Eric C. Harshbarger | |
|---|---|
| Education |
|
| Occupation | Senior Lecturer |
| Known for | Go First Dice, Top North American Scrabble Player[1] |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Recreational Mathematics |
| Institutions | Auburn University |
| Website | http://www.ericharshbarger.org/ |
Eric C. Harshbarger (born 1971)[2] is a Senior Lecturer of mathematics atAuburn University.[3] He previously was anAlabama-based builder of large-scaleLego brick mosaics and sculptures.[4][5] From around 2000 to 2006 he was commissioned to build fortelevision shows andmagazines for promotional purposes.
Harshbarger grew up inAuburn, Alabama where he went toAuburn High School. In 1992, he obtained a Bachelor of Science from Auburn University in the Mathematics Department . In 1994, he also received a Master of Science from the Mathematics department at Auburn. In the late 1990s, he moved to California to pursue a job in the computer industry. In 1999, he returned to his home town of Auburn .[6]
Harshbarger is also well known for his work in puzzle and game design. HisDigits in a Box[7] toy has been produced by Popular Playthings since 2007.Wired magazine[8] featured an optical illusion puzzle of his design in 2009. Collaborating withMike Selinker, Harshbarger co-authored an optimization puzzle for theMaze of Games in 2015.[9] From 2004-2017 he also has hosted one or morepuzzle parties in and around his hometown ofAuburn, Alabama.[10] His puzzle TicTac's Tactics won Jury Honorable Mention at the 2018 InternationalNob Yoshigahara Puzzle Design Competition.[11]
In the state of Alabama, Eric Harshbarger is ranked number one and is in the top 100 players in the United States for the gameScrabble.[12]
Harshbarger is a senior lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Auburn University.[13] Harshbarger has been credited for significant research, development, and production ofGo First Dice.[14]
