For the past three years, SMUS alum Dr. Trefor Bazett ’03 has been captivating Senior School mathematics students with guest lectures and hands-on demonstrations. A well-known figure in the online math education space, "@DrTrefor"—as he’s recognized by his 472,000+ YouTube subscribers—returned once more to a Mathew Geddes’s mathematics class. On Feb. 11, Bazett visited the Advanced Topics in Mathematics 12 class to showcase the unexpected beauty of mathematics.
“I think connecting with high school students is important to show off some of the coolest parts of mathematics that they might encounter at university,” said Bazett, whose lesson featured an unconventional tool: bubbles. “My hope is that it inspires students to take more math at the university level and see that there’s a lot of fascinating mathematics out there to explore.”
Bazett, an award-winning Assistant Teaching Professor of Mathematics at the University of Victoria, first returned to SMUS after a Grade 12 student spotted his name on a plaque in the chapel and recognized him from YouTube. That connection led to an invitation from Mr. Geddes, and since then, Bazett has made four visits to the classroom, each one bringing a fresh perspective to advanced mathematical concepts.
A Hands-On Approach
This year’s class was no exception. Designed for students who have already mastered Advanced Placement math, the course introduces sophisticated mathematical concepts such as proof, higher-dimensional space, relativity, and linear algebra. Its goal is to provide conceptual frameworks that apply across disciplines, fostering critical and creative thinking.
Bazett began his lesson by dipping different wireframe shapes into bubble solution, creating mesmerizing formations of bubbles within bubbles and prompting students to analyze the surfaces that emerged.
“It’s a lot of fun working with these advanced students who already know their calculus and are eager to explore deeper ideas,” he said. “I barely had to prompt them before they devised an integral formula for the surface area of a revolution—an essential step in computing the curve that minimizes the so-called ‘catenoid’ surface.”
Using their understanding of calculus, the students determined an integral expression for the surface area of the bubble, then analyzed it further to derive the Lagrangian equation—a fundamental differential equation with wide-ranging physical applications.
“What made this activity so powerful is that a simple, fun bubble-making process leads to a complex mathematical modelling challenge,” said Geddes. “The calculus required to determine the mathematical model is just within reach of our students. While the content itself is second- or third-year undergraduate material, these SMUS students are able to stretch their understanding and access this level of math.”
Alumni Inspiring the Future
Beyond the numbers and formulas, Bazett’s visit served as an inspiration to students, many of whom have their sights set on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) programs after SMUS. His engaging approach demonstrated that math isn’t just about equations—it’s a way of thinking that unlocks a deeper understanding of the world.
His visit was just one of several recent alumni engagements in the STEAM field. Earlier this month, SMUS welcomed Dr. Jeff McCracken ’93, Chief Urologist for Island Health, and Dr. David Jiang ’04, a Portland-based urologist, who spoke with Engineering and Design 10 students about a surgical robot that is bridging the gap between traditional surgery and modern technology.
With alumni like Bazett, McCracken and Jiang returning to campus to share their passion and expertise, SMUS students continue to benefit from a network of mentors who prove that learning extends far beyond the classroom walls.
Read also: YouTube’s 'Dr. Trefor' Wins Prestigious Mathematics Science Education Prize
Photos from the class:
