Association for Women in Mathematics

A few years ago, some of the women math grads at UCSD organized a student chapter for the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM). Their goal was to promote a greater interest in mathematics and to encourage women and girls to pursue careers in the field. Since then our chapter has been awarded a Tensor Grant from the MAA, which is being used to fund panels and activities to promote these goals.

While the grant was awarded for furthering women in mathematics, often the activities that AWM sponsors are of value to all graduate students, regardless of gender. AWM holds social activities attended by a broad mix of students, arranges seminar talks on topics of interest to all graduate students, and has actively recruited nonmembers to help with undergraduate activities.

Some events that you will see AWM host in a given year include:

• A mini-conference for Southern California undergraduate women in mathematics for the purpose of providing them a chance to learn about opportunities in mathematics, present their research, and get to know other women mathematicians in the Southern California area
• A series of guest lectures by women mathematicians
• Panel discussions for all UCSD math undergrads on topics such as applying to grad school and applying for REUs (Research Experiences for Undergraduates)
• Beginning- and end-of-year ice cream parties for math graduate and undergraduate students providing the students in the math department an opportunity to get to know each other better

Thanks to the Tensor Grant, AWM hopes to award modest travel stipends to interested graduate students this year. Within the restrictions of the grant, we hope to award these funds to more than just women graduate students. Check their website for more details about applying for these funds.

All students are welcome to AWM meetings and if you are interested in becoming involved, they hold brown bag lunches every Thursday at 12pm in the conference room of the UCSD Women's Center.