Mathematics Event

Fifth Annual Etta Z. Falconer
Mathematics Lecture

Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at 5 p.m.

NASA Auditorium, Albro-Falconer-Manley Center,
Spelman College, Atlanta, Georgia.

The department of mathematics proudly presents Karen D. King, Ph.D., C'91, as the featured speaker for the Fifth Annual Etta Z. Falconer Mathematics Lecture.

During her presentation titled, "The Mathematical Education of Teachers: The Legacy of Etta Falconer in Me," Dr King will discuss the ways in which her mathematical preparation and discussions with Etta Falconer about undergraduate mathematics education have informed her own research in mathematics education.

King says, "one strand of my current work focuses on the mathematical education of future middle and high school teachers. A seed for this work began in my exposure to the modified Moore method in Dr. Falconer’s abstract algebra course and grew through my many conversations with her during my time at Spelman and beyond. Drawing on stories from my own mathematical education at Spelman with Dr. Falconer, I will discuss some of the cutting edge issues in the research on the mathematical preparation of teachers as well as the development of my own career in mathematics education."

The Etta Z. Falconer Mathematics Lecture series honors and celebrates the memory and legacy of Etta Z. Falconer, Ph.D., Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Mathematics at Spelman College until her retirement in 2002.

Dr. Falconer earned her Ph.D. from Emory University with a dissertation entitled, “ Quasigroups Invariant Under Isotopy, ” directed by Trevor Evans. She served Spelman with distinction for 37 years, contributing vision, leadership, and tireless energy.

Among many official roles, she served as Chair of the Department of Mathematics, Chairperson of the Division of Natural Sciences, Associate Provost for Science Programs and Policy, and Interim Provost of the College.

In these and other professional roles beyond the college, she initiated and led many special projects which have increased the participation of women, African Americans and other under-represented groups in mathematics, science and engineering careers and continue to have far-reaching impact today. On campus her legacy includes a significant impact on or origination of the Dual Degree Engineering Program, the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Scholars Program, and the Model Institutions for Excellence (MIE) Program, as well as several science departments.