Omayra Ortega facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Omayra Ortega
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Dr. Ortega in 2017
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| Born | |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Pomona College University of Iowa |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Mathematician |
| Institutions | Sonoma State University |
| Doctoral advisor | Herbert W. Hethcote Tong Li |
Omayra Ortega is an American mathematician. She is an expert in a field called mathematical epidemiology. This means she uses math to study how diseases spread and how to control them. Dr. Ortega is a professor of math and statistics at Sonoma State University in California. She is also the president of the National Association of Mathematicians (NAM).
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Early Life and Learning
Omayra Ortega was born in Far Rockaway, Queens, New York. Her parents came from Panama.
School and College
Dr. Ortega went to Pomona College. She earned two bachelor's degrees there in 2001. One was in mathematics, and the other was in music. After that, she continued her studies at the University of Iowa.
In 2005, she earned a master's degree in applied mathematics. She also earned a Master's in Public Health degree that same year. In 2008, she completed her highest degree, a PhD, also in applied mathematics. For her PhD, she wrote a special research paper called a "dissertation." It was about using math to understand how the Rotavirus spreads and how vaccines help.
Her Career in Math
In 2006, Dr. Ortega started teaching applied mathematics at Arizona State University. She became an assistant professor there after she earned her PhD in 2008.
Later, in 2017, she returned to her old college, Pomona College, as a visiting professor. In 2018, she joined Sonoma State University. She is now an Associate Professor and helps lead research and internships in the School of Science and Technology.
Leading Mathematicians
Dr. Ortega became the president of the National Association of Mathematicians (NAM) on February 1, 2021. Before becoming president, she was in charge of the NAM's part of the Mathematical Association of America MathValues blog. She also edited the NAM Newsletter and led the NAM's publicity committee from 2018 to 2021.
Dr. Ortega has also been featured on the PBS show SciGirls. This show helps inspire girls to explore science and math.
Awards and Special Recognition
In 2020, Dr. Ortega received an award from the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM). This award recognized her great service to the field. She was also honored by Mathematically Gifted & Black during Black History Month in 2020.
In 2023, she became an AWM fellow. This is a special honor given for her hard work. She helps people from groups that are not always seen in math, especially women and girls. She also does outreach work and is a wonderful mentor and role model. All of her efforts help the AWM's mission to support women in math.
Personal Life
Outside of her math work, Dr. Ortega trains in Capoeira. This is a Brazilian martial art that combines dance, acrobatics, and music.
