Have you seen the website TED.com? If you enjoy mathematical applications, you may may want to see this presentation of Ron Eglash, an ethno-mathematician who likes to research fractals and self-similarity. He uses his knowledge of mathematical patterns to better understand the patterns in African societies and their design symmetry in their villages and pottery. It is all about patterns.
By the way, an ethno-mathematician is one who studies the way math and cultures intersect.
See for yourself.
