Meghan Hemmer, Grade 10, made top five for Michigan in the Mathematical Association of America's American Mathematics Competition.

HOUGTHON — The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) recently recognized Meghan Hemmer, a 10th grade student at Houghton High School, for scoring among the top five women in Michigan on the annual American Mathematics Competition (AMC-10) exam.

The MAA describes itself as the world’s largest community of mathematicians, students, and enthusiasts. “We envision a society that values the power and beauty of mathematics and fully realizes its potential to promote human flourishing (MAA website).”

The MAA sponsors yearly mathematics competitions that enhance problem-solving skills and mathematical knowledge in middle and high school students. The AMC-10 is designed for students in grades 10 or below. Hemmer has participated in the annual competitions since 6th grade, when she began the Gifted Math Program at the University at Buffalo.

Asked by the MAA to reflect on a memorable math moment, Hemmer cited “picking up a Rubik’s cube for the first time. I have always seen them in my dad’s office and, like any child, been fascinated by seeing what combinations of colors I could produce while trying to solve it. Eventually, as a preteen, I learned how to solve it and have enjoyed participating in competitions, learning new methods, and experimenting with other types of Rubik’s cubes ever since.” Now she solves them blindfolded!

Hemmer shared that she has “made many lifelong friends through STEM. I am very grateful to all the women who came before me and made these fields more accessible.” Hemmer sees more math in her future. She plans to attend study biomedical engineering in college and eventually become a physician.