This Math Monday, we’re celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month with profiles of three amazing Hispanic and Latinx mathematicians that you can bring into your classroom. Find ready-to-go slides for these profiles - and 30 more! - in our Math in Action slide deck. 

Check out the full Math in Action slide deck!

Dr. Pamela Harris

Dr. Harris is a Mexican-American mathematician and professor at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. She also co-founded Lathisms.org, a platform that features the contributions of Latinx and Hispanic mathematicians and cohosts the podcast Mathematically Uncensored (from her website).

Watch this video from MEET a Mathematician to learn more! You can also find pre-made slides here. 

Possible Discussion Questions:

• How does Dr. Harris describe her journey into mathematics?
• Dr. Harris says she works in algebraic combinatorics. Based on her explanation, what does that mean?
• What skill does Dr. Harris say has helped her overcome the challenges she’s faced?
• What does Dr. Harris say are her proudest accomplishments?
• Dr. Harris’ advice is to “find your people” and build community. Who do you rely on for support?
• Dr. Harris describes how it took her a long time to really feel like a mathematician. Think about the big accomplishments you’ve achieved in the past. Did they feel real to you right away or did they take time to sink in?

Dr. Andrés Vindas Meléndez

Dr. Vindas Meléndez is National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley. They completed their PhD at the University of Kentucky where they also earned a graduate certificate in Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies. In 2024, he will join Harvey Mudd College as an Assistant Professor.

Watch this video from MEET a Mathematician or read this profile from Lathisms to learn more! You can also find pre-made slides here.

Possible Discussion Questions:

• What experiences led Dr. Vindas Meléndez to become a mathematician?
• Dr. Vindas Meléndez says he studies combinatorics. How does he describe what that means?
• What difficulty(ies) did Dr. Vindas Meléndez face in their journey to become a mathematician? Do you relate to any of these challenges?
• Dr. Vindas Meléndez talks about the importance of getting to choose who they work with and what projects they work on. Think about how you work with others on school projects - who do you like to work with and why? What factors determine whether you enjoy working on a project?

Dr. Cristina Runnalls

Dr. Runnalls is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics at Cal Poly Pomona. She earned her Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning, focused on math education, in 2018 from the University of Iowa. She is “also a proud Chicana, daughter of immigrants, first-generation college student and first-time mom who loves to travel, cook, bake, garden, CrossFit, go to the beach, and many other things” (from her website).

Read this profile from Lathisms to learn more! You can also find pre-made slides here.

Possible Discussion Questions:

• What role did Dr. Runnalls' parents play in shaping her view of education?
• Why did Dr. Runnalls decide to pursue a Ph.D. in math education, rather than math alone?
• How have Dr. Runnalls' personal experiences influenced her research in mathematics education?
• Dr. Runnalls emphasizes the importance of mentorship. Think about the people in your life - who could you turn to for advice or mentorship?

About the Author

Kathryn Dawson

Kathryn (she/her) is excited to join the NGPF team after 9 years of experience in education as a mentor, tutor, and special education teacher. She is a graduate of Cornell University with a degree in policy analysis and management and has a master's degree in education from Brooklyn College. Kathryn is looking forward to bringing her passion for accessibility and educational justice into curriculum design at NGPF. During her free time, Kathryn loves embarking on cooking projects, walking around her Seattle neighborhood with her dog, or lounging in a hammock with a book.