GMU Math Makerlab
About the Lab
The goal of the GMU Math Maker Lab is to use 3D printing technology to turn abstract mathematical concepts into concrete physical objects. Seeing and designing prints allows for better understanding and enthusiasm for mathematics!
Activities include research, teaching, outreach, tutorial development, as detailed below. The lab is housed in a room within the math department on the 4th floor of Exploratory Hall on the George Mason Fairfax Campus. Activities are directed by Prof. Evelyn Sander with the aid of GMU graduate and undergraduate students.
Teaching
- Math 401: Mathematics Through 3D printing (capstone course), every fall starting in 2019
- Math 493: Mathematics Through 3D Printing, Spring 2016
- Math 213: Multivariable Calculus, Spring 2015
Publications
- Stability of Floating Objects at a Two-Fluid Interface
- Mathematics of Floating 3D Printed Objects
- Modeling Dynamical Systems for 3D Printing
- The Best Writing on Mathematics 2021
Talks
- Construct3D talk February 2020
- An overview of 3D printing and tutorials on how to begin.
- Speed dating event, Active Learning Seminar, GMU, October 27, 2016. Infographic
- Technology and Innovations Conference September 2015
Other Mathematical Visualization
- Sublevel sets of spinodal decomposition for the Cahn-Hilliard equation, a nonlinear partial differential equation
- Construction of self-similar tiling
Outreach
- Booth at the USA Science and Engineering Festival 2018
- Mathematics in Motion Booth, Maker Faire NOVA, 2018
- Math Circle Presentations, GMU, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
- Booth at the USA Science and Engineering Festival 2016
- GMU FOCUS STEM Camp July 2015
- Presentation for Middle School Girls Visit to the GMU AWM Chapter April 2015
Equipment
- Ultimaker S5
- Ultimaker S7
- Monoprice mini
Software
- Slicers: Makerbot Desktop, Simplify 3D, and CURA
- Design: OpenSCAD, Tinkercad, Mathematica, Paraview, Sketchup, Matlab, C.