Ruth Margaret Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ruth M Williams
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 1945 (age 79–80) Birmingham, UK
|
| Alma mater | Girton College, Cambridge (BA) Imperial College, London (PhD) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Mathematics General Relativity Discrete Gravity |
| Institutions | Imperial College, London Center for Theoretical Studies, University of Miami University of Bristol University of Cambridge |
| Thesis | Current Algebras in Elementary Particle Physics (1968) |
| Doctoral advisor | Paul Taunton Matthews |
Ruth Margaret Williams (born in 1945) is a British mathematician. She works at the University of Cambridge. Her main research is about something called discrete gravity.
Contents
Early Life and School
Ruth Williams was born in Birmingham, UK. She went to primary schools in Lozells and Banners Gate. Later, she attended Sutton Coldfield High School for Girls.
Ruth was the first person in her family to go to university. She studied mathematics at Girton College, Cambridge. After that, she went to Imperial College, London. There, she earned her PhD in theoretical physics. This is a type of physics that uses math to understand how the universe works. Her PhD work focused on "current algebras."
After her PhD, she worked as a researcher.
- From 1968 to 1970, she was at the Center for Theoretical Studies in Miami, USA.
- From 1970 to 1973, she was back at Imperial College.
- From 1973 to 1974, she taught for a short time at the University of Bristol.
- In 1974, she returned to Girton College as a research fellow.
Her Career at Cambridge
In 1976, Ruth Williams became an important part of Girton College. She was an Official Fellow, a Lecturer, and the Director of Studies in Mathematics. She held these jobs until she retired in 2012.
At the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge, she also had several roles:
- Temporary Lecturer (1991-1994)
- Assistant Director of Research (1994-2002)
- Reader in Mathematical Physics (2002-2012)
Even though she retired in 2012, she is now a Life Fellow at Girton College. During her time at Cambridge, she taught and guided students in many theoretical physics courses.
Her Research Work
Ruth Williams first studied elementary particle physics. This field looks at the smallest particles that make up everything. Later, she started working on general relativity. This is Albert Einstein's famous theory about gravity and how space and time work.
Eventually, she combined these two interests. She began working on quantum gravity. This is a big challenge in physics. Scientists want to find a single theory that explains both the very small (quantum mechanics) and the very large (general relativity).
Her special way of looking at quantum gravity is called Regge calculus. Imagine trying to make a curved shape, like a dome, out of flat pieces. Regge calculus does something similar for space-time. It uses flat, simple shapes to approximate curved space-times.
Ruth Williams's work on Regge calculus includes:
- Studying how model universes change over time.
- Using computers to simulate discrete quantum gravity.
- Looking at how Regge calculus connects to other theories.
She has written about 100 research papers on her discoveries.
Sharing Knowledge
Ruth Williams loves to share her knowledge. She has given talks about her research to many groups. These include university student societies and younger students in high school.
She was also the Treasurer for the Royal Institution Mathematics Workshops in Cambridgeshire. This group holds Saturday morning sessions. They help 12- and 13-year-olds get more interested in math.
Women in STEM
Ruth Williams cares a lot about making sure girls and women can succeed in math. She wants to make sure they are not stopped from reaching their full potential.
Because of this, she helped start the British Women in Mathematics Day. This event now happens every year. It helps support and encourage women in mathematics.
Personal Life
Ruth Williams was married to Jan Saxl. He was also a mathematician and a professor at the University of Cambridge. They had one daughter named Miriam.
