Volume 6, Number 20 > Focus on Faculty and Staff

MDC Professor and Artist Named Germany's 'Math Maker of the Week'

Professor Lun-Yi Tsai

Lun-Yi Tsai, an adjunct mathematics professor at Wolfson and North campuses, has been selected as Germany's "Math Maker" for the week of Aug. 25, 2008. A "Math Maker" is defined as anyone who uses math in their work — whether a university math professor, grade or high school math teacher, research scientist, statistician, economist, computer programmer; or an artist whose artwork is inspired by math. 

Professor Tsai falls into both categories, working as an instructor and professional artist, combining art and mathematics into paintings, drawings and sculptures.

"My art is predominantly concerned with the process of abstraction, the primary means by which we make sense of our experience of reality," he said. "The study of mathematics serves as a model for this process: the usually automatic thought processes that take place every day are made conscious in mathematics. The rigor of mathematical proof necessitates careful observation of each mental step. This slowing down of thought provides an opportunity for awareness of the very process of abstraction."

Professor Tsai recently completed a four-month artist residency in Berlin, Germany, where he participated in solo and group exhibitions. He was chosen as a "Math Maker" from a pool of nearly 700 candidates. "It's rather astounding to me that they would pick an American artist working in Germany," he said. "I think it really goes to show how much German people value intellectual and artistic endeavors."    

"Math Makers" are honored as part of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research's "Year of Mathematics" campaign. Since 2000, which was the "Year of Physics," the Ministry has dedicated each year to one particular science, creating an opportunity to strengthen the public's interest in the topic and to attract young people to scientific studies.

Professor Tsai began teaching at MDC in January. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Tufts University and a Master of Arts in Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh. 

"By teaching math and creating art, I am helping MDC make art and mathematics an integral part of the curriculum, bridging the sciences and humanities," he said.