Evelyn Silvia facts for kids

Evelyn Marie Silvia (born February 8, 1948, died January 21, 2006) was a smart American mathematician. She loved studying math and taught at the University of California, Davis. She was also very active in making math education better for students in high school. She focused on special areas of math like functional analysis and starlike functions.

Becoming a Math Whiz

Evelyn Silvia was born in Fall River, Massachusetts. When she was in seventh grade, her math teacher told her she was the best math student he had ever seen. This made her feel very confident about math. It also helped her decide to become a mathematician.

She went to Southeastern Massachusetts University. She earned her first degree in mathematics in 1969. Then, she continued her studies at Clark University. She earned a master's degree in 1973. She also finished her Ph.D. (a very high degree) in 1973. Her main research project was about "Alpha-Starlike Functions."

Her Career in Math

Evelyn Silvia started working at the University of California, Davis in 1973. She stayed there for her whole career. She retired shortly before she passed away.

Besides teaching math to college students, Evelyn Silvia also volunteered. She taught math in local elementary and high schools. In the 1970s, she led a special teaching program at UC Davis. In the 1990s, she was in charge of the Northern California Math Project. This project worked to make math education better across Northern California.

Awards and Recognition

Evelyn Silvia was recognized for her amazing work. In 1990, the UC Davis Academic Senate gave her their Distinguished Teaching Award. This award is for excellent teachers.

In 2001, she won another big award. It was called the Deborah and Franklin Haimo Awards for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics. The Mathematical Association of America gives this award. It honors college teachers who are super successful. Their teaching must also help students beyond their own schools.