Hello new member, welcome to Math Life!
Math Life is our corner of the web where numbers, creativity, and everyday life collide. We're four college students from different parts of the country, united by our passion for math and our involvement in Math Mingle — a social math club dedicated to spreading progressive math education to disadvantaged kids. We meet online when we can, and in person when our schedules allow, over puzzles, fresh insights, and the occasional laugh over a cup of coffee.
So whether you're wrestling with a tricky trigonometry problem, looking for a fresh perspective in a subject, or simply love a good math story, we think you'll find what you're looking for.
How we came together
Our journey began about three years ago when we all joined Math Mingle, a community that started as a small meetup for math enthusiasts at our favorite local spots. We first connected at a casual monthly gathering held in the community room of the Columbus library. There, amid the buzz of fellow curious minds, our conversations ranged from mind-bending brainteasers to our personal adventures — or how we hate and love math at the same time. Even though we hailed from different corners of the country, our shared love for numbers sparked an instant camaraderie.
On an evening in October 2024, as we huddled together in a coffee shop sipping our pumpkin spice lattes and scribbling ideas on napkins, the Math Life idea emerged. Why not create an online space where math isn't just about solving equations, but is also about community, creativity, and connection — just like Math Mingle, but with many more online members and meetups? And so, Math Life was born.
Meet the team
Alex C. — Lead Content Creator
Alex, originally from Austin, Texas, has always been the one asking "why" about everything. As a college student studying mathematics, he's drawn to puzzles and patterns. But math isn't all he loves (even though it seems like it when you chat with him for a couple of hours). When he's not dealing with formulas, you'll find him hiking the trails around Austin, strumming his guitar at local open mics, or experimenting with new recipes in his kitchen.
At Math Life, Alex is our lead content creator. He writes blog posts and tutorials that break down complex ideas into friendly, relatable conversations. His knack for turning abstract concepts into everyday insights is the spark that lights up our projects.
Brooke D. — Graphic Designer
Brooke is a 26-year-old math drop-out who is passionate about digital art. She grew up in New York City and brings that same energy to Math Life. When Brooke talks about how she fell in love with math, she always starts with the beauty of fractals (yes, it's a very long story, where she recalls a rainy day in Central Park when she first noticed nature's endless repeating patterns).
Although she adores math, Brooke admits that studying it as a major never quite held her attention — instead, she found her calling joining a math club while doing her dream job. Brooke has a keen eye for design. She creates the graphics and learning videos that help make math come alive on our site. Outside Math Life she's often found trying new food trucks, cuddling with her mischievous cat Sherlock, or sketching characters with her Apple Pencil Pro.
Cameron T. — Teacher
Cameron is a senior student majoring in math education with a passion for making progressive math education accessible. More than just a student, Cameron volunteers at local math education centers, dedicating her time to disadvantaged kids who could use a little extra guidance with their classes. She loves working with children and believes every young mind has the potential to shine in math with the right encouragement.
Known for her fondness for colorful pens, pencils, and neatly organized notebooks, Cameron brings a touch of creativity and order to every project. On Math Life, she curates our data-driven posts and interactive tutorials, working closely with Brooke to make the videos simpler and more engaging.
Devon A. — Web Designer
Devon is our go-to for all things technical. Alex needs a coding fix on the website? We call Devon. Brooke is stuck using new design software? Call Devon again. As a master's student with a focus on applied mathematics, he has a talent for breaking down complicated problems into clear, step-by-step solutions.
Devon's practical approach extends beyond math; when he's not optimizing our website, you might find him playing video games on his high-end gaming setup, streaming on Twitch, or walking his Golden Retriever Milo. At Math Life, Devon handles web design and interactive features, making sure every part of the site is as user-friendly as it is informative.
Guest writers
At Math Life, we believe teaching math is best done by diverse voices. We're proud to feature guest writers who are passionate educators and researchers, offering fresh insights from the world of mathematics. Their contributions help bridge the gap between theory and practice, sparking new ideas and providing practical strategies for both students and teachers.
Professor Orion Hawthorne
Professor Orion Hawthorne, born in 1975, is a seasoned mathematics educator with over 25 years of experience. Currently a senior faculty member at university, he specializes in combinatorics. Known for his down-to-earth teaching style, Orion is dedicated to making advanced mathematical ideas accessible to everyone. His guest posts on Math Life blend scholarly insight with everyday wisdom, challenging our advanced readers to see math in a new light.
Dr. Celeste Polaris
Dr. Celeste Polaris is an award-winning researcher in math education, having earned her PhD from R. University. Now a senior research fellow at the Center for Innovative Learning, she focuses on integrating technology into math curricula to enhance student engagement and comprehension. Her contributions to Math Life offer practical, research-backed strategies and relatable anecdotes that inspire educators and learners alike.
Our vision
At Math Life, we believe math isn't just about solving equations — it's a way of connecting with the world. Our roots in Math Mingle remind us that math is both a personal journey and a shared adventure. Through our blog posts, videos, and interactive resources, we aim to show that math is for everyone. We're here to spark your curiosity, exploration, and make learning a fun, communal experience.
Thank you for joining us on this adventure. Whether you're a student, a teacher, or just someone with a curious mind, we hope Math Life inspires you to see math in a whole new light.
Welcome to our world. Welcome to Math Life!