Cami Sawyer facts for kids

Cameron Cunningham Sawyer, often called Cami, is an American mathematician. She has worked in New Zealand at Massey University. She also worked for the Ministry of Education. Cami is known for her work in math education. She helps students learn math, especially using technology. She also focuses on distance learning and supporting Māori students.

Education and Career

Becoming a Math Expert

Cami Sawyer studied teaching at Texas State University. She earned a special diploma there. In 1999, she completed her PhD at the University of North Texas. Her PhD research was about a complex math topic. It was called On the Cohomology of the Complement of a Toral Arrangement.

Moving to New Zealand

Cami first visited New Zealand in the 1980s. She went there with a Rotary Scholarship. In the early 2000s, she moved to New Zealand. She moved with her husband and children. She first worked as a high school teacher. Later, she joined Massey University. She became a senior tutor in mathematics.

Helping Māori Students

Since 2015, Cami has worked with the Pūhoro STEM Academy. This program is at Massey University. It helps Māori high school students. It encourages them to continue studying science and technology.

Working for the Government

In 2021, Cami left Massey University. She joined the Ministry of Education. She became the Learning Area Lead for Mathematics and Statistics. In this role, she helps guide math education for the whole country.

Recognition and Service

Awards and Honors

Cami Sawyer is a Fellow of the New Zealand Mathematical Society (NZMS). This means she is a respected member. She has also led the NZMS Education Group. In 2019, she won a special award. It was called the Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching Award. She received it from Ako Aotearoa. This is a government group that supports teaching. The award recognized her excellent teaching over many years.