math

Woman wearing safety glasses while looking at equipment (Courtesy Los Alamos National Laboratory)

Why science fairs matter in America

American science fairs help high school students put the STEM lessons they've learned to the test. Read what a veteran judge says about them.
Woman standing in front of building (© Lowell Observatory Archives)

The math genius behind Pluto’s discovery

American women have long guided U.S. space exploration. Learn more about the female mathematician who helped discover Pluto
Person standing against a low wall bordering a river (© Olena Hromova/Alamy)

Study abroad prepares students for success

The 2019 Open Doors report shows the benefits of international student exchanges, enhancing students' ability to succeed.
Woman standing with arms crossed in front of blackboard (© Andrea Kane/Institute for Advanced Study)

U.S. mathematician is first woman to win ‘math’s Nobel’

Meet Karen Uhlenbeck, a U.S. professor whose work has led to some of the most dramatic advances in mathematics in 40 years.
Man wearing three medals of math symbols (Doug Thompson/State Dept.)

Team USA solves for victory at international math competition

For the third time in four years, Team USA ranked first in the International Mathematical Olympiad, the standard for excellence in youth mathematics.
Katherine Johnson smiling (NASA)

NASA pioneer Katherine Johnson celebrates 100th birthday

Katherine Johnson, a trailblazing mathematician whose calculations for NASA were part of a blockbuster movie, just celebrated her 100th birthday.
Two men smiling, standing back to back (© Shane Harvey)

A $1 million prize for making smartphones possible

The computer industry shrugged when two engineering professors said they'd found a simpler way to make chips. But today 99 percent of smartphones and devices use their method, and they're $1 million richer.
Hand holding mobile phone showing map (Shutterstock)

The woman behind your GPS

Meet Gladys West, whose mathematical calculations changed the world. Now 87, West looks back on her role as a pivotal player in the development of GPS technology.
Girl with notebook leaping in front of scientific notations (State Dept./D. Woolverton)

Here’s a free poster that celebrates careers in science, math

More women are making their mark in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Take the leap and think about a career in STEM!