Baylor Undergraduate Research in Science and Technology and Baylor Math Club Present an Animated Geometry Event

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WACO, Texas (Sept. 18, 2012): Movies and math collide this Thursday Sept. 20 for a special event hosted by Baylor Undergraduate Research in Science and Technology (BURST) and the Baylor Math Club. Tom Banchoff, Ph.D., is a well-known mathematician specializing in geometry from Brown University, where he has taught since 1967. He will be joined by movie maker Dano Johnson.
"Our students will have an extraordinary opportunity to see Dr. Banchoff, one of the world's foremost authorities in geometry, in action. On the same day, they will have the chance to meet Dano Johnson, a very clever young artist from Austin, and to watch his latest movie "Sphereland". Tom and Dano teamed up previously in Dano's first movie 'Flatland' and I think they have an even bigger hit now with 'Sphereland'. I am quite certain that it will be a memorable event for all," said Lance Littlejohn, Ph.D., Baylor professor and chair of the department of mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Banchoff will present a lecture, "From 'Flatland' to 'Sphereland' and Beyond." His lecture will highlight how society can deal with challenges of living in a curved universe and will also examine geometric issues, featuring scenes from the two animated movies 'Flatland' and 'Sphereland'.

Dano Johnson will lecture after Banchoff, screening his much anticipated sequel to the 2007 hit movie "Flatland: the Movie," "Flatland 2: Sphereland." In "Flatland 2: Sphereland," a young mathematician must race against time to solve geometric puzzles and save a doomed "space" mission. In the process, she makes a discovery that will change the shape of her universe.

Johnson says that he is "extremely excited to return to Baylor to premiere 'Flatland 2: Sphereland'. I'm so glad that I met Lance Littlejohn at MathFest in 2007 - not only did he invite me to host a screening of 'Flatland: The Movie' at Baylor that fall but he has been a great help as a mathematical adviser on the sequel movie. This BURST event should be even more exciting with Tom Banchoff speaking on Flatland. Nobody in the world knows more about the novel Flatland and visualizing higher dimensions than Tom, and the "Flatland team" has been extremely fortunate to have his guidance and support. Students are in for a real treat, whether they are studying math and science or just curious about our universe. "Flatland 2: Sphereland" is an adventure story about using math and science to not only discover the shape of the universe but to define our place within it. It's a great opportunity to watch a fun film and discuss new ideas in math and science."

Banchoff will present from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Johnson will follow from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Both events will be held in Room D109 of the Baylor Sciences Building, 101 Bagby St.
For more information, contact Lance Littlejohn at 254-710-3165 or by email at Lance_Littlejohn@Baylor.edu.

by Rebecca Malzahn , student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

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