Mathematically Uncensored

Aris and Pamela finish off 2023 with a Mathematically Uncensored feedback meeting. They talk about apologies, dissertation defense, and what it means to fail a student.

Pamela and Aris answer questions about a research post-doc, building a culture, and solo vs. multiple author papers.

As the semester nears an end, Aris and Pamela do their own end-of-term evaluation. Aris gives news on his promotion, Pamela celebrates her grad students, and both talk about mentorship and how individuals can only do so much. Finally, they open the mailbag and talk about the pain—as well as the privilege—that people are sending us emails about.

Are PhDs helpful for the job of a mathematician? Why does travel reimbursement take so long? And will we be seeing a Harris/Winger AMS Presidency anytime soon?

Aris and Pamela answer these questions and more in our 4th Q&A Episode.

Aris and Pamela talk about trust: how people earn it and why they're hesitant to trust people indiscriminately. Plus, does the average person know what a trapezoid is?

Aris and Pamela talk about how CVs aren't black and white. They then answer listener questions about compliment sandwiches, toxicity vs. discomfort, and more.

Aris and Pamela talk about building math research communities. How do you make a research community welcoming? How many of our collaborators come from a conversation at dinner—or at the hotel bar? And how do you make sure inclusive research communities are focused on research?

Aris and Pamela talk about leadership, and the cost of failure for a minority leader. They then answer listener questions about changing your department (without becoming chair), proof writing in K-12, grad student stipends, and more.

Aris and Pamela talk report cards. What does a 30%, a frowny face, or a C even mean in graduate school? And what happens if we're not on the same page?

Aris and Pamela introduce a new format! They answer questions from our production team and from listeners including:

-What can I be doing at my institution to support diversity initiatives in response to the SCOTUS ruling on affirmative action?

-What have you sacrificed in pursuit of your career?

and, the most controversial topic we've had so far: is zero a natural number???