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When Associate Professor Alan Russell talks about mathematical fiction, he describes stories that spark curiosity, narratives that invite readers to think mathematically without turning fiction into a textbook. For instance:

• In “Contact” by Carl Sagan, mathematics becomes a universal language through which humanity deciphers a mysterious signal from space.
• In “Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions” by Edwin A. Abbott, a two-dimensional world becomes the setting for exploring geometry, dimensionality and new ways of understanding reality.
• The “Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon uses mathematical patterns, prime numbers and logic to shape how the narrator understands the world.

These works and others like them, he said, illustrate how stories can encourage readers to explore concepts such as infinity, probability and logic.

“In mathematical fiction, math is not just decoration,” Russell said. “The characters, plot or main ideas must connect to mathematics that can be explored and shared. A reader should be able to discover a real concept, such as geometry, infinity, patterns, probability or logic, and feel invited to understand it more deeply.”

Russell’s interest in mathematical fiction as a distinct subgenre of science fiction and literature will be supported in 2026-2027 with a full-year, full pay sabbatical at ���ϲ����� as he studies that ways in which mathematical ideas can be woven into compelling and educational storytelling.

The defining feature of mathematical fiction, Russell said, is that it leads the reader toward real mathematical curiosity and further study. The longtime faculty member in the Department of Mathematics will work to establish a clearer definition for mathematical fiction, a genre that currently lacks formal treatment in academic literature.

His research, which won the support of ���ϲ�����’s Faculty Research and Development Committee, will also explore how storytelling can influence attitudes toward mathematics and serve as a tool in mathematics education.

“My work combines creative writing and mathematics by using narrative as a vehicle for mathematical thinking,” Russell said. “Rather than presenting mathematics solely through traditional instructional methods, I explore how mathematical concepts, structures, and ways of thinking can be embedded within stories that appeal to readers and invite curiosity.”

This work builds on Russell’s long-standing interest in interdisciplinary teaching and research. His earlier work examined the intersection of mathematics, origami and mathematics education, including the creation of COR 3250: Math Origami in 2003 and nearly two decades of related publications, presentations and grant work.

“That work showed how artistic practices can deepen mathematical understanding,” Russell said. “This sabbatical project builds directly on that foundation by applying similar interdisciplinary principles, using storytelling instead of origami to engage learners.”

To deepen his understanding of creative narrative, Russell completed a Master of Fine Arts in writing popular fiction.

“Receiving a full‑year sabbatical allows me to approach this work with the depth, rigor, and sustained focus it requires,” Russell said. “Professionally, I hope this establishes a new line of interdisciplinary scholarship that I can pursue at ���ϲ�����. Personally, it brings together my interests in mathematics, mathematics education, and creative writing into a single project.”

Following his sabbatical, Russell plans to integrate the results of this research into his courses related to mathematics education and interdisciplinary learning. He has plans to propose a new course focused on mathematical fiction.

���ϲ�����’s Faculty Research and Development Committee selected Russell for the competitive sabbatical in recognition of the project’s originality and scope.

“The definition and development of ‘mathematical fiction’ will advance pioneering research through a robust plan for producing high-quality scholarship on this unconventional connection,” said Juan Leal Ugalde, associate professor of Spanish in the Department of World Languages and Cultures. “This multidisciplinary approach which will bring meaningful benefits to our academic community.”

Faculty are encouraged to apply for sabbaticals if they are conducting extensive research or engaged in significant additional study that will result in their professional development. At ���ϲ�����, faculty may apply for full-year/full-pay sabbatical, a leave of one-half of a full year’s teaching load at full salary, or for a leave of absence full academic year at half salary.

Since joining ���ϲ����� in 1997, Russell has received two external grants, including a $1.7 million National Science Foundation grant focused on origami, engineering, art, mathematics and education in collaboration with colleagues at North Carolina State University. He also received a Japan Foundation grant supporting professional development and classroom activities related to origami and Japanese culture for colleagues in the Alamance Burlington School System.

“This project represents a natural continuation of my interdisciplinary work at ���ϲ�����,” Russell said. “Just as origami allowed me to connect mathematics with art, mathematical fiction offers a new way to connect mathematics with storytelling. I see this as work that can benefit students, educators and the broader public while strengthening ���ϲ�����’s reputation for innovative, cross‑disciplinary scholarship.”