Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Preface
- Contents
- Problems by Subject
- Environmental Psychology
- Software Engineering; Computer Science
- Archaeology
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Civil Engineering
- Mathematics
- Electrical Engineering
- Physics; X-ray Astronomy Research
- Mathematics
- Physics; Astronaut Crew Training Instructor
- Business Data Processing
- Software Engineering; Real Estate Investment
- Quality Engineering
- Health Science
- Nursing Education
- Electrical Engineering; Space Systems
- Oil and Gas Accounting
- Business Administration Higher Education
- Aerospace Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Dietetics—Foodservice Management and Nutrition
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering, retired
- Software Engineering
- Immunology and Microbiology
- Mechanical Engineering
- HMO Pharmacy Practice and Management
- Ophthalmology
- Electrical Engineering
- Fish Pathology
- Computer Science and Computer Graphics
- Mathematics and Computing
- Electrical Engineering
- Astronomy
- Author
- Mathematics
- Reflections on WAM
- Solutions
Mathematics
- Frontmatter
- Preface
- Contents
- Problems by Subject
- Environmental Psychology
- Software Engineering; Computer Science
- Archaeology
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Civil Engineering
- Mathematics
- Electrical Engineering
- Physics; X-ray Astronomy Research
- Mathematics
- Physics; Astronaut Crew Training Instructor
- Business Data Processing
- Software Engineering; Real Estate Investment
- Quality Engineering
- Health Science
- Nursing Education
- Electrical Engineering; Space Systems
- Oil and Gas Accounting
- Business Administration Higher Education
- Aerospace Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Dietetics—Foodservice Management and Nutrition
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering, retired
- Software Engineering
- Immunology and Microbiology
- Mechanical Engineering
- HMO Pharmacy Practice and Management
- Ophthalmology
- Electrical Engineering
- Fish Pathology
- Computer Science and Computer Graphics
- Mathematics and Computing
- Electrical Engineering
- Astronomy
- Author
- Mathematics
- Reflections on WAM
- Solutions
Summary
When I was growing up, women were not expected to choose a career in mathematics. Since I was always a rather hard-headed, stubborn individual, I rebelled against this notion and decided to do it anyway. And now, as a mathematician, I derive great satisfaction at the surprise in people's faces when they find out what I do for a living.
Mathematics is great. I can sit and think, deduce and reason, be creative all day long—and get paid for it. And what's really interesting is that most of the work I do has no immediate practical value, because mathematicians don't usually attack a problem with an application in mind. We leave it to the scientists to take our results and find some use for them.
As for my history: I majored in mathematics in college and obtained my BA from the University of Florida. Next, I joined the Peace Corps and went to Liberia, West Africa, where I had my first experience as a teacher. I taught mathematics, and my students taught me about their culture and what it meant to be an African. After my tour in Africa, I went to Scotland to teach math, and found that mathematics is important in all cultures.
Upon returning to the United States, I went back to school, earning a BA in art at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC).
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- She Does Math!Real-Life Problems from Women on the Job, pp. 23 - 25Publisher: Mathematical Association of AmericaPrint publication year: 1995