Increasing Diversity & Excellence Across STEM (IDEAS)

Distinguished Speaker Series

The IDEAS distinguished speaker series is a joint effort between St. Olaf and Carleton to celebrate the achievements and perspectives of scientists and mathematicians traditionally underrepresented in these fields. Specifically, the speaker series aims to bring women, racial minorities, and LGBTQA+ scientists and mathematicians, in addition to those with low-income or first-generation-in-college backgrounds, to Carleton and St. Olaf. This series is an opportunity for all Carleton and St. Olaf students to network and explore the multitude of pathways that lead to success.

Tepper L. Gill

Department of Electrical Engineering
Howard University

We are thrilled to announce our next IDEAS distinguished speaker, Tepper L. Gill. Despite a nontraditional path to math and science, Gill  has had a celebrated research and academic career, with degrees and Mathematics, Physics, and Applied Mathematics, and interests ranging from space to Computational Science.  In addition to his significant contributions to academia, Gill also has a strong commitment to the community, and has worked to expand economic options and opportunities for minorities in science.

May 11, 2018
Talk: Things I wish someone had told me

Francis Su

Benediktsson-Karwa Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College
Former President of MAA (Mathematical Association of America)

St. Olaf and Carleton are happy to announce Francis Su as our first IDEAS distinguished speaker. Su has a passion for teaching and popularizing mathematics, and serves as an inspiration to students and faculty reaching beyond traditional (and often unintentional) borders of participation in mathematics. “I love writing and teaching. I believe that all worthy pursuits blend structure and freedom, truth and beauty, reflection and action.” (Su, 2017 blog quote)

April 7, 2017
Talk: 11:00-11:45 am
Lunch: 12:00-12:45 pm
4th floor atrium, Regents Hall of Science, St. Olaf College