Math Community Guide: Pi Mu Epsilon Home

Pi Mu Epsilon
Mathematics Honor Society
Massachusetts Gamma Chapter
Bridgewater State University

Established on May 10, 1972
by the late Dr. Murray Abramson
then chair of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department

2025 Inductees

1987 Departmental Memo
1988 Departmental Memo

Click to view Guest Book

Related Links

Current Advisor

Dr. Andrew Miller, 2024- present

Previous Advisors

Dr. Ward Heilman, 2023- 2024

Dr. Andrew Miller, 2020-2023

Dr. Shelley Stahl, 2018-2020

Dr. John Pike, 2017-2019
Dr. Laura K. Gross, 2010-2015, 2017-2019
Dr. Annela Kelly, 2013-2014, 2016
Dr. Jacqueline Anderson, 2013-2014
Dr. Ward Heilman, 2004-2010
Prof. Thomas Moore, 1980-2003
Dr. Murray Abramson, 1972-1979

2025 Abramson Colloquium, Departmental Awards, and
Pi Mu Epsilon Induction Ceremony

Sunday, April 13, 2024,  2:00 - 4:00 PM
Dana Mohler-Faria Science and Mathematics Center, Room 120 

Induction Ceremony

Introduced by
Dr. Jackie Anderson

Abramson Colloquium

"Destigmatizing Trigonometric Functions: Harmonic Language of the Universe"

Presented by

Dr. Misha Elashvili

Professor at Bridgewater State University & Ilia State University

Abstract

Trigonometric functions were discovered millennia ago as ratios in right triangles, yet their significance extends far beyond geometry. This presentation will explore the deeper nature of sine, cosine, and their counterparts, revealing a vast landscape of non-algebraic quantitative relationships. We will explore how these functions describe harmonic motion, govern waves, and play a fundamental role in physics, engineering, and even the string theory, where the universe itself is modeled as vibrating strings. Using intuitive explanations and a touch of basic calculus, we aim to break the stigma surrounding trigonometry and reveal its beauty, history, and real-world impact. Whether in music, quantum mechanics, or the fabric of spacetime, trigonometry is a key to understanding the universe.

Biography

Dr. Mikheil Elashvili from the Republic of Georgia joined the BSU community as a Fulbright Research Fellow in the spring of 2022. A graduate of a Soviet-era Physics and Mathematics high school, he earned his Bachelor’s degree with honors in 1997 and a Master’s degree with distinction in Mathematics in 1999, both from Tbilisi State University. He completed his Ph.D. in 2004.

With nearly two decades of teaching experience as a professor at Ilia State University in Georgia, Dr. Elashvili has also been actively involved in international multidisciplinary collaborative projects, with a strong focus on student research. While teaching Calculus subjects at BSU, his research mainly focuses on Earth and Environmental Studies, exploring the formation of complex Earth systems and reconstructing past changes to better understand future scenarios. Mathematics and the study of the quantitative relationships that govern the universe serve as the foundation of his work.

Dr. Murray Abramson, a faculty member from 1966 to 1987. He had chaired the Mathematics and Computer Science Department for years when he passed away in 1987. He held a bachelor's degree from Brooklyn College, a master's from Syracuse University, and a doctorate from Columbia University.

"Quiet and gentle, he was beloved by his students and fellow faculty members. He served the college on the tenure and curriculum committees for many years and was especially interested in the foreign student exchange program. Possessed of an ever-curious mind, he read widely and enjoyed auditing college courses in the areas of art and music." -- from his Memorial and Diorama Presentation held at the Clement C. Maxwell Library on February 6, 1988.

Publications

A Development of the rational number System, a programmed text, by Murray Abramson. Boston: Holbrook Press, 1970

First and second level examination of the tenth annual Olympiad High School Prize Competition, by Murray Abramson and Hugo D'Alarat, 1974.

Instructor's manual for a development of the rational number system, 1970

Language of sets - teachers manual. Performance data & Interpretation: Donald A . Cook. Lesson plans: Murray Abramson, 1963

Programming instruction in a development of the rational number system, doctoral dissertation, 1968

(Source: University Archives)

Gettysburg Diorama

A very realistic portrayal of the third and final day of the Battle of Gettysburg, this diorama was made by Dr. Paul Abramson in memory of his brother Dr. Murray Abramson. The 13,000 tiny figures representing Lee's army of 75,000 men and Meade's amy of 97,000 are meticulously painted by hand and the land features carefully and faithfully put in place.

The diorama is currently located near the balcony of the third floor of the Maxwell Library. Please visit the library's Archives/Special Collections for more information.