Kim Plofker, visiting assistant professor of mathematics, has published “Mathematics in India” (Princeton University Press). The book draws on Plofker's work in India and elsewhere with Sanskrit, Arabic and Persian manuscripts in the mathematical sciences, surveying the development of Indian mathematical traditions from antiquity through the early modern period. The topics discussed include Indian ritual geometry, mathematical astronomy, early combinatorics, the origin of decimal place-value numerals, power series approximations to pi, and the social and historical context of Indian mathematicians' discoveries.
Interim Dean of Studies and Associate Professor of Russian Kristin Bidoshi recently published an article, “Beauty and the Beast à la Russe,” in the journal
Marvels and Tales. Bidoshi also presented a paper on her research on contemporary Albanian rites of passages at the American Folklore Society conference. At the American Association of Teachers of Slavic and East European Languages and Literatures conference, she chaired a panel on Anton Chekhov’s short stories and presented a paper on the use of multi-media in the beginning level Russian language classroom.
Works by Charles Steckler, professor of theater, are included in “On The Surface: Drawings,” a group exhibit at Clement Art Gallery in Troy, N.Y. An opening reception is set for Friday, Feb. 27, 6-9 p.m., as part of Troy Night Out. The show runs through. March 25.