Suzanne Weekes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Suzanne L. Weekes
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| Nationality | American, Trinidadian |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan, Indiana University |
| Known for | MSRI Undergraduate Program, PIC Math Program |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Mathematics |
| Institutions | Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, Worcester Polytechnic Institute |
| Doctoral advisor | E. Harabetian |
Suzanne L. Weekes is a very important mathematician and leader. She is the Chief Executive Officer of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM). This is a big group for people who use math to solve real-world problems.
She is also a professor who teaches math at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Dr. Weekes helped create a special program for college students. This program is called the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute Undergraduate Program (MSRI-UP).
Her Early Life and School
Suzanne L. Weekes is Caribbean-American. She was born and grew up in Trinidad and Tobago, a country in the Caribbean.
In 1989, she finished her studies at Indiana University. She focused on mathematics and also studied computer science. She then went to the University of Michigan. There, she earned two more degrees. In 1990, she got a master's degree in applied mathematics. In 1995, she earned her PhD, which is a very high degree, in math and scientific computing.
What She Does
Dr. Weekes does a lot to help students and teachers in math. She is a co-director of a program called Preparation for Industrial Careers in Mathematical Sciences (PIC Math). This program helps college teachers show their students how to use math in different jobs.
She is also a professor of mathematical sciences at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She co-founded MSRI-UP, which is a research program for college students. This program helps students from groups that are not always seen in math. It gives them chances to do math research.
In 2019, she became a leader for undergraduate studies at WPI. She also joined the main committee for the Association for Women in Mathematics. This group helps women in math.
Awards and Special Recognition
Dr. Weekes has received many awards for her work.
- In 2015, she won the Denise Nicoletti Trustees' Award. This award was for her great service to the community.
- In 2017, she was honored by Mathematically Gifted & Black. This group celebrates Black mathematicians.
- She received the 2019 M. Gweneth Humphreys Award. This award from the Association for Women in Mathematics was for her excellent work as a mentor. A mentor helps guide and support others.
- In 2020, she won a Deborah and Franklin Haimo Awards for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics. This award is for amazing college math teachers.
- In 2022, she was honored as the AWM/MAA Falconer Lecturer. This is a special lecture given by a top mathematician.
- In 2024, she was chosen as a Fellow of the Association for Women in Mathematics. This means she is a very respected member. She got this honor for helping more women and other groups get involved in math. It was also for her great teaching and mentoring.
