AUS’ MathFest: Inspiring UAE school students to reach new heights in Mathematics

MathFest 2023, held recently at American University of Sharjah (AUS), saw 130 high school students from 16 schools showcasing their math skills and connecting and exploring the limitless potential of mathematics.

MathFest is a highly anticipated event that offers high school students passionate about math the opportunity to compete, learn and network with each other and experienced mathematicians. 

In the event’s competition, students had 75 minutes to solve questions on topics, including logic, analytic and plane geometry and basic algebra on both the individual and the school level. On the individual level, Krish Kapoor from GEMS Modern Academy School took first place, followed by Alaa Abu Helwa from International School of Creative Science in second place. Ahan Mishra from GEMS Modern Academy received third place while Fadil Omar from Ajyal International School earned fourth place.

Kaboor, the first-place winner in the Olympiad Competition, expressed appreciation for his participation experience. He was awarded an Apple Watch in recognition of his exceptional mathematical skills.

He said:”Participating in this math competition was a valuable experience that tested my abilities and kindled a passion for competitive math. The challenges were difficult, but I stayed focused and calm, arriving at the correct solutions. The experience taught me the importance of mindset and approach when facing challenges. The exceptional faculty and beautiful AUS campus were also impressive.”

Olympiad winners on the school level were GEMS Modern Academy (first place), Al Mawakeb-Al Garhoud (second place) and International School of Creative Science (third place).

A poster competition celebrating the achievements of women mathematicians was also held, encouraging high school students to explore their creativity.

The first-place winner of the poster competition was Ras Al Khaimah American Academy, whose poster focused on the life and work of Sofya Kovalevskaya, a prominent 19th- century mathematician. The second-place winner, International School of Creative Science, created a poster highlighting Ada Lovelace's contributions to computer programming and mathematics. The third-place winner, Al Maarifa International School, produced a poster on Maria Gaetana Agnesi, an 18th-century mathematician and philosopher.

Dr. Mahmoud Anabtawi, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at AUS, stated that MathFest demonstrated the power of math and critical thinking to capture the imaginations of young minds. He said: "Mathematics is a fundamental field of study that is critical to many disciplines, and MathFest is an excellent opportunity for students to explore their interests in this field while experiencing AUS' academic offerings and its multicultural environment."

Teachers at the event benefited from a workshop delivered by Diana Audi, Senior Instructor in the AUS Department of Mathematics and Statistics, who spoke on the topic of utilizing technology to enhance the academic achievement of students in the field of mathematics. 

In the lecture "The Mathematics of Shape and Data," Professor Sadok Kallel from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics introduced the groundbreaking mathematical tools derived from algebra and geometry that can be used to analyze and study data. The presentation offered valuable insights into the latest developments in algebra and geometry, offering valuable insights into the potential applications of these tools.

MathFest is organized by the AUS Department of Mathematics and Statistics in collaboration with the Office of Enrollment Management Sharakah Program. Through this program, students and teachers from select high schools benefit from educational and sports activities organized by AUS. "The Sharakah Program has always been committed to promoting educational and sports activities among high schools across the UAE and the region. The math festival aims to inspire and challenge students to discover the beauty and power of mathematics, and we are excited to support their journey towards becoming confident and competent problem-solvers," said Ali Shuhaimy, Executive Director of Enrollment Management at AUS.

For more information on the Sharakah Program, visit www.aus.edu/sharakah.

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in mathematics. These programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of modern mathematics and its applications across various fields and to inspire students to engage in research and prepare them for future careers. The department also offers minors in actuarial mathematics, applied and computational mathematics, and data science. To know more, please visit www.aus.edu/cas/department-of-mathematics-and-statistics/programs.