Women in Mathematics: Past, Present and Future. Kathryn Leonard interviewed by Dahlia Fisch
Aug 12, 2021
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The podcast covers topics such as shape understanding in computer science, celebrating 50 years of support for women in mathematics, challenges in international collaboration, career paths in mathematics, artistic escapes during the pandemic, and reflecting on past challenges with hope for the future.
33:45
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Quick takeaways
Kathryn Leonard's research bridges neural networks and human understanding in computer graphics.
AWM is dedicated to advancing women in math through online seminars and diverse editorial boards.
Deep dives
Research and Work in Mathematics
Katherine Leonard discusses her transition from number theory to applied math, focusing on geometric modeling for computer graphics and computer vision. She outlines her research on shape understanding and interpretable machine learning, aiming to bridge the gap between neural networks and human comprehension.
Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM)
Leonard highlights AWM's mission to promote women and girls in mathematics globally, emphasizing its 50th anniversary celebrations. She mentions online seminars, the launch of a new research journal La Matamaska, and postponed research symposium, showcasing AWM's commitment to advancing women in math.
Inclusivity and Equity in Math
Katherine Leonard discusses the efforts of La Matamaska, a math journal, to promote inclusivity and diversity. With an editorial board predominantly comprising women and people of color, the journal focuses on equitable review processes, quick submission reviews, and readable articles to support interdisciplinary research and collaborative work in mathematics.
Kathryn Leonard is a mathematician and computer scientist at Occidental College in Los Angeles, California. She is currently both professor and Department Chair in the Department of Computer Science. In 2012, she received a Henry L. Alder Award for teaching from the Mathematical Associate of America, and in 2015, she received the AWM Service Award. Kathryn is the current president of the AWM and is also the director of the NSF-funded Center for Undergraduate Research in Mathematics. Kathryn studies geometric models for computer graphics, computer vision, and data analysis, with an emphasis on explainability.
Dahlia Fischis an Editor of Mathematics at Springer in New York, where she coordinates a number of book series including the Association for Women in Mathematics series, Sources and Studies in the History of Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Mathematics in Mind, and SpringerBriefs in Mathematics.