Baltimore Professor Working To Make Higher Mathematics Accessible To All
Dr. Jonathan David Farley is no stranger to the STEM cause. He is currently an associate professor of Mathematics at Morgan State University with a particular interest in making math accessible to all, particularly across gender lines.
Dr. Farley comes from New York originally and has an accomplished resume. He graduated with highest honors from Harvard University and went on to receive his doctorate in mathematics from University of Oxford, United Kingdom in 1995. In 2001-2002, Dr. Farley was a Fulbright Distinguished Scholar at Oxford.
Since then, Dr. Farley has been a visiting professor of Mathematics at California Institute of Technology, a science fellow at Stanford University's Center for International Security and Cooperation, a visiting scholar in the Department of Mathematics at Harvard University, and a visiting associate professor of Applied Mathematics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
What inspired you to enter the field of mathematics and to later become involved in your own STEM initiatives to stimulate girls' interest in math?
"In tenth grade, I took a questionnaire to determine my ideal vocation. I got the result: 'mathematician/statistician.' It was then that I decided to become a mathematics professor. I started Peren Linn Fashion, a line of math themed clothes for girls, with Frau Peren Linn and Girls Equal, a nonprofit with Ms. Mira Alden, to ignite interest in girls in the area of higher mathematics.
I am also involved with Equations of Peace which is a STEM cross cultural initiative."
How does your educational background relate to your current role with STEM?
"I teach research-level math to high school students as part of an effort to reach young women, in particular, with this level of instruction."
How has your education helped to further your career and contributed to your success?
"When I interviewed for my first professorship, the chairman of the math department told others that he was impressed that I graduated second in my class from Harvard. I got the job."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into the field of mathematics?
"Three words: Girls Equal Math!"
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which
she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.