Department of Mathematical Sciences Celebrates Inaugural Induction of Pi Mu Epsilon Chapter

Spring is a time of new beginnings and fresh opportunities, and it served as the perfect backdrop for a momentous occasion at Stevens Institute of Technology: the inauguration of the newly established New Jersey Pi as the 410th chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon. 

Pi Mu Epsilon is a prestigious honor society that promotes mathematics, celebrates academic excellence, and fosters a community of mathematics scholars and enthusiasts. The installation ceremony was held on April 3, 2024, and featured several speakers, including Thomas Wakefield, president-elect of Pi Mu Epsilon from Youngstown State University, who delivered an inspiring talk to the new members.

Frank Fisher, associate dean for undergraduate studies in the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science, opened the installation ceremony with remarks emphasizing the importance of this new chapter and how it represents the university’s commitment to mathematical research and education. 

Twenty-four math majors and six faculty members were inducted as New Jersey Pi charter members. As part of the ceremony, new charter members took the Pi Mu Epsilon scholarship pledge, a verbal commitment to promote true scholarship, particularly in mathematics, and support the objectives of the Pi Mu Epsilon Honor Society. 

Among the inductees was Jan Cannizzo, teaching associate professor and associate chair for undergraduate studies in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. Cannizzo expressed his excitement about joining Pi Mu Epsilon, stating, “Joining Pi Mu Epsilon is a wonderful opportunity for us. It allows our many talented math majors to gain broader recognition for their academic achievements and connects them with a national network promoting excellence in mathematics.”

Students of New Jersey Pi will have opportunities to engage in regional meetings and conferences, particularly those sponsored by the National Pi Mu Epsilon Council in collaboration with the American Mathematical Society. The society also sponsors an annual conference with the Mathematics Association of America’s MathFest and publishes a journal featuring articles on mathematical topics accessible to undergraduate students.

It begins with a love of math

For pure and applied mathematics major Amber Johns '25, being inducted into the Pi Mu Epsilon chapter was a moment of pride and excitement. “The most memorable part of the ceremony was signing the roll book. As the chapter is new, we were the first to sign it, and our certificate signified that we were charter members.” 

Johns also reflected on the significance of the symbols on the Pi Mu Epsilon insignia, particularly the conventionalized violet on the crest, which represents the beauty in the development, study and application of mathematics. “Math is so powerful, and it’s important to recognize the beauty in its history, truth and possibilities,” she added.

Johns was inspired to major in mathematics because of her love for the subject. “I love how math builds upon itself, and each step can be proven. Studying mathematics gives you analytical skills and a strong foundation to be successful in almost any industry,” she said.

Cannizzo recalled that his passion for math began early in his childhood and has continued throughout his life. His enthusiasm extends beyond his role as educator and researcher at Stevens to spreading appreciation for math among school-aged math enthusiasts. This spirit is evident in Stevens’ long tradition of promoting lifelong learning through outreach initiatives like the Math Circle and Math Olympiad, which inspire young minds and foster a love for mathematics.

Stevens also leads in cutting-edge research and education, with its Algebra and Cryptology Center pioneering breakthroughs in cryptanalysis and quantum computing security. With the establishment of the Pi Mu Epsilon chapter, Stevens continues to enhance its role as a leader in mathematical education and research.

Congratulations to the following Stevens students inducted as New Jersey Pi charter members:

• Charles Beall ’23

• Chloe Borentain ’26

• Julieta Caroppo ’24

• Jerry Chen ’25

• Fionna Feerick ’24

• Katherine Fuentes ’26

• Zoe Hack ’24

• Amber Johns ’23

• Ethan Kalika ’25

• Arjun Koshal ’24

• Alexander Leather ’24

• Winston Lee ’24

• Erin McGee ’25

• Luke Michael McKenna ’26

• Adam Moubarak ’24

• Maya Okrasinska ’24

• Amélie Ratliff ’25

• Shinjini Sharma ’25

• Daniel Shemetov ’26

• Samantha Wilhelmina Tan ’25

• Lily Wierzbicki ’26

• Christine Yoon ’24

• Troy Zhang ’25