AWM at MAA MathFest
Join us in Boston, August 5-8!
Bridging the Gap – Insights with Modeling
IPS: Friday, August 7, 8:00 am – 11:20 am, Salon AB
Whether it be in research or the classroom, modeling allows us to examine a variety of questions. We can use models to predict future circumstances from different dynamics, consider management, explore unobservable situations, and much more. In this session, we bring together speakers who leveraged models in a variety of situations. Furthermore, we consider how models can bridge gaps when it comes to collaborations, skill sets, topics, and more.
Recreational Mathematics, Including Using Games and Puzzles to Enhance Core Math Courses
CPS, Part A: Friday, August 7, 1:00 pm – 6:15 pm, Yarmouth
CPS, Part B: Saturday, August 8, 8:00 am – 9:15 am, Salon K
Puzzles, card tricks, board games, game shows, and gambling provide an excellent laboratory for exploring mathematical strategy, probability, enumeration, and the application of mathematical and statistical theory. Additionally, games and puzzles offer powerful ways to connect playful curiosity with serious mathematical thought, making them fertile ground for both theoretical investigation and effective teaching.
This session highlights both the theoretical investigation and teaching applications of recreational mathematics. We invite talks that show how recreational mathematics can enhance the teaching and learning in core undergraduate courses such as calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, abstract algebra, probability, and combinatorics. Such talks will feature classroom-tested activities, demonstrations, and course examples that connect mathematical concepts with engaging puzzles and games. We also invite talks on general scholarship in the field of recreational mathematics, including submissions that present new problems or novel solutions to classic problems. Submissions detailing recreational mathematics scholarship by or including undergraduate students are welcome.
Organized with MAA SIGMAA on Recreational Mathematics
Panel: Mental Health in the Mathematics Community
Friday, August 7, 9:30 am – 10:50 am
All members of the mathematics community are invited to join the panel on “Mental Health in the Mathematics Community.” Mental health remains a topic of widespread concern in the mathematics community. The session will include strategies for improving the mental health of individuals and groups. It will also allow for the sharing of progress that has been made locally and more globally in addressing some of the common issues that negatively impact the mental health of faculty, students, and other members of the mathematics community. Attendees will benefit from the professional and personal experiences of the panelists, who collectively contribute diverse perspectives as faculty members, researchers in the emotional aspects of learning mathematics, and mental health specialists. We once again hope to encourage an open and empathetic dialogue to raise awareness, inspire positive change, and improve the well-being of our unique and vibrant community.
Panel: To Graduation and Beyond: A Panel on the Job Market Process for Undergrads and Grads
Thursday, August 6, 5:00 pm – 6:20 pm
This panel is geared towards undergraduate and graduate students interested in learning more about the job market and hiring process but anyone is welcome. The panel consists of individuals who were on the job market in the past few years, who can speak to their recent experience. Individuals that have served on several hiring committees who can different provide insight into the hiring process. It consists of a mix of individuals from academia and industry. Participants will hear directly from the panelists and have a chance to ask their own questions during an interactive question and answer session.
Organized with MAA Project NExT
Workshop: Math & Crafts: Fun For All!
Friday, August 7, 5:00 pm – 6:20 pm
In this workshop, participants will get the opportunity to engage in a variety of arts and crafts that have mathematical connections. There will be several tables/groups set up each with a different mathematical craft with supplies and instructions/facilitators for participants to make their own artistic creations and have fun. For example, participants can explore geometry and symmetries through the art of origami or making and coloring tessellations. One can engage in the fiber arts by learning how to knit or crochet a Mobius strip. No prior experience is needed, all experience levels are welcome and all the necessary materials will be provided. There will be space for a knitting circle for people that are working on current projects and want space to knit/crochet together. Other arts and crafts may include the following: fractals, tangent-line/string art, optical illusions, and many more.
Past Town Halls, Panels, and Workshops:
- 2025 Panel: Mental Health in the Mathematics Community: The Conversation Doesn’t End
2025 Panel: Sonia Kovalevsky Days
2025 Workshop: Mathematical Games and Puzzles: Fun for All! - 2024 Panel: How to Hire a Math Educator: Considerations for Mathematics Departments
2024 Panel: Mental Health in the Mathematics Community: Continuing the Conversation
2024 Workshop: Mathematical Games and Puzzles: Fun for All! - 2023 Panel: Mental Health in the Mathematics Community
- 2021 Panel: Inspiring Women in Mathematics
- 2018 Panel: Perspectives and Advice from Women in Research
2018 Town Hall Session: Mathematical Mamas – Being Both Beautifully
2018 Town Hall Session: Shaping and Fostering an Equitable Community in our Departments - 2017 Math Potluck: A Student Swap Session
- 2016 Panel: Prioritizing Your Career and Profession
- 2014 Panel: Mentoring Matters
- 2013 Panel: Successful Career Transitions
- 2012 Panel: Parenthood on the Tenure Track
- 2011 Panel: Moving up the Career Ladder in Academia (Sponsored by AWM)
There are many ways to get involved with AWM at MathFest! Attend the AWM events to get further connected to the community of women in mathematics. Want to do more? Consider donating your time:
Nominate for the Falconer Lecture! The lectureship may be awarded to a woman who has made distinguished contributions to the mathematical sciences or mathematics education. Please see the Falconer Lectures page for more information.
Volunteer to serve on the Falconer Selection Committee! The AWM-MAA Falconer Lecture committee reviews worthy candidates and makes recommendations for this prestigious award and MAA MathFest invited speaker.
Volunteer at the AWM Booth! Will you be at a MathFest meeting? Volunteer to help staff the AWM booth! It is a great opportunity to get caught up on AWM activities and meet the community.
Encourage Grad Student Applications! Encourage grad students to apply for the Graduate Student Poster Session.
Nominate for the Mathfest Panel! The AWM MathFest panel is an opportunity for women with careers across academia, government, business and industry to answer questions from the audience about everything from the mathematics they do to how they got their positions. The topics for the panel varies from year to year.
If you are interested in volunteering or nominating for the career panel, email awm@awm-math.org.
Christina Edholm
Check out the schedule of AWM events at the 2026 MAA MathFest!
