Events

The Department of Mathematics presents the
Seventh Annual Etta Z. Falconer Mathematics Lecture:
Axioms for Success: A Spelman Woman's
Mathematical Journey
Talitha Washington, Ph.D., C'96, University of Evansville
Tuesday, April 19, 2011, at 5 p.m.
Science Center NASA Auditorium

Talitha Washington, Ph.D., will discuss how her axioms for success paved her path in the mathematical world. Her life before Spelman was filled with cultural angst: she grew up in the racial hotbed of southern Indiana. Her life after Spelman was filled with challenges: she became a mother while finishing her doctorate degree. But her life at Spelman was her anchor: she gained mathematical confidence, and eventually found her own voice as a budding researcher.

Dr. Talitha Washington (BS ‘96, Mathematics) is an assistant professor of mathematics at the University of Evansville.

Dr. Washington’s current fields of interest include applying ordinary and partial differential equations to problems in biology and engineering. She is a recognized expert on the life of Dr. Elbert Frank Cox, the first African American to earn a doctorate in mathematics.

As the editor of the National Association of Mathematicians, a professional organization that serves under-represented minorities in the mathematical sciences, she provides a voice for the organization in the mathematical community.

In 2007, she founded “Stepping Up,” a conference that encourages youth to pursue viable careers through higher education. Featured in the 2009 Evansville City View Magazine as one of “Six People You Need to Know,” Dr. Washington is a board member of the Memorial Community Development Corporation, Southwest Indiana College Access Network, and YMCA of Southwestern Indiana.