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When she graduated with a degree in mathematics last month, Elisabeth Edwards ’04 (Belle Mead, N.J.) earned honors for a yearlong independent research project in which she used the art of Dutch artist M.C. Escher to study the mathematics of symmetry.
“I have always loved these kinds of pictures, and it was interesting to be able to relate the geometry and algebra to the pictures,” says Edwards, who conducted her research under the guidance of Gary Gordon, professor of mathematics. She juggled working on her project with competing as a diver on the swimming and diving team and participating in other extra-curricular activities.
She will attend Western Washington University for graduate studies in mathematics this fall.
Edwards focused on two-dimensional symmetries and their manifestations in Escher’s work. She combined geometry, abstract algebra, and art appreciation in her thesis, which built upon an earlier independent research project.
“I took those ideas and went into more depth,” says Edwards, who presented her research in February at the Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Women in Mathematics at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.
“A project involving this much one-on-one contact would be impossible at a university,” notes Gordon. “The fact that Lafayette’s math department has such a strong record of doing high-quality research with students really sets us apart from most comparable schools.”
With more than 150 participants from colleges and universities throughout the country, the Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Women in Mathematics is perhaps the premier conference of its type, says Louis Zulli, assistant professor of mathematics at Lafayette, who accompanied Edwards and two other students to the conference.
“It was a wonderful experience,” Edwards says. “We were not only introduced to other undergraduates from all over the country, but also graduate students, professors, scientists, and mathematicians. There were speakers who spoke about their experience working in industry, attending graduate school, and many other possibilities for life after college.”
“Lis’ poster was visually striking — an interesting blend of mathematics and art — and attracted a lot of attention,” says Zulli.
“Lafayette is a great place for a project like a thesis,” Edwards says. “The professors want to help the students and see them succeed. It’s a very nurturing environment.”
She credits Lafayette’s mathematics department for helping her decide to major in mathematics and for encouraging her to pursue individual research.
“The math department is wonderful for something like this. The faculty is very supportive and helpful, and they want all their students to succeed,” she says. “I love my major and all the professors are incredibly intelligent and willing to share their knowledge and help any student at almost any time.”
Gordon believes that the opportunity to build upon previous research and then present it can be invaluable.
“She has gained confidence and mathematical maturity in the process of writing and rewriting,” he says. “Lis showed great determination throughout this project. She had many other obligations, both academic and non-academic, and she was able to continue to produce high-quality work. This ability to juggle several tasks at a high level will also be invaluable in graduate school and beyond.”
Previously, Edwards conducted an intensive study of abstract mathematical objects and graph theory under the guidance of Chawne Kimber, assistant professor of mathematics.
In addition to diving, Edwards coordinated an arts and crafts program at the Third Street Alliance Women and Children’s Shelter, and another program called Equilibrium, which uses horses to provide therapy to children, through Lafayette’s Landis Community Outreach Center. She performed with the Marquis Players, a student group that produces and performs an annual musical to benefit charities, and served as a calculus teaching assistant and tutor. She is a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.