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NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: Photos of Barbara Keyfitz are available on
the Web at http://www.uh.edu/admin/media/nr/2004/06jun/060904bkeyfitz.html.
NEWTON-ESQUE MATHEMATICIAN
AT UH BREAKS NEW GROUND HOUSTON, June 9, 2004 – Viewing the world as if it were one big equation, UH Professor Barbara Keyfitz is the first woman to be appointed director of a major math institute in Canada – the Fields Institute. Keeping in step with generations of innovators, like famed mathematician Sir Isaac Newton, whose unique way of looking at math crossed many traditional boundaries, Keyfitz will be bringing a fresh perspective to the Fields Institute from the theoretical side of math, hoping to bring fundamentals and practical applications closer together. Beginning her three-year appointment in July, Keyfitz, a John and Rebecca Moores Professor at the University of Houston, will continue to make many contributions to applied mathematics in her new role, particularly in the study of nonlinear partial differential equations, such as those arising in the study of fluid flow or transonic shock waves, creating tools to use in diagnosing problems in models. This kind of research has helped other mathematicians with whom Keyfitz works study such phenomena as tracking the flow of blood in the human body, getting oil out of reservoirs and analyzing the disruption of airflow over the wings of aircraft as they approach the speed of sound. “This institute has done a tremendous amount for mathematics,” said Keyfitz. “I look forward to introducing new areas of math to it, such as applications, capitalizing on my strengths in the theoretical realm like bridging core and applied math.” The Fields Institute, a center for mathematical research activity, is a place where mathematicians from universities, industry and financial institutions from around the world come together to carry out research and formulate problems of broad mutual interest. Its ultimate mission is to provide a supportive and stimulating environment for mathematics innovation and education, helping to expand the application of mathematics in modern society. One of the largest and best known of its kind, the Fields Institute has an annual budget of more than $2.5 million. “Although we will miss having Dr. Keyfitz on campus for the next few years, we support her new endeavor without hesitation and are extremely pleased to have one of UH’s faculty members asked to do this,” said John Bear, dean of UH’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. “We see the importance of what the Fields Institute is doing
for mathematics and encourage not only Keyfitz’s professional
development but also the potential to increase the level of activity
between Fields and UH to fortify a more reciprocal relation,”
Bear said. “Perhaps we may even explore the possibility of
running Fields activities at UH. It will provide a good channel
that we can then keep open between the high quality students and
faculty found in both Canada and at UH.” “Canada is a good place to foster global interaction, offering a nice meeting ground for Europe and the U.S.,” Keyfitz said. “And it also brings a powerful infusion of energy into the Canadian math scene.” John Charles Fields, for whom the institute is named, worked tirelessly throughout his life to promote mathematical research. He is best known for establishing the Fields Medal, often called the “Nobel Prize in Mathematics.” “While it will be an exhausting and challenging task, I strive to have the same kind of positive influence that Fields has had,” Keyfitz said. “He was always encouraging mathematicians worldwide to further the profession and stimulate new thought.” Keyfitz brings a fresh perspective to the table at the Fields Institute in that she is the type of mathematician whose work provides a good base ground that others can build upon. Her approach provides the building blocks of basic fundamental equations for others, such as creating equations on fundamental principles of motion upon which all mathematicians can come to agreement. Keyfitz compares this approach to Newton’s Third Law of Motion that says, “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction,” explaining that she basically looks at how the physical world turns itself into equations. With a distinguished record of research, mentoring and service to her profession, Keyfitz also holds many other posts that include fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and chair elect of its mathematics section, officer of the International Council for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, reviewer and advisor to the Canadian Natural Sciences and Engineering Council, and incoming president of the Association for Women in Mathematics. While this latest honor as director of the Fields Institute is actually an extremely prestigious appointment in the mathematical community, Keyfitz quite humbly states, “It’s a good thing to do, and I’m ready for a new challenge.” About the University of Houston For more information about the Fields Institute, visit www.fields.utoronto.ca To receive UH science news via e-mail, visit www.uh.edu/admin/media/sciencelist.html For more information about UH visit the university’s ‘Newsroom’ at www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom. |
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