GREAT WOMAM OF MATHEMATICS: DR. FERN HUNT, born 1948. Dr. Hunt is a probability theorist and mathematical biologist who has made important contributions to our understanding of dynamical systems and mathematical modeling. She was born in 1948 to working class parents, #GWOM 1/8 
supported and encouraged her scientific and mathematical passions. With their encouragement, she became the first member of her family to graduate from college. She earned AB, MS, and a PhD in mathematics. Dr. Hunt worked in academia until 1993, when she left the academy to 2/8
work in the computing and applied mathematics laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Her work in dynamical systems relates to the mathematical modeling of genetic variation, patterns in bacteria, nonlinear dynamics, and more. The Monte Carlo method 3/8
(see pic) offers a novice level explanation of mathematical modeling via probability theory, which is the basis for much of her work. One of her significant areas of interest and work is chaos theory, the term for mathematical study of complex systems that are so dynamic and 4/8
so full of interrelated variables that it takes "mountains of data" and massive computing power to see and begin to predict patterns. (See pic for a novice level explanation of chaos theory). In 2000, Dr. Hunt was honored with the Arthur S. Flemming Award for Outstanding 5/8
Federal Service, recognition of her contributions to computational geometry, mathematical biology, chaos theory, and the modeling of dynamical systems. Dr. Hunt is especially lauded for her collaborations--she has worked with scientists and engineers both in and out of the 6/8
academy, helping to take mathematical rigor and give it immediate and practical applications via technology and industry. She was inducted into the 2019 class of fellows of the American Mathematical Society and the 2020 class of American Women in Mathematics Fellows. Dr. Hunt 7/8
is a musician, active in outreach and mentoring, especially to women of color. Her advice to her younger self (see pic) emphasizes courage and self-knowledge, fantastic wisdom for us all. Pics from "Power in Numbers: the Rebel Women of Mathematics," by Dr. Talithia Williams. 8/8
