Stepan Paul

Stepan Paul is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Mathematics at North Carolina State University (NC State), where he has been since 2020. He holds a BS in Mathematics from Duke University (2007) and a PhD in Mathematics from the University of California, Santa Barbara (2013). His primary research focuses on the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) in mathematics, particularly how spatial and visualization skills influence student success in calculus and the impact of 3D manipulatives in active learning environments. He is also deeply involved in mathematical illustration, designing physical and digital tools to enhance the understanding of advanced mathematical concepts, such as non-Euclidean geometry and differential geometry.

Paul’s work includes collaborations on projects like Manipulative Calculus, which developed 3D models for multivariable calculus education, and the Flat Klein Bottle sculpture, a curved-crease origami piece displayed at the National Museum of Mathematics. He has published extensively on calculus pedagogy, resource utilization in teaching, and the application of 3D printing in education. His contributions to the Illustrating Mathematics program at ICERM (2019) further highlight his commitment to bridging mathematical research and educational outreach.

• Education:
  • BS Mathematics, Duke University, 2007
  • PhD Mathematics, UC Santa Barbara, 2013
• Key Projects:
  • Non-Euclidean paper thermoforming for geometry education
  • Desmos applets for calculus visualization
  • Thingiverse 3D print designs (e.g., Sudanese Möbius Band, Siefert Surface)
• Awards/Grants:
  • Funded by NSF Grant DMS-1439786 and Sloan Foundation (2019)

His teaching and research emphasize innovative methods to make abstract mathematical concepts accessible, leveraging technology and hands-on tools to improve student engagement and achievement.