Search

SUMMARY: Minorities are historically underrepresented in American mathematics and efforts have been made to rectify this.

Organizations are a fundamental component of society, partly because of the human need to connect around similar interests. Professional associations form in response to individual and societal needs and concerns and, in turn, impact society. Mathematics students, teachers, and researchers may join professional mathematics organizations to feel like a part of the larger mathematics community and make a difference beyond their school or university. There are international associations with worldwide memberships, like the International Mathematical Union (IMU), and associations organized by geographical region. National and regional associations worldwide address many of the same issues as mathematics associations in the United States. These issues include teaching, research, service, and the mathematics profession.

English-born American mathematician. Charlotte Angas Scott was born in England, the second of seven children of Caleb and Eliza Ann Exley Scott. Her father was a pastor at a nonconformist (non-Anglican Protestant) church; when Charlotte was seven years old, he was elevated to the headship of Lancashire College. Charlotte was educated primarily at home, and her family could afford to provide her with a sequence of excellent tutors. In addition, the family often played mathematical games with her to provide an additional level of encouragement.