More than addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, mathematics is a “whole unexplored universe which has no boundaries,” says our guest, Laura DeMarco. In this episode, we reconsider not only what math is but also what it can do—and who can do it.

This episode was recorded on November 9, 2023.

Released on March 14, 2024.

Episode Transcript

Guest

Laura DeMarco is a Radcliffe Alumnae Professor at Harvard Radcliffe Institute and a professor of mathematics at Harvard University whose research focuses on the theory of dynamical systems and number theory. She is currently investigating the mathematical concepts of stability—if you bump into something, will that knock it out of position?—and complexity, along with how the two are related.

Related Content

Laura DeMarco: Fellowship Biography

Laura DeMarco: Harvard Department of Mathematics Biography

Credits

Ivelisse Estrada is your cohost and the editorial manager at Harvard Radcliffe Institute (HRI), where she edits Radcliffe Magazine.

Kevin Grady is the multimedia producer at HRI.

Alan Catello Grazioso is the executive producer of BornCurious and the senior multimedia manager at HRI.

Jeff Hayash is a freelance sound engineer and recordist.

Marcus Knoke is a multimedia intern at HRI, a Harvard College student, and the general manager of Harvard Radio Broadcasting.

Heather Min is your cohost and the senior manager of digital strategy at HRI.

Anna Soong is the production assistant at HRI.