Stephen Gagola Jr., a mathematician, retired professor, and lifelong learner, has transformed his passion for abstract mathematical concepts into tangible creations at 91˛Öżââs Design Innovation (DI) Hub. His innovative project, rooted in Latin cubes, demonstrates how the DI Hub empowers members to turn intellectual ideas into physical realities.
From Classroom to Creative Freedom
Having taught mathematics at 91˛Öżâ for over 40 years, Stephenâs retirement granted him the time and freedom to pursue long-held ideas. "Now I donât have any of those [teaching] duties anymore. So that kind of freed me up," Stephen shares. This newfound liberty led him to explore advanced mathematical concepts, including the construction of Latin squares and cubes, and ultimately to the DI Hub.
Stephenâs introduction to the DI Hub came through its advanced equipment. "I became more interested in [the DI Hub] when I learned that it had a laser cutter because thatâs the tool that I needed... but I didnât know how to use the actual machine," he recalls.
Bringing Abstract Math to Life
Stephenâs project involves Latin cubesâthree-dimensional analogs of Latin squaresâand their intricate mathematical properties. "Itâs really three Latin cubes embedded inside of each other that are intricately involved with each other," he explains. These cubes consist of 4x4x4 grids where each layer represents a Latin square based on unique properties such as color and orientation.
This journey began years ago with an article in the journal Geombinatorics that featured an artistic take on Latin squares using bunny rabbit heads. Intrigued, Stephen delved deeper into the concept. "When I retired, I got more involved," he says. Inspired by questions posed in the article and his mathematical curiosity, he progressed from Latin squares to the more complex challenge of Latin cubes.
With assistance from DI Hub staff, Stephen used 3D printing to create prototypes. "I collaborated with Harsha... I told him these holes have to be made bigger... but Iâm glad that the physical construction was completed because now I could look at it as an object," he notes. This tactile aspect of his work allowed Stephen to uncover new mathematical insights and share his creations with others, including his grandchildren. âWhat youâre getting is something that nobody in the whole world has. You canât buy it in the store,â he proudly told them.
Embracing Challenges with DI Hub Support
Stephen admits he initially felt out of his depth with some of the DI Hubâs tools. "I really felt this. Iâm over my head with this stuff... Iâm not a construction guy," he says. However, the collaboration with DI Hub staff and access to resources turned these challenges into learning opportunities. "You have to collaborate with somebody⌠The polite way of saying you donât know what youâre doing," Stephen quips.
Inspiring Others to Innovate
Stephenâs work has sparked curiosity among his colleagues and peers. "I told some of my colleagues who were a little bit shy and reluctant to approach the Hub, âDonât be afraid,â" he shares. Encouraging others to explore the DI Hubâs resources aligns with its mission to empower individuals to innovate and create.
Join the DI Hub Collaborator Community
Stephenâs experience underscores how the DI Hub fosters creativity, learning, and collaboration. Whether you're a seasoned mathematician, an artist, or simply someone with an idea, the DI Hub provides the tools, expertise, and community to bring your vision to life. Explore DI Hub memberships today and discover how you can embark on your own journey of innovation.