Mark Sobierajski
  • Computer Science
  • Class of 2016
  • Cato, NY

SUNY Potsdam Student Mark Sobierajski Studies Math in Mexico

2015 Feb 12

Students and faculty from SUNY Potsdam's Department of Mathematics recently journeyed to Mexico for an intensive Winterim travel course delving into the origins of math.

Led by Dr. Cheryl Miller and Dr. Blair Madore, 11 students studied ancient mathematics and learned about Mexican culture while taking part in hands-on activities and field trips, from Jan. 2 to Jan. 15. The course explored the origins of mathematics in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, Meso-America and the Islamic world.

The students included Mark Sobierajski of Cato, NY. A graduate of Cato-Meridian High School, Sobierajski is majoring in computer science, with a minor in mathematics at SUNY Potsdam.

SUNY Potsdam's partners at the Universidad Aut?noma del Estado de Hidalgo provided vital support for the trip.

One highlight of the visit was a meeting with U.S. Embassy officials, Stephany Syptak-Ramnath and Areceli Partearroyo. The group also met with staff in the State University of New York's Office for Latin America.

The group visited multiple archaeological sites, dating from the Toltec to the Aztec Empire, as well as the Museum of Anthropology. The whirlwind trip also included stops in Mexico City and El Chico National Park.

SUNY Potsdam is committed to making students' international education a unique and productive experience. To learn about the different opportunities, visit http://www.potsdam.edu/academics/international/studyabroad.

The SUNY Potsdam Department of Mathematics offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. The program is based on the belief that students can succeed if they are provided with a supportive environment. For more information, visit http://www.potsdam.edu/academics/AAS/Math.