Simons Foundation: Does Math Have a PR Problem?

Simons Foundation
160 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10010

What gets people most excited about science? Space, dinosaurs and robots probably top the list. Math, on the other hand, is often perceived as boring and inaccessible, with folks quick to proclaim that math “isn’t for them.” Which is a shame because math is the language of our universe. So, how do we engage people with math? How can we encourage people to reapproach their connection to math if they’ve moved away from it? And how can we create math experiences that foster a deeper sense of belonging? Kyne Santos, a drag queen and math communicator, is passionate about crafting new and relevant ways for people to connect with math and discover its beauty. From her recent book, “Math and Drag,” which explores the intersections of math and queerness, to her popular educational videos on social media, she skillfully blends creativity and identity exploration with mathematical concepts to make them more accessible. At Columbia University, Simons Junior Fellow Tim Large studies the math behind how things move in classical mechanics, such as a planet around its star. His research area, called symplectic geometry, is still relatively new and has much to be discovered. That potential inspires Large to collaborate with people with different perspectives, expertise and backgrounds and to find ways to promote greater inclusivity within the field. As president of Math for America (MƒA), Maria Klawe is focused on solving a different problem the field faces: retaining exceptional math and science teachers in K–12 public schools. By providing financial support, opportunities for deep community collaboration and continued learning, MƒA supports nearly 1,000 STEM teachers throughout New York City so they can continue to make lasting impacts on their students, schools and communities. Join them as they sit down with John Tracey, program director of Science, Society & Culture at the Simons Foundation, for a conversation that aims to unpick some of the reasons why math gets such a bad rap and the ways people are working to change that narrative.

Doors open: 5:30 p.m. (No entrance before 5:30 p.m.)

In Conversation: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (Admittance closes at 6:20 p.m.)

Reception: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Registration is required!