We are thrilled to recognize the outstanding achievements of Dr. Olivia (Prosper) Feldman, a valued member of the National Association of Mathematicians, as she is named the 2025 Etta Z. Falconer Lecturer by the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) and the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).
Dr. Feldman is widely known for her expertise in mathematical modeling with a strong emphasis on epidemiology. Her research spans topics such as parasite-borne infections, population dynamics, and the societal and economic impacts of emerging diseases. Her work is particularly notable for its focus on real-world applications—developing intervention strategies to control outbreaks and improve experimental data collection.
From 2020 to 2024, Feldman published 14 peer-reviewed articles and authored three preprints. Many of these works were collaborative efforts, including projects supported by the American Institute of Mathematics Structured Quartet Research Ensemble (AIM SQuaRE). Her ability to lead and connect researchers across disciplines is a hallmark of her approach.
In addition to her research excellence, Feldman has shown a deep commitment to mentoring and expanding access in mathematics. At the University of Tennessee, she launched the Junior Modelers Program (JuMP)—a program that introduces undergraduates, as early as their first semester, to data-driven modeling and coding.
Her mentorship has guided four Ph.D. students, one Master’s student, and numerous undergraduates. In 2021, she received the Ann Keith Rea Faculty Teaching Award, a testament to her dedication to student growth and inclusive pedagogy.
Feldman’s talent for communicating complex concepts clearly and compassionately has not gone unnoticed. She has spoken on national webinar panels about COVID-19’s impact on the Black community and was interviewed by The New York Times for her epidemiological expertise. Her ability to reach diverse audiences speaks to her strength as both an educator and public scholar.
Dr. Feldman is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Florida and completed a postdoc at Dartmouth College. Prior to her current role, she was an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky.
Her accolades include:
In 2021, she also served as an organizer for an American Mathematical Society Mathematical Research Community, supporting early-career mathematicians in building collaborative research projects.
“It is an honor to be recognized by AWM and MAA as the 2025 Falconer Lecturer. AWM has played an important role in my career, providing support and opportunities to expand my collaborations and to provide opportunities for my graduate students.”
– Dr. Olivia (Prosper) Feldman
The Falconer Lectures honor the legacy of Dr. Etta Zuber Falconer (1933–2002), a trailblazer in mathematics education and an advocate for minority and women representation in STEM. These lectures spotlight women who have made significant contributions to the mathematical sciences and education.
We celebrate Dr. Feldman not only for the distinguished honor of being named the 2025 Falconer Lecturer, but also for her exemplary embodiment of the values Dr. Falconer championed—excellence, equity, and community.
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Article reprinted with permission by the Association for Women in Mathematics and edited for NAM by Zerotti Woods, Ph.D. and Michole Washington, Ph.D.
Photo by Ben Walker, University of Tennessee
