Math Values – Mathematical Association of America

The Math Values blog from the Mathematical Association of America explores the diverse voices of mathematics to bring you thought-provoking articles, informative content, and practical ideas. It reflects the MAA’s values of inclusivity, community, teaching and learning, and communication.

Writing My Way into Being “Unstuck”

By Alexis Newton I sat down several times to write this blog post. At home, at a friend’s place, and now in a coffee shop with my buddy Max sitting across from me. I had come up with a compelling title, but still the words seemed to escape me. I was stuck – stuck in...

Grad Student Blooper Reel

By Jasmine Camero Whether you're scrolling through social media, listening to chatter in the math department lounge, or talking to an old friend you haven’t seen in a while, you are most likely pointing out the highlights of your life and career. You hardly ever hear anyone gloating about their struggles. Well, this is because...

Finding Motivation in Community

By Daniel Tedeschi “Grad school is a marathon, not a sprint.” I have heard this metaphor a thousand times over, but I must say, as a graduate student currently navigating the space, I find it wanting. I find describing grad school as a long walk to be more accurate. The exciting kind, where you trek...

Supporting Mathematics Graduate Students: A Call for Departmental Leadership

By Deewang Bhamidipati @theewaang As I prepare my job applications and reflect on my graduate school experience, I want to share thoughts on how departments can better support their mathematics graduate students. While peer support is valuable, I want to emphasise that these support structures must be department-led initiatives rather than relying on graduate student...

Reflections on applying for jobs as a PhD Student, Part II

By Christopher Keyes In part I, I shared my thoughts on how to determine what you actually want out of your first job search. Here I’ll focus on specific things I did, or pieces of advice I received, that I found especially useful leading up to my first academic job search, as well as some...

Reflections on applying for jobs as a PhD Student, Part I

By Christopher Keyes Navigating the academic job market as a finishing PhD student can be a daunting experience. It is a delicate balance of reflection, writing compelling applications, and uncertainty, all while trying to stay on top of your research agenda and teaching responsibilities. Now nearly two years removed from my first time on this...

Navigating a Math REU

By Sara Costa During my sophomore year in college, my linear algebra professor told me about a research experience for undergraduates (REU). At the time, I did not know what an REU was and had no idea what to expect. That semester, I met Rachel Bailey, who was giving a talk at my university --...

Some Helpful LaTeX Tools to Get You Started or to Up Your Game

By Alexis Newton LaTeX is the most common language used for writing mathematics. At some point in your career as an undergraduate student, graduate student and beyond, you will likely be required to use it. I have had several professors who wanted all homework assignments typed in LaTeX. While in the beginning this felt...

I Finally Finished My PhD. Cool.

By Govanni Granados “You just finished your PhD! How does it feel?” is a question I’ve received a lot recently. I instinctively answer that it feels great, but it’s actually more complicated than that. Even though I was eager to graduate and leave West Lafayette, there was a feeling of melancholy near the end. I...

Upon Further Reflection

By Wambui Ngugi Math, physics, and chemistry are subjects that have always intrigued me and have been the tools that I believe best equip me to understand the world around me. They also serve to help me reach my ultimate goal and the only constant fascination I've had in my life, studying the stars. This...

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