Mathematician Dr. Natasa Dragovic Engages Mumbai School Students Ahead of the 18th IOAA
The Sky Explorers, in collaboration with the organizing committee of the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA), hosted an inspiring and intellectually vibrant session today at Udayachal High School, Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli. The event featured a talk by Dr. Natasa Dragovic, Assistant Professor at the University of St. Thomas and the current General Secretary of the IOAA.
Dr. Dragovic delivered a fascinating and student-friendly lecture titled “Introduction to Random Graphs and Applications”, introducing students to the foundational concepts of graph theory — from the works of Euler and Hamilton to the practical applications of random graphs in real-world problems. Despite the topic’s mathematical depth, the talk required no prior knowledge, making it accessible to the enthusiastic group of students from Grades 8 to 10 who attended.
The session was highly interactive and immersive with students posing thought-provoking questions and engaging actively with the concepts discussed. Their curiosity and excitement reflected the growing interest in STEM education in India — something Dr. Dragovic herself, a former Olympiad Gold medalist who went on to study at MIT, strongly advocates for.
“The Sky Explorers” and the organizing team of the 18th IOAA extend their heartfelt thanks to Ms. Rekha Pandey, Principal of Udayachal High School, and the team from Godrej, for graciously hosting Dr. Dragovic and making this impactful outreach event possible.
This event also marked the beginning of India’s build-up to hosting the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, which will take place in Mumbai this August. The prestigious global science competition in organised by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, a national centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai and is expected to welcome the brightest young minds in astronomy from over 50 countries. The 18th IOAA is supported by the Government of India through its Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) via the Vigyan Pratibha Project of HBCSE.
India’s legacy at IOAA has been nothing short of exceptional. In the past 17 years, 88 Indian students have represented the country, winning an impressive 34 Gold, 35 Silver, and 13 Bronze medals. With less than 10% of global participants earning a gold medal and only 15% earning silver, India’s strike rate — with 78% of its participants securing at least a silver medal — is extraordinary by any standard.
As the nation prepares to host this landmark edition of IOAA, events like today’s not only celebrate international collaboration in science education but also inspire the next generation of Indian space scientists, astronomers, and mathematicians.
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