Suzanne Lenhart facts for kids

Suzanne Marie Lenhart, born on November 19, 1954, is an American mathematician. She studies special types of math called partial differential equations and optimal control. She also works in mathematical biology, which uses math to understand living things.

She is a top professor of mathematics at the University of Tennessee. She also helps lead education programs at the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis. Plus, she does research part-time at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Becoming a Mathematician

Suzanne Lenhart grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. She went to Catholic schools there. For college, she attended Bellarmine College in Louisville.

Her math teacher, Ralph Grimaldi, encouraged her to continue studying math. He even gave her extra lessons in number theory. After college, she went to graduate school at the University of Kentucky.

Choosing a Math Path

At first, Suzanne wasn't sure what area of math she wanted to focus on. But in her second year, she chose to study partial differential equations. These are special equations used to describe how things change over time and space.

In 1981, she earned her doctorate degree. Her advisor was Lawrence C. Evans. Right after finishing her studies, she started working as a professor at the University of Tennessee. In 1987, she also began her part-time research job at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Awards and Special Recognitions

Suzanne Lenhart has received many important awards and honors for her work in mathematics.

• In 1997, she was chosen as an AWM/MAA Falconer Lecturer. This is a special lecture given by a distinguished woman in mathematics.
• From 2001 to 2003, she was the president of the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM). This group supports women in math.
• In 2010, she was honored as the AWM/SIAM Sonia Kovalevsky Lecturer. This award recognized her important research in different areas of math.
• She was elected as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in 2010.
• In 2011, she became a Chancellor's Professor at the University of Tennessee. She also became a SIAM Fellow that year.
• In 2013, she was selected as a fellow of the American Mathematical Society (AMS)]. She was part of the very first group to receive this honor.
• In 2017, she was again chosen as a fellow of the Association for Women in Mathematics. This was also in the first group of AWM Fellows.
• In 2022, she was invited to be on a special committee for the AAAS-AMS.