national association of mathematicians

The National Association of Mathematicians (NAM) had an impactful presence at the 2025 Joint Mathematics Meeting (JMM), showcasing a robust lineup of sessions, discussions, and celebrations that highlighted the contributions of Black mathematicians and fostered a sense of community within the profession. Held at The Seattle Convention Center and The Sheraton Grand, the JMM is the largest annual gathering of mathematicians in the world, and NAM’s events provided a vital platform for networking, mentorship, and scholarly exchange.

Engaging Sessions and Discussions

NAM's programming at JMM 2025 kicked off with “Quantitative Justice”, an insightful session held on January 8 where speakers explored the role of mathematics in social justice and policy-making. Attendees engaged in thought-provoking discussions on data-driven approaches to equity and justice.

On January 9, the Haynes-Granville-Browne Presentations offered a showcase of cutting-edge research by recent doctoral recipients. These presentations provided an opportunity for emerging scholars to share their work with the broader mathematical community, reinforcing NAM’s commitment to supporting early-career mathematicians.

• Dr. Taylor H. Ferebee presented how deep learning can be used to better understand and predict how genes work in plants—especially maize—by combining data from different species and showing why clean, well-organized data is essential for getting accurate results.
• Dr. Sipkaduwa Arachchige Sashika Sureni Wickramasooriya showed how they used statistical and deep learning models to forecast monthly mosquito abundance and malaria cases in São Tomé, Africa, by analyzing climate data, vector control measures, and historical trends—offering insights to better plan malaria prevention efforts in 2025.
• Dr. Reginald Cyril Wallis Anderson presented new ways to resolve the diagonal in smooth projective toric varieties and stacks, extending previous work to broader cases and highlighting implications for exceptional collections on toric Fano varieties in low dimensions.
• Dr. Romario Gildas Foko Tiomela showed how they used mathematical modeling and optimal control theory to evaluate the economic impact of COVID-19 interventions, aiming to guide more effective public health decision-making.
• Dr. Michole E. Washington shared how culturally relevant math education and intentional use of artificial intelligence can disrupt algorithmic bias and political erasure to empower Black girls—honoring the legacy of Black women mathematicians while reimagining a future where Black girls thrive in mathematics from K–12 to PhD.

That afternoon, the Legacy of Elbert Frank Cox session honored the first Black Ph.D. in mathematics, reflecting on his enduring impact and the continued efforts to build a more inclusive discipline.

Celebrating Excellence: The Cox-Talbot Address and Banquet

One of the most anticipated events of NAM’s JMM programming was the Banquet and Cox-Talbot Address. This prestigious lecture, delivered by Dr. Omayra Ortega, celebrated the achievements of Black mathematicians and provided inspiration for the next generation of scholars.

Honoring Great Minds: The Claytor-Woodard Lecture

On the morning of January 11, attendees gathered for the Claytor-Woodard Lecture, a distinguished talk given by Dr. Tai-Danae Bradley. This annual lecture, named after mathematical pioneers William W. S. Claytor and Dudley Weldon Woodard, highlights groundbreaking research and contributions by Black mathematicians.

Business and Community Building

Following the lecture, NAM members convened for the NAM Business Meeting to discuss organizational updates, upcoming initiatives, and ways to further NAM’s mission of fostering excellence and inclusion in the mathematical sciences.

Inspiring Stories: Journeys of Black Mathematicians

The conference concluded with a special screening of George Csicsery’s film, “Journeys of Black Mathematicians: Creating Pathways,” followed by a panel discussion. This event provided a powerful reflection on the experiences of Black mathematicians, celebrating both historical figures and contemporary trailblazers who are shaping the future of the field.

Looking Ahead

NAM’s presence at JMM 2025 was a testament to the strength, resilience, and brilliance of Black mathematicians. As we look ahead to another year of mentorship, research, and advocacy, NAM remains dedicated to advancing diversity in mathematics and ensuring that the contributions of Black scholars continue to be recognized and celebrated.

Stay tuned for future NAM events and initiatives, and we look forward to gathering again next year!