This Math Monday, we’re celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with profiles of three amazing AAPI mathematicians that you can bring into your classroom.

Find these profiles - and 40 more! - in the Math in Action slide deck!

Dr. Terence Tao

Terence Tao is a math professor at UCLA. He won the Fields Medal in 2006, is a 2006 MacArthur Fellow, and won the Royal Medal and Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics in 2014. (his website)

Watch this profile from Numberphile.

Possible Discussion Questions:

• What drew Dr. Tao toward math?
• How was research different than math competitions or classes for Dr. Tao?
• Dr. Tao talks about his experience learning alongside students older than him. What do you imagine are the advantages and disadvantages of advancing and specializing in one field so early? 
• How does Dr. Tao describe the balance between independent and collaborative work? Which approach does he prefer for his own work?

Dr. Fan Chung

Fan Chung is a math and computer science professor at UC San Diego. She holds the Paul Erdos Chair in Combinatorics. She paints watercolors, especially in seascape and portraits (from her website)

Read this profile from Math Horizon.

Possible Discussion Questions:

• Dr. Chung emphasizes the importance of peer support and mentorship. How can that help you in any career?
• Describe Dr. Chung’s journey to becoming a mathematician. What factors do you think contributed most to her success?
• Dr. Chung describes the importance of making connections between different theorems topics. In your own life, where do you find yourself making connections between different skills?

Dr. Akshay Venkatesh

Akshay Venkatesh is a math professor at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton. He won the Fields Medal in 2018. (his website)

Watch this profile from the Simons Foundation.

Possible Discussion Questions:

• Dr. Venkatesh describes moving to U.S. and starting college at 16. How do you think you would feel in that type of situation? 
• Dr. Venkatesh talks about his passion for math and says “In math, we tend to be obsessive”. What is something that you feel that way about?
• Dr. Venkatesh discusses the importance of clearing your mind and being able to shift your focus. What helps you do that?

About the Author

Kathryn Dawson

Kathryn (she/her) is excited to join the NGPF team after 9 years of experience in education as a mentor, tutor, and special education teacher. She is a graduate of Cornell University with a degree in policy analysis and management and has a master's degree in education from Brooklyn College. Kathryn is looking forward to bringing her passion for accessibility and educational justice into curriculum design at NGPF. During her free time, Kathryn loves embarking on cooking projects, walking around her Seattle neighborhood with her partner and dog, or lounging in a hammock with a book.