Walter Richard Talbot facts for kids
Walter Richard Talbot (1909-1977) was a very important African American mathematician. He was the fourth African American to earn a special high degree called a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh. This degree focused on a part of math called Geometric Group Theory, which studies shapes and groups of numbers. He was also the youngest person to get a Ph.D. from Lincoln University. Talbot was part of special academic groups like Sigma Xi and Pi Tau Phi.
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A Leader in Mathematics
Walter Talbot helped create a very important group for mathematicians.
Starting the National Association of Mathematicians
In 1969, Talbot helped start the National Association of Mathematics (NAM). He co-founded this group at Morgan State University. NAM is an organization that supports African American mathematicians.
Honoring His Work
NAM honored Talbot's work in many ways. Nine years after he helped start NAM, they held a special event to remember him. They also created a scholarship in his name to help students study math. In 1990, a special talk series began, called the Cox-Talbot lecture. This lecture honors Talbot and Elbert Frank Cox. Elbert Frank Cox was the very first African American to earn a Ph.D. in Mathematics.
Talbot's Career in Education
Talbot had a long and successful career teaching and leading at universities.
Teaching and Leadership Roles
Talbot held many important jobs at different universities. At Morgan State University, he was the head of the Mathematics Department and a professor. He also worked at Lincoln University. There, he was an assistant professor, then a full professor. He also led the math department. Beyond teaching, he was the dean of men, the registrar (who handles student records), and even the acting dean of instruction.
Bringing Computers to School
One of the most famous things Talbot did was bring computer technology to Lincoln University. This was a big step forward for the school. It helped students learn about new and important technology.
His Important Research
Talbot also did his own research in mathematics.
His Ph.D. Research
Talbot's main research project for his Ph.D. was called Fundamental Regions in S(sub 6) for the Simple Quaternary G(sub 60), Type I. This was his dissertation, which is a long paper that shows a lot of new research.
