Mathematics Beauty Gathered: Union of Scholars at Princeton University
In the latest addition to the "Student Life" section, an interview with Gemma M. Sahwell, a researcher at Princeton University, sheds light on the benefits of interdisciplinary study at the prestigious institution. The interview, titled "A Case for Interdisciplinary Study at Princeton," is part of the "Research Insights Series" and can be found in the "Lab Research" section.
Sahwell's personal experiences with interdisciplinary study at Princeton University are the focus of the interview. She highlights the opportunities for students to engage in such study, offering valuable advice for those seeking to broaden their academic horizons.
One of the key moments that Sahwell cites is her attendance at the Faber Lecture, an event hosted by the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in the Humanities at Princeton University. The lecture, given by Professor Reviel Netz of Stanford University, focused on the Aesthetics of Greek Mathematics. The audience, comprising graduate students, professors, and undergraduates from various departments such as linear algebra, art history, philosophy, and the Woodrow Wilson School, engaged in a stimulating dialogue, adding a new layer to the relationships with current and past professors.
During the Faber Lecture, excerpts from Euclid and Archimedes were read and compared, providing insights into the influence of narrative structures in Greek poetry on the style of Greek mathematicians' proofs. These one-of-a-kind discussions, facilitated by interdisciplinary events on campus, have led to interesting one-on-one conversations in office hours or after class.
The interview also discusses the topic of "Finding the Department that Fits" in the context of the Junior Paper (JP). Sahwell emphasises the importance of interdisciplinary study for solving complex problems and fostering innovation. By engaging in interdisciplinary study, students can find the department that best suits their interests and aspirations, ultimately leading to a more rewarding academic journey.
In conclusion, the interview with Gemma M. Sahwell offers a compelling argument for the value of interdisciplinary study at Princeton University. By participating in interdisciplinary events and fostering relationships with professors and peers from diverse disciplines, students can broaden their perspectives, deepen their understanding, and prepare themselves for the complex problems they will encounter in their future careers.
