Provost’s Colloquium Series Presents “Bubbles and Foams: On the Role of Chance and Change in Scientific Fieldmaking”

Christopher Dubbs

Posted by: Elizabeth Richardson on March 25, 2021, No Comments

East Stroudsburg University’s Provost’s Colloquium Series, an intellectual experience that promotes dialogue among ESU faculty, staff, students, and community, continues for the Spring 2021 semester with a virtual presentation by Christopher Dubbs, Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematics. The presentation “Bubbles and Foams: On the Role of Chance and Change in Scientific Fieldmaking” will take place on Wednesday, March 31 at 5:30 p.m. Access the presentation via this Zoom link: https://esu-online.zoom.us/j/96888587390

Dr. Dubbs an author, artist, and teacher of mathematics will discuss the intersection of data art, computer science, mathematics, and scientific fieldmaking by using his own field, mathematics education research, as an illustrative case. He has traced the emergence of foci of study using articles published between 1970 and 2019 in prominent journals in mathematics education. His research has led to two conclusions: what has been called mathematics education research across time has shifted and what is called mathematics education research today is not fixed.

“As is the case for mathematics education research, any scientific field does not exist separate from the output of the many people writing and researching around certain ideas,” Dubbs said. Using the metaphors of knowledge accumulation, scientific revolution, and bubbles and foams, he will emphasize the role of chance and change in scientific fields.

The talk will feature a virtual gallery that invites attendees to explore the data, data art, and other ideas at their own pace and leisure available at www.mathedatlas.org/virtual-gallery.

For more information about the Provost’s Colloquium Series, contact Christina McDonald, director, office of sponsored projects and research, at (570) 422-7954 or cmcdonald9@esu.edu.