Frances A. Rosamond facts for kids
Frances Ann Novak Rosamond, born in 1943, is an Australian computer scientist. She studies how computers work and how people learn about them. She is also very interested in a field called parameterized complexity, which helps solve difficult computer problems faster.
Rosamond helps edit a newsletter about parameterized complexity. She also manages a wiki (an online information site) on the same topic. She helps organize big international meetings about computer science.
Early Life and Education
Frances Rosamond earned her PhD degree from Cornell University in 1981. For her PhD, she helped create the Cornell Mathematics Support Center. This center is still active today and helps students with math.
While at Cornell, she also developed a special program. This program helped adult women who felt worried about learning math. It helped them become more confident and skilled in mathematics.
Computer Science and Education
Rosamond's research also includes how computer games can be used for learning. She looked at ways to create puzzles for games. She used a complex idea called NP-completeness to make these puzzles challenging.
At the University of Newcastle (Australia), Rosamond started a new program focused on computer games. She also organized a series of talks by guest speakers. Since 1998, Rosamond and her husband, Michael Fellows, have taught workshops. These workshops teach children and adults about the math ideas behind computer science. They have taught these workshops in many different countries.
Supporting Women in STEM
Frances Rosamond has worked hard to encourage more girls and women in math and science. When she was a professor at National University in San Diego, she organized "Sonia Kovalevskia Mathematics Days." These events were for girls and their teachers to learn about math. She also helped promote the San Diego Science Alliance.
She received an award from the University of Newcastle (Australia) for her efforts. This award recognized her work in helping more women join the field of computer science.
Rosamond has been part of many important groups that support math education. She helped arrange for the Mathematical Association of America to be part of a big United Nations conference. This conference focused on women's issues. She also helped present workshops at the conference.
She was one of the first members of the Association for Women in Mathematics. This group helps support women in mathematical sciences. In 1991, she was invited to be part of the first group of women mathematicians to visit the People’s Republic of China. She has also served on the board of directors for the Women in Mathematics Education Association.
