Rhonda Hughes facts for kids

Rhonda Jo Hughes was born Rhonda Weisberg on September 28, 1947. She is an American mathematician. She is known for her work as a professor and for helping many women succeed in math. She is now a professor emeritus at Bryn Mawr College.

Early Life and Education

Rhonda Hughes grew up in Chicago, Illinois. She went to Gage Park High School. She was a top student and also a cheerleader.

She first studied engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. After a year and a half, she took a break from school. She then returned to college at the University of Illinois at Chicago. This time, she chose to study mathematics.

At the University of Illinois at Chicago, she met Professor Yoram Sagher. He encouraged her to continue her studies in math. In 1975, she earned her Ph.D. (a very high degree) in mathematics from the same university.

Career in Mathematics

Rhonda Hughes started her teaching career at Tufts University. Later, she spent a year as a special researcher at Radcliffe College. In 1980, she joined Bryn Mawr College. She was the head of the math department there for six years. She retired from teaching in 2011.

Helping Women in Math

Rhonda Hughes has always worked to support women in mathematics. From 1987 to 1988, she was the president of the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM). This group helps women who work in math.

She also helped create special programs. From 1992 to 1994, she and Sylvia Bozeman ran a summer math program. It was for college women studying math.

In 1998, they started the EDGE Program. EDGE stands for "Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education." This program helps women who are starting advanced math degrees. It gives them extra support and training. The EDGE Program has been running for over 20 years. It has helped many women achieve their dreams in math.

Awards and Honors

Rhonda Hughes has received many awards for her work and teaching.

• In 1998, she won the Deborah and Franklin Haimo Award. This award is for excellent college math teachers.
• In 2004, she received the AAAS Mentor Award. This award honors people who guide and support others.
• In 2010, she received the Gweneth Humphreys Award. This award is for mentoring young women in math.
• In 2013, she received the Elizabeth Bingham Award.
• In 2017, she was chosen as a Fellow of the Association for Women in Mathematics. This is a special honor for people who have made big contributions to math.