George W. Hart is a distinguished mathematical sculptor and geometer renowned for his innovative fusion of mathematics and artistic expression. He earned his B.S. in Mathematics from MIT in 1977, followed by an M.A. in Linguistics from Indiana University in 1979, and completed his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT in 1987. Hart served as an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at Columbia University for eight years before holding positions at Hofstra University and later becoming a research professor at Stony Brook University. His interdisciplinary career spans computer science, mathematics, and sculpture, establishing him as a unique bridge between STEM disciplines and the arts.
Hart's groundbreaking contributions include the development of innovative approaches to geometric sculpture that leverage computational algorithms and computer-aided design. He is the author of the influential textbook Multidimensional Analysis and co-developed the Conway polyhedron notation with John H. Conway, standardizing the description of polyhedral transformations. His creation of the Museum of Mathematics MoMath in New York City represents a transformative achievement in public mathematics education, featuring interactive exhibits that demonstrate Math is Cool His work with Zome Geometry has revolutionized hands-on learning about geometric structures, while his extensive online Encyclopedia of Polyhedra serves as an authoritative resource for mathematicians and artists worldwide.
As a co-founder of the Museum of Mathematics and organizer of the Bridges Conference on mathematics and art, Hart has profoundly shaped the landscape of mathematical art and public engagement with mathematics. His sculptures, displayed at prestigious institutions including MIT, Princeton, and Duke University, exemplify the aesthetic beauty of mathematical structures and have inspired generations of students and artists. Hart continues to advance the integration of mathematics and art through his creative practice, developing new workshop activities that foster collaborative problem-solving and spatial reasoning skills. His enduring legacy lies in demonstrating that mathematical thinking and artistic creativity are complementary forces that, when united, can transform how society perceives and engages with abstract concepts.
