Annual event to celebrate diversity in the mathematical sciences

An upcoming lecture at Grand Valley will explore and celebrate the increasing representation of women and minorities in the field of mathematics.

Deanna Haunsperger, president of the Mathematical Association of America and professor of mathematics at Carleton College, will deliver the 2018 Mosaic Lecture on February 27.

The presentation, "Making Connections: Lessons Learned From Women Mathematicians," will take place at 7:30 p.m. in room 103 of the Loutit Lecture Halls, located inside Henry Hall on the Allendale Campus.

"The Mosaic Lecture series celebrates the fact that the field of mathematics has benefited greatly from the contributions of mathematicians from diverse groups," said Jonathan Hodges, professor of mathematics, School of Communications chair and Mosaic Lecture coordinator. "Dr. Deanna Haunsperger has long been a champion for women in mathematics and is one of only a handful of women mathematicians who have served as president of the Mathematical Association of America. Her talk will be particularly inspiring to women pursuing careers in STEM fields."

Haunsperger has been teaching at Carleton College for more than 20 years. Dedicated to increasing the number of women earning advanced degrees in mathematics, Haunsperger and Stephen Kennedy, her husband and fellow mathematician, created the Carleton College Summer Mathematics Program for Women. The duo has directed the program for 18 summers.

The event is sponsored by the Mathematics Department and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. For more information, visit gvsu.edu/math or call the Mathematics Department at (616) 331-2040.