer at Target), Autumn Tashman (an Actuarial Analyst at Ally), and DJ Liveoak (a student at MIT with experience with research and mentoring students). Here, the students were able to hear about the many jobs in mathematics, statistics, and the actuarial sciences and what a future in STEM looks like. They were also able to ask the panelists questions about their journey and any advice and recommendations.
Participants also learned about the college admissions process from U-M Dearborn’s Office of Admissions staff. Again, they were able to ask a multitude of questions varying from financial aid to how to make their applications much more appealing to colleges.
As well as learning about the college from admissions, students were given a tour by the student assistants of the campus. Here they were able to appreciate the nature of the campus as well as the many spaces to learn, study, and hang out with friends. Alongside showing off the campus, they were also able to have a picnic-style lunch at the Henry Ford Estate.
This year, the program was led by professors of U-M Dearborn Aditya Viswanathan (left), Hyejin Kim (center), and Yulia Hristova (right).
These professors were supported by the teaching assistants (and mathematics majors) Emilee Gootee (left), Katrina McKay (center), and Louisa Hoback (right).
The GirlsGetMath@Dearborn 2023 program was free for all admitted participants. This was possible thanks to the support by the Tensor Foundation through a grant from the Mathematical Association of America, the JetBlue Foundation through a grant from the Institute for Computational and Experimental Research in Mathematics (ICERM), and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Michigan – Dearborn.