On The Art Of Braiding Algorithms

Abstract: This workshop explores string figures as algorithmic art. We share a novel application of braid groups to analyze string figure algorithms. Participants will engage in hands-on exploration with real string. We'll talk about relevant braid theory. We'll also reflect on the role of notation in mathematics.

This workshop requires each participant to have a closed loop of string. You'll need to make your own at home before the talk. Generally, a good length of string for someone is the distance between their finger tips when their arms are fully extended side-to-side. We encourage people making loops at home to experiment with longer and shorter loops using a variety of materials. Polyester string can be made into loops by melting the ends together and is available in a variety of colours at a low cost. However, any old string will do!

Speakers' bios: Parker Adey is a friendly geek, who juggles, does magic, and plays with string. He’s also an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream, in the Department of Computational and Mathematical Sciences at University of Toronto Scarborough. He was born near Thunder Bay, and grew up in London, ON. He received his undergraduate degree in mathematics and philosophy from Trent University, where he got to know his professors and share in the fun of discovering mathematics together. His PhD at the University of Toronto focused on the geometry of high dimensional manifolds. He believes professors should be approachable and friendly, and that mathematics is open for everyone and anyone to explore. When he is not hiking with his family, playing with his daughter, or writing, he can be found teaching mathematics, organizing mathematics education events, or chatting with students.

Ness Schattman is a third-year undergraduate at the University of Toronto Scarborough. When she's not nerding out about her two majors - computer science and molecular biology - she can be found nerding out about math, music, language, philosophy and theatre. At university she has enjoyed getting to know her professors, leading review seminars for math and CS courses, and doing her two research projects on string figure math and ecological modelling. She hopes to keep learning for her whole life.

Moderator's bio: Based on a degree in Mathematics, Operations Research, Karen Little had a 25-year career in Supply Chain management and education. After she retired, she started a YouTube channel called Awesome Reversible Knitting, which explores and shares reversible stitch patterns and projects, and is especially focussed on the technical aspects of knitting. Her daughter, Alexanna Little, introduced Karen to her math colleagues, which created a new platform for her to share the awesome aspects of the math of reversible knitting. Included in the research is the development of several mathematical definitions of reversible knitting, an app to evaluate reversibleness, and methods to knit mathematical objects that rely on the seamlessness of reversible knitting.

Karen’s favourite thing about reversible knitting is blending mathematics and creativity! She is thrilled to be asked to moderate a talk in the fibre arts field, which is a similar blend!

Computer scienceMathematics

Audience: researchers in the topic

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Relatorium seminar

Series comments: The name "Relatorium" combines "relator" with the Latin root "-ium," meaning "a place for activities" (as in "auditorium" or "gymnasium"). This seminar series is a platform to relate ideas, interact with math, and connect with each other.

In this series, we explore math beyond what we usually hear in standard talks. These sessions fall somewhere between a technical talk and a podcast: moderately formal, yet conversational. The philosophy behind the series is that math is best learned by active participation rather than passive listening. Our aim is to “engage and involve,” inviting everyone to think actively with the speaker. The concepts are accessible, exploratory, and intended to spark questions and discussions.

The idea of relatability has strong ties to compassion — creating space for shared understanding and exploration - which is the spirit of this seminar! This is a pilot project, so we’re here to improvise, learn, and evolve as we go!

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