Author Archives: Stephanie Blanda

About Stephanie Blanda

Stephanie is a math Ph.D. student, with a minor in Computational Science, at Penn State University. She obtained a B.S. from Lebanon Valley College, where she double majored in Mathematics and Computer Science. Currently, Stephanie is studying the interface of two viscous fluids under a shear flow, specifically with applications to wind generated ocean waves.

Everyday Sexism in STEM – A New Website

Posted on September 29, 2014 by Stephanie Blanda

It is common knowledge that women are heavily under-represented in STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), despite efforts to recruit and retain more women in these fields. Though progress has been made, a recent paper from Yale University researchers … Continue reading →

Posted in Mathematics in Society | 1 Comment

Tips for New Grad Students

Posted on August 29, 2014 by Stephanie Blanda

It’s that time of year again – the summer is coming to an end, classes are getting started, and new grad students are arriving on campus.  Graduate school can be an intimidating and challenging experience, especially in the first year.  … Continue reading →

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Logarithms Celebrate Their 400th Birthday – A Science News Article

Posted on July 29, 2014 by Stephanie Blanda

The first time I entered the math library at Lebanon Valley College, I was struck by what I saw on top of the bookcases – a giant slide rule!  Though I had never used one, I remembered my dad telling … Continue reading →

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The Four Color Theorem

Posted on June 29, 2014 by Stephanie Blanda

This weekend, I was helping paint flats for a play when an interesting problem arose – we wanted to use three colors of paint to create rectangles of different sizes on a rectangular flat, with the stipulation that no two … Continue reading →

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Knot Garden

Posted on May 30, 2014 by Stephanie Blanda

Over the Memorial Day weekend, while visiting the Toledo Botanical Garden in Toledo, OH I came across this “Knot Garden” in the herb section of the park.  I was pleasantly surprised to find this mathematical influence and it prompted me to … Continue reading →

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