Washburn Students in the Kappa Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honor Society Place at the Biennial National Convention

      Topeka, Kan. – Washburn students from the mathematics and statistics department placed in two of the top three spots at the Biennial National Convention for the Kappa Mu Epsilon (KME) mathematics honor society. The convention took place at Molloy University in New York from April 13-16.

      KME is a specialized honor society in mathematics that was founded in 1931 to promote the interest of mathematics among undergraduate students. 

      During the convention, 13 presentations were given by students from KME chapters across the nation. Awards were given for the top three presentations. This year, Washburn students James Gillin (advisor Dr. Gaspar Porta, associate professor of mathematics and statistics, Washburn) won first place and Sanskar Neupane (advisor Dr. Guannan Hu, assistant professor of mathematics and statistics, Washburn) was awarded third place. The recognition also carries an automatic acceptance of their papers into the KME journal, “The Pentagon,” the official journal of KME mathematics honor society that is published semiannually.

      “I was very excited to present my research to other undergraduates and overjoyed with placing first at the convention. I presented a closed form solution to a certain type of infinite series, and I went through how I approached this problem and the techniques I used,” said Gillin.

      “I am extremely impressed with both our presenters,” said Porta. “It was a real accomplishment to have two of the podium positions held by Washburn students. As James’ advisor, I was especially proud and impressed with his presentation, and I believe he was fully deserving of that honor.”

      Also attending the conference were students Graci Postma, Sara Johnson and Ajar Basnet and faculty member Beth McNamee, lecturer of mathematics and statistics, Washburn. Washburn University will host the 2026 Regional KME Conference.