Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Overview
This volume features substantive biographical essays on 59 women from around the world who have made significant contributions to mathematics from antiquity to the present. Designed for secondary school students and the general public, each profile describes major life events, obstacles faced and overcome, educational and career milestones—including a discussion of mathematical research in non-technical terms—and interests outside of 2 promotics. Although the collection includes historical women, the emphasis is on contemporary mathematicians, many of whom have not been profiled in any previous work. The work also celebrates the contributions of minority women, including 10 African-American, Latina, and Asian mathematicians.
Written by practicing mathematicians, teachers and researchers, these profiles give voice to the variety of pathways into mathematics that women have followed and the diversity of areas in which mathematics can work. Many profiles draw on interviews with the subject, and each includes a short list of suggested reading by and about the mathematician. Most mathematicians profiled stress the value, importance, and enjoyment of collaborative research, contradicting the prevailing notion that doing good mathematics requires isolation. This collection provides not only a substantial number of role models for girls interested in a career in mathematics, but also a unique depiction of a field that can offer a lifetime of challenge and enjoyment.
Synopsis
Substantive biographical essays on 59 women mathematicians from around the world who have made significant contributions to mathematics from antiquity to the present.
VOYA
Morrow and Perl have brought together fifty-nine women from around the world, assorted backgrounds, and various eras who share a love and zest for mathematics. These women have achieved some of the highest honors in mathematics, such as the MacArthur "Genius" fellowships and appointments to the National Academy of Sciences, while often defying the odds and breaking beyond barriers. Readers are introduced to each woman's childhood experiences with mathematics and science and how she was given opportunities to nurture this interest. Each woman has had more than one significant mentor who helped her explore her mathematical curiosity. Some, such as Sophie Germain, a French mathematician born in 1776, had to hide their mathematical interests until given the proper opportunity. Germain secretly studied mathematics at night because her family believed it an improper thing for women to do. Eventually her parents relented, and Germain was allowed to attend a university and study math. Perseverance is a key component to many of these women's successes. Mary Gray, now a professor of mathematics at American University in Washington, D.C., was asked by her first graduate course instructor, "What are you doing here? Why don't you stay home and take care of kids?" She excelled in her graduate studies and went on to be the founding president of the Association of Women in Mathematics and constantly challenges gender issues in the mathematical community. These two women are just a few examples of the successful mathematicians included in this reference book. The book stays away from rigorous mathematical definitions and concepts, but when necessary will provide a general example or description of the particular mathematical field. The editors chose to include women from all time periods, although they do focus more on contemporary mathematicians. For the reader who is interested in learning more about these women and their work, additional references, both academic and bibliographical, are provided. Index. Illus. Photos. Source Notes. Further Reading. Appendix.