Breaking Gender Barriers in Mathematics: Meet Today's Female Mathematicians Making a Difference
Mathematics is a field that has been predominantly dominated by male professionals, but thankfully, we are slowly beginning to see more women break through and make incredible strides in the industry. Today, we will be highlighting some of the amazing female mathematicians who have made a difference in mathematics.
Dr. Eugenia Cheng
Dr. Eugenia Cheng is a mathematician, pianist, and author whose research focuses on category theory, which is a branch of mathematics that studies the structure of mathematical objects and the relationships between them. She is the author of several books, including How to Bake Pi: An Edible Exploration of the Mathematics of Mathematics and The Art of Logic in an Illogical World. Cheng is also an advocate for inclusivity in the mathematics industry and has been a keynote speaker at various conferences promoting diversity and inclusivity.
Dr. Talithia Williams
Dr. Talithia Williams is a mathematician who specializes in statistics and data analysis. She is also an advocate for women and minorities in STEM fields and is a popular keynote speaker on the topic. Williams has made numerous television appearances, including on The Dr. Oz Show, where she discussed the importance of data literacy.
Dr. Karen E. Smith
Dr. Karen E. Smith is a mathematician who specializes in algebraic geometry, which is a branch of mathematics that studies the properties of geometric objects using algebraic techniques. In 2013, she became the first female mathematician to be awarded the prestigious Cole Prize in Algebra, Geometry, and Number Theory.
Dr. Maryam Mirzakhani
Dr. Maryam Mirzakhani was a mathematician who specialized in hyperbolic geometry and Teichmüller theory. In 2014, she became the first woman and first Iranian to be awarded the Fields Medal, which is the most prestigious award in mathematics. Tragically, Mirzakhani passed away from breast cancer in 2017, but her legacy in the mathematics industry lives on.
Dr. Katherine Johnson
Dr. Katherine Johnson was a mathematician whose calculations were critical to the success of the early United States human spaceflight program and the Apollo program. She was also a pivotal figure in the struggle for civil rights and was recently awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest civilian honor in the United States.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the amazing female mathematicians who have made a difference in the industry. We hope that their stories inspire more women to pursue careers in mathematics and STEM fields in general. Diversity and inclusivity are essential in any industry, and we must continue to make strides towards breaking down gender barriers in mathematics and beyond.
