09-01-2026, 10:12 PM
The Women Taking Math To The Next Dimension
Author: Lauren J. Young
Published: November 16, 2017 — Science Friday
The article profiles mathematicians Rebecca Goldin, Emily Riehl, and Eugenia Cheng, who challenge the common perception of mathematics as little more than calculations and formulas. They describe mathematics instead as a highly creative discipline driven by imagination, abstraction, problem solving, and the search for underlying structures. Goldin works on geometry and symmetry, Riehl studies higher-dimensional category theory, and Cheng works in category theory, which she describes as the “mathematics of mathematics.” Their examples range from the Fibonacci sequence and the Banach–Tarski paradox to non-Euclidean geometry, showing how mathematical ideas can lead far beyond what can be physically visualized.
A recurring theme is that doing mathematics is much more social and exploratory than outsiders often imagine. Riehl emphasizes that research frequently involves collaboration and that asking questions is essential rather than a sign of weakness. Goldin says that she originally expected mathematics to become increasingly tedious, but instead discovered that advanced mathematics is playful, conceptual, and visually beautiful. Cheng similarly stresses that mathematics combines rigorous logic with creativity and imagination: because mathematicians are not restricted by physical reality, they can investigate structures of almost unlimited complexity.
The three mathematicians also offer advice to young women considering mathematical careers. Goldin encourages them to pursue mathematics without feeling they must already have a career mapped out; Riehl urges students to ask questions freely; and Cheng argues that women do not need to imitate stereotypically male behavior in order to succeed. Overall, the article presents mathematics not as a cold collection of computations but as an imaginative, collaborative intellectual activity in which curiosity and creativity are as important as technical ability.
Key takeaways
ARTICLE
Author: Lauren J. Young
Published: November 16, 2017 — Science Friday
The article profiles mathematicians Rebecca Goldin, Emily Riehl, and Eugenia Cheng, who challenge the common perception of mathematics as little more than calculations and formulas. They describe mathematics instead as a highly creative discipline driven by imagination, abstraction, problem solving, and the search for underlying structures. Goldin works on geometry and symmetry, Riehl studies higher-dimensional category theory, and Cheng works in category theory, which she describes as the “mathematics of mathematics.” Their examples range from the Fibonacci sequence and the Banach–Tarski paradox to non-Euclidean geometry, showing how mathematical ideas can lead far beyond what can be physically visualized.
A recurring theme is that doing mathematics is much more social and exploratory than outsiders often imagine. Riehl emphasizes that research frequently involves collaboration and that asking questions is essential rather than a sign of weakness. Goldin says that she originally expected mathematics to become increasingly tedious, but instead discovered that advanced mathematics is playful, conceptual, and visually beautiful. Cheng similarly stresses that mathematics combines rigorous logic with creativity and imagination: because mathematicians are not restricted by physical reality, they can investigate structures of almost unlimited complexity.
The three mathematicians also offer advice to young women considering mathematical careers. Goldin encourages them to pursue mathematics without feeling they must already have a career mapped out; Riehl urges students to ask questions freely; and Cheng argues that women do not need to imitate stereotypically male behavior in order to succeed. Overall, the article presents mathematics not as a cold collection of computations but as an imaginative, collaborative intellectual activity in which curiosity and creativity are as important as technical ability.
Key takeaways
- Advanced mathematics is fundamentally about ideas, structures, patterns, and imagination, not merely calculation.
- Mathematical research can be highly collaborative and social.
- Understanding difficult mathematics often develops gradually over years rather than arriving instantly.
- Asking questions is an important part of becoming a better mathematician.
- The article argues against stereotypes about both what mathematics is and who can become a mathematician.
ARTICLE
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