October 28, 2015
SIU to host ‘roundest polyhedral’ expert
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Wayne Deeter, an internationally acclaimed researcher in the world of “roundest polyhedral,” will make several appearances at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in early November.
Imagine trying to encapsulate a sphere within the smallest number of flat surfaces possible and you’ve got an idea of what roundest polyhedra is all about. Deeter will present workshops, demonstrations and lectures as the Morris Library Artist in Transit. He will demonstrate the unique beauty of polyhedra, explore the puzzles they are, and discuss how they are connected to mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry and design.
An opening reception is set for 4-6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, in the first floor rotunda at Morris Library. A presentation by Deeter will follow in the adjacent John C. Guyon Auditorium. The Friends of Morris Library will provide refreshments at the reception and visitors can view models of the polyhedra.
Deeter will be available throughout the week for visitors to drop by and discuss his work and learn more about polyhedra. There will be a series of “open house meetings” and drop-in sessions with Deeter in Room 480A at the library Nov. 3-6. In addition, a community event is slated for 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the Longbranch Café and area K-12 students will join Deeter for “Pizza and Polyhedra” at lunchtime on Nov. 4 in the third floor rotunda.
A diverse group will be intrigued and entertained by Deeter’s presentations. You will certainly enjoy them if you like: geometry and colorful 3-D geometric shapes and puzzles, mathematics and the beauty of mathematical problems and connections, computer algorithms that generate beautiful images and shapes, or the fascinating way that shapes appear in nature, thus connecting soap bubbles, honeycomb cells and viruses to the sciences of physics, chemistry and biology.
Deter’s visit is sponsored by Morris Library, the Friends of Morris Library and New Blankets, a grassroots community organization that gathers and distributes resources including books and technology.
Find more information and Deeter’s schedule at SIU online at http://libguides.lib.siu.edu/polyhedra.