Erica Flapan facts for kids

Erica Flapan is a well-known American mathematician. She was born on August 14, 1956. She is currently a special professor of mathematics at Pomona College. She is also a respected member of the American Mathematical Society. For some time, she was the main editor for their monthly magazine, Notices.

Becoming a Mathematician

Early Studies and Degrees

Erica Flapan started her college journey at Hamilton College. She finished her studies there in 1977. After that, she went to the University of Wisconsin–Madison for her advanced degrees. She earned her Ph.D. in 1983. Her main teacher and guide during this time was Daniel McMillan.

Research and Teaching Career

After getting her Ph.D., Dr. Flapan continued her research at other universities. She worked at Rice University and the University of California, Santa Barbara. In 1986, she joined the teaching staff at Pomona College.

Her special area of study is called low-dimensional topology and knot theory.

What is Knot Theory?

Knot theory is a part of mathematics that studies knots. Imagine tying a knot in a piece of string. Mathematicians study these knots in a very detailed way. They look at how knots can be twisted and linked. This field helps us understand complex things, like how DNA is structured.

What is Low-Dimensional Topology?

Low-dimensional topology is about studying shapes and spaces. These spaces are like lines, flat surfaces, or 3D objects. It explores how these shapes are connected and what happens when you stretch or bend them. It's like understanding how a rubber band can be stretched into different shapes without breaking.

Books by Erica Flapan

Erica Flapan has written or helped write several interesting books about mathematics. These books help explain complex ideas in a clear way.

• When Topology Meets Chemistry: A Topological Look at Molecular Chirality (published in 2000)
• Number Theory: A Lively Introduction with Proofs, Applications, and Stories (co-written with James Pommersheim and Tim Marks, published in 2010)
• Knots, Molecules, and the Universe: An Introduction to Topology (published in 2015)

She has also helped edit other books. These include:

• Applications of Knot Theory (with Dorothy Buck, 2009)
• Knots, Links, Spatial Graphs, and Algebraic Invariants (with Allison Henrich, Aaron Kaestner, and Sam Nelson, 2017)
• Topology and Geometry of Biopolymers (with Helen Wong, 2018)

Awards and Recognition

Erica Flapan has received many awards for her excellent work in mathematics.

In 2011, she won the Deborah and Franklin Haimo Awards for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics. This award is given by the Mathematical Association of America to teachers who are great at explaining math.

In 2012, she became a special member, called a fellow, of the American Mathematical Society. This is a big honor for mathematicians. In the same year, her old college, Hamilton College, gave her an Alumni Achievement Medal. This was part of their 200th birthday celebration.

In 2018, she won the M. Gweneth Humphreys Award from the Association for Women in Mathematics. This award recognized her dedication to helping and guiding younger mathematicians.

She also gave a special talk for students at MathFest in 2021. This talk was called the Chan Stanek Lecture.

See also

In Spanish: Erica Flapan para niños