Indiana's "Mr. Math", Sam Dittmer, 18-year-old math major from Zionsville, Ind., is just like other freshman at BYU trying to figure out college life. But unlike most freshmen, he is taking two 300 level math courses, two math seminar classes and is starting his undergraduate research in a few weeks.

Sam recognizes the age gap in his math classes.

"Physically, I think I am a little younger," Dittmer said. "The guys are three years older than me. But, so far, intellectually, I think I am doing fine."

BYU recruited Dittmer last year after learning about his aptitude in math and his interest in coming to Provo, said Tyler Jarvis, BYU math department head. Dittmer was the American Regions Math League National individual round champion in 2006 - the only one in the nation to get all eight questions right at the national contest.

He was also named the first "Mr. Math" of Indiana last spring by Gov. Mitch Daniels. This title is given to the best math student in the state, which is similar to the way Indiana gives their best basketball player the title "Mr. Basketball." Along with the title "Mr. Math," Dittmer received a $2,000 scholarship.

"As a math star, he comes in needing different classes than the average student," Jarvis said.

He said the BYU math program is more flexible than other colleges and does a lot with helping undergraduates do research. Dittmer was accepted to both Stanford and MIT, but chose BYU because of the focus on undergraduate study instead of only graduate study like many other colleges. Right now, he is planning on studying number theory or group theory.

Another reason he choose BYU is to help prepare for a mission. He said he is happy with where he is right now.

"I think I am really going to enjoy planning my time and all the freedom," Dittmer said, "and the fact that I am responsible for my own destiny."

He asked one of his friends from home, Ryland Sinclair who is also attending BYU, if he could get away without telling his peers at BYU he is good at math. Sinclair told him that people would be able to tell, but Dittmer took this as a compliment.

"I do find that when I run into people who are more analytical, it is easier for me to talk to them," he said.

Dittmer became interested in math at age 10 when his older brother, Andrew, currently earning his Ph.D. in mathematics at Harvard, started to teach him and his brothers complicated math problems with fun objects like bones and swords.

He said his brother was teaching them algebra and group theory in disguise.

"I wanted them to enjoy math like other kids enjoy doing things recreationally," Dittmer's brother said.

Dittmer said his brother is always there to give him help and advice in math. They will have phone conversations just about math.

"One thing about Sam is that he was never intimidated by ideas, which is a good trait in someone who wants to do well," Andrew said.

Sam said he is not quite sure what he will do in the future, but he knows it will involve math in some way.

"He wants to do good in the world," said Dittmer's mother Janet Dittmer. "He doesn't just want to think on his own. He wants to help the world with math."



Copyright Brigham Young University 10 Sep 2008