Math Encounters: "Volcanoes to Robots: Hidden Geometric Pattern Shaping our World" N. Giansiracusa

Math Encounters: "From Volcanoes to Robots: The Hidden Geometric Pattern Shaping our World" April 14, 2026 Featuring Noah Giansiracusa On the northern coast of Ireland, nearly perfect pentagons and hexagons rise up from the sea in stone columns. The shapes in this remarkable natural formation, called the Giant's Causeway, have had a remarkable impact through history. In the 18th century, these forms helped geologists discover our planet's volcanic origins. In the 19th century, the same geometric pattern helped Darwin shore up a gap in his theory of evolution and also helped end a cholera outbreak. In the 20th century, this same pattern helped telecom engineers design efficient cell phone networks. And today, the pattern helps autonomous robots navigate through the world. How can one pattern connect volcanoes, viruses, evolution, and robots? Join mathematician Noah Giansiracusa as we explore the surprising mathematics behind it all. Special introduction by Alex Kontorovich, Distinguished Professor of Mathematics, Rutgers University. Math Encounters is MoMath’s popular free public presentation series celebrating the spectacular world of mathematics. This program is funded by Simons Foundation International and administered by the Simons Foundation’s Science, Society & Culture division.