Keynotes

Keynote Speaker 1 (Saturday): Dr. Eugenia Cheng (Scientist In Residence at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Honorary Visiting Fellow of City, University of London)

Inclusion-Exclusion in mathematics and beyond: who stays in, who falls out, why it happens, and what we could do about it

The question of why women and minorities are under-represented in mathematics is complex and there are no simple answers, only many contributing factors. I will draw on a combination of precise mathematical reasoning, techniques of abstract mathematical thinking, and my experiences as a woman in the male-dominated field of mathematics. I will argue that if we focus character traits rather than gender we can have a more productive and less divisive conversation, about math and beyond. I will present a new theory for doing so, showing that we can use abstract mathematical thinking to work towards a more inclusive society in this politically divisive era.

Note: This talk will NOT be recorded.

Keynote Speaker 2 (Sunday): Dr. Ranthony A.C. Edmonds (Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Mathematics at The Ohio State University)

All the Things They Told Me Not To Do: Reflections on Service and Outreach as an Early Career Mathematician

There is a recurring theme amongst some of the projects that have been the most impactful throughout my career—at some point I was told explicitly or implicitly not to do them. With this in mind, a very important part of moving these projects forward was learning how to operate within a personalized framework of what it means to be a mathematician that may not perfectly align with “traditional” academic values. In other words, learning how to become comfortably uncomfortable.

This talk will highlight lessons learned initiating equity based work in research and teaching in order to enact my career mission, to increase access to mathematics through community engaged scholarship. In particular, I will focus on two specific projects rooted in amplifying the hidden narratives of Black mathematicians.