CWU hosts K-12 math enrichment event in honor of mathematics pioneer

In 1874, Sonia Kovalevsky became the first woman to earn a doctorate in mathematics.

Ten years later, she became the first woman appointed to a full professorship in mathematics, leading the charge for future generations in the field.

In honor of her achievement, and with a future of true gender equality in STEM in mind, mathematicians across the U.S. have been organizing Sonia Kovalevsky Day for more than 20 years. On October 18, Central Washington University joined their colleagues around the country in carrying that legacy forward.

The event, a math enrichment opportunity for 50 local K-12 students of all genders, was organized by Mathematics Department Chair Dr. Chris Black, who believes spotlighting trailblazers like Kovalevsky is critical to help bring new voices to the table.

“Celebrating pioneers like Sonia Kovalevsky highlights the ideal that mathematical exploration is open to people from all backgrounds and identities,” she said. “Mathematics is the foundation of our modern technological society, and we as a society need to encourage young, creative minds to pursue careers based on mathematics.”

The all-day event in Samuelson Hall featured lessons taught by CWU faculty, aided by students from the innovative Teach STEM program. One student teacher, Acacia Brown, felt inspired by the experience on multiple levels.

“Being part of Sonia K Day was deeply meaningful to me, not just as a future teacher, but as a woman in math,” she said. “Helping students and working alongside the math department reminded me that curiosity about math doesn’t fade, it grows when nurtured. I truly hope this becomes a lasting tradition at Central.”

Secondary Math Education major Sydney Cater shared Brown’s sentiment, finding connection through the attendees’ shared love for mathematics.

“It was a great chance to connect with students from across the state, share exciting math topics, and talk about their goals after high school,” Cater said. “This event was very affirming to both my love of teaching and my love of math.”

As a seasoned mathematician and teacher, Dr. Black knows that the core math curriculum taught in K-12 schools only scratches the surface of one of the world’s oldest scientific disciplines. She hopes attendees left the event feeling inspired to dig deeper.

“Mathematics is much more vast than what students are exposed to in their K-12 education,” Dr. Black said. “We put together a positive environment for them to explore new ideas with like-minded students from across the state, and we hope to have inspired them to pursue a career with a foundation of advanced mathematics.”

Sonia Kovalevsky Day at CWU was made possible through a Dolciani Mathematics Enrichment Grant from the Mathematical Association of America, as well as support from the CWU College of the Sciences.