Floyd Williams facts for kids
Floyd Leroy Williams (born September 20, 1939) is a North American mathematician. He is well known for his work in Lie theory and, more recently, in mathematical physics. Besides Lie theory, he is also interested in homological algebra and the math behind quantum mechanics. He earned his first degree (B.S.) in Mathematics in 1962 from Lincoln University of Missouri. Later, he received his M.S. in 1965 and his Ph.D. in 1972 from Washington University in St. Louis. Williams became a professor of mathematics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1984. He has been a professor emeritus (meaning he retired but still holds the title) since 2005. His achievements were recognized by Mathematically Gifted & Black as a Black History Month Honoree in 2019.
Early Life and Education
Floyd Williams was born on September 20, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri. He grew up in a very difficult situation, facing poverty. His mother taught him to have faith and work hard instead of complaining. He followed her advice, and it helped him succeed. He even became an ordained minister in addition to being a mathematician.
When he was in high school, he was more interested in music than in mathematics. He even said that math was the only subject he didn't do well in. He hadn't planned on going to college until his last week of high school. That's when he was offered a music scholarship to Lincoln University of Missouri in Jefferson City, Missouri.
In his second year of college, he became very interested in the theory of relativity. This theory became his main reason for studying mathematics. In 1972, he finished his Ph.D. from Washington University. His main research for his Ph.D. was in Lie theory.
Career and Impact
After earning his Ph.D., Dr. Williams worked as an instructor and lecturer at MIT from 1972 to 1975. Then, in 1975, he moved to the University of Massachusetts Amherst as an assistant professor. In 1983, he received a special grant called an MRI grant. This grant helped him continue his research and become a well-known figure in the world of mathematics.
As an African-American in a field where there have been few minority people, Dr. Williams faced discrimination during his career. However, he has been a great inspiration and role model for many young minority students. He encourages them to study science and engineering.
Dr. Williams helped create programs that allow students before college and those in college to meet and talk with mathematicians, scientists, and engineers. One of the most notable programs was a summer camp held at MIT. He explained that many young people only see different courses. They want to know what mathematicians actually do every day. He also said that once minorities decide to go to graduate school in science or engineering, they need extra help. This is because graduate school can feel like a very new and different environment for many. He believes more universities need to offer such support programs.
In 2012, he was honored by becoming a fellow of the American Mathematical Society.
Contributions to Mathematics
Dr. Williams's recent work in quantum mechanics has focused on the Nikiforov-Uvarov theory. This theory helps solve the Schrödinger equation, which is important in quantum mechanics. It also helps understand how energy levels are set in a unified way. This theory is also used to provide a consistent way to understand special functions in mathematics. His studies help connect modern pure mathematics with physics.
