Rona Gurkewitz's Story

Rona is a pioneer in mathematics, computer science, and origami. Rona's early fascination with mathematics led her to explore the realms of computer science and origami.

She collaborated with visionaries like Lillian Oppenheimer and Laura Kruskal to introduce origami to a wider audience in the USA.

Rona is a visionary folder, renowned for her inventive designs and groundbreaking mathematical explanations for intricate modular models. Alongside Bennett Arnstein, she co-authored four books that have surpassed 150,000 copies in sales. Her impact extends globally through presentations and workshops across the USA, UK, and Japan. Notably, select designs of hers are featured in the Mingei International Museum's collection.

We're grateful for the wealth of knowledge and Japanese cultural contributions she's brought to our events and her incredible dedication as a part of SUMM's Advisory Board. If you're curious to learn more about Rona's journey we invite you to immerse yourself in her fascinating story.

You've had a fascinating journey, being drawn to mathematics and later discovering computer science and origami. Could you tell us about the pivotal moments that led you to these fields and how they've shaped your unique perspective?

There were four pivotal events that led me to these fields and I was drawn by a connection between all of them. The first pivotal experience that led me to seek out math was a seventh grade math teacher. The class was a ‘new math’ class in 1959 that made math fun and a game.

He let me know and made me believe I was very good at math and that I could be part of the mathematical community despite what I was hearing from everyone else about girls not doing math. My grades and test scores reinforced his support. I sought out math classes looking for fun and stimulating material. I took a course in Fortran programming in the Math department that included writing programs like the eight queens problem.

The second pivotal event happened in grad school in math at UCLA when a favorite professor came up with the idea that I should pursue further graduate studies beyond the MA in math, in Computer Science at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at NYU. This I did and got recruited to teach math and computer science in a math department at a small college, Western Connecticut State.

Shortly after becoming a faculty member, a third pivotal moment was being introduced to origami by Lillian Oppenheimer and Laura Kruskal at a dinner party. This led to attending origami meetings at Lillian’s Origami Center of America in NYC.

As a fourth pivotal moment, I connected with a mentor, a Math Professor, who taught me about polyhedra. She was very involved and supportive of the new 'hands-on' math movement and polyhedra in education. She taught me that there was an educational place for origami polyhedra. I also saw the connection between origami, math, and computer science. My perspective was that origami directions are algorithms. I saw Lillian many times. She allowed and encouraged me to go through her collection and materials.

I felt part of an international community, and had access to modular folds that people from around the world sent to her for her collection and newsletter. I witnessed the Origami Center of America become Origami USA and grow, and I can see SUMM growing too.

As a member of SUMM’s Advisory Board, what inspired you to join this initiative? How do your background and expertise contribute to SUMM’s mission of fostering a love for math and inclusivity?

Having recently moved to Seattle from the NYC area (Connecticut) and having been a member of MoMath, I knew I wanted to be a part of SUMM as soon as I learned of it. I am interested in sharing and spreading Math and Origami. The Spirit of Origami is sharing. This lines up with SUMM’s mission.

Ever since childhood I have been interested in math and rules and play and games. It helped that I had access to relevant materials and activities as a child. My parents owned and operated a toy store until I was in high school.

They also sent me to camp all summer every year. I think this has a lot to do with why I became a Math and Computer Science professor. I love the type of activities that SUMM presents. I would like to see more people experience them. I think it will result in a love for math for many.

Your math and origami background beautifully highlight math's presence in unexpected areas. How will working with SUMM further spread this idea and inspire people to explore math beyond academics?

I see SUMM as providing me opportunities to advocate for math and origami. Once people experience and love this activity as one of many that SUMM offers, their receptivity and ability to recognize, seek out and extend other possibilities will be increased.