Dr. Steve Butler is the Barbara J. Janson Professor in Mathematics at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. Dr. Butler's research interests include spectral graph theory, enumerative combinatorics, mathematics of juggling, discrete geometry, and "mathematics of fun things."

In a conversation with students from Simon Fraser University, Amritha Raj Kizhakkeputhukulathil Ramanan, Anmol Anmol Singh, and Brian Krammer, Dr. Butler talks about mathematics and magic, shares his thoughts about the role of teaching in the life of a research mathematician, and talks about his friendship and collaboration with Ron Graham.