The Project Fibonacci® Foundation is excited to announce the celebration of Fibonacci Day on November 23, 2024, a day dedicated to recognizing their namesake—Leonardo Pisano Fibonacci, the 13th century Italian mathematician famous for developing the Fibonacci Series and Golden Ratio found throughout science, engineering, art, and the natural world. By observing physical patterns in trees, leaves, including the reproductive patterns of animals like rabbits, he identified a unique mathematical sequence where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones, leading to the famed Fibonacci Series.
The History of Fibonacci Day: Fibonacci Day is celebrated on November 23 because the first digits of the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8…) appear in the date 11/23. This sequence, introduced by Fibonacci in his 1202 book Liber Abaci, has been a foundation for numerous breakthroughs in mathematics, computer science, biology, and even art. Its widespread applications can be found in the structure of pinecones, sunflower seed patterns, seashells, astronomical bodies, the design of famous architectural structures, modern-day technology and design, and much more. The day serves as a reminder of the timeless nature of mathematical concepts and their incredible influence on the world around us.
STEAM Leadership Education and the Project Fibonacci® Foundation’s Mission: As part of its ongoing mission to promote STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) leadership education, the Project Fibonacci® Foundation is excited to commemorate Fibonacci Day by sharing its latest initiatives, which include a variety of programs designed to inspire young minds and cultivate leadership in STEAM fields.
The Foundation is thrilled to announce their upcoming STEAM Women Rising Symposium, set to take place in March 2025 at the Beeches Manor. This inspiring event, sponsored by NYSTEC, will bring together over 150 students and educators from across Central New York, all coming together to explore the world of STEAM leadership and careers. This inspiring event will feature successful women entrepreneurs in technology, education, business, and other fields across the STEM spectrum and beyond who will share stories of their professional journeys, personal growth, and career insights.
The 2025 symposium will feature Melanie Sawyer, a contestant from the History Channel’s Alone series and a successful business owner and entrepreneur, as its guest speaker. Sawyer’s journey in the wilderness and her entrepreneurial spirit will inspire young women to push boundaries and pursue their passions in STEAM fields. Open to all students primarily in grades 10-12, the symposium offers a welcoming space for leadership learning and cultivating personal/professional growth. Attendees can engage in panel discussions and interactive learning activities designed to foster collaboration and professional development to equip our future STEM workforce. One of the aims is to assist underserved or underrepresented groups in STEM, particularly, to increase female participation in STEM, while exposing students at large to the possibilities, opportunities, and positive difference all of them can make.
Additionally, early nominations are now open for the 2025 STEAM Youth Leadership Conference themed, “The Science of the Unknown.” This exciting conference will explore the mysteries and possibilities that lie beyond the known, encouraging students to think critically and creatively about the challenges facing our world. Students and educators are invited to submit nominations for outstanding youth leaders who are eager to make a difference in the ever-evolving world of STEAM.
The Project Fibonacci® Foundation is committed to providing innovative educational programs that bridge the gap between academia and real-world applications. These initiatives support local students in developing the skills and mindset needed for success in STEAM careers and beyond where scientific- and artistically-inclined students work together to solve a complex socio-technological STEM challenge.
“We are elated to celebrate Fibonacci Day as part of our ongoing effort to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders,” said Dr. Andy Drozd, Chairman of the Board. “With events like the STEAM Women Rising Symposium and the STEAM Youth Leadership Conference, we are continuing to open doors for young women and students in general to explore the vast opportunities available in the world of STEAM,” he added.
About The Project Fibonacci® Foundation: The Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering STEAM leadership education through hands-on experiences, mentorship programs, and community engagement. The Foundation empowers students, particularly young women, to pursue careers in STEAM fields by providing innovative learning opportunities and a supportive community environment. Through its various programs and initiatives, the Foundation invests in the future of local communities, driving both educational and economic growth.
For more information about Fibonacci Day, the STEAM Women Rising Symposium, the 2025 STEAM Youth Leadership Conference, and other programs offered by the Project Fibonacci Foundation, visit www.projectfibonacci.org.
