Born: October 14, 1957 (Lumberton, North Carolina)
Biography:
Freda Porter, a member of the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina, is an applied mathematician and environmental scientist known as one of the first Native American women to earn a PhD in the mathematical sciences. She is the president and CEO of Porter Scientific, Inc. and president of Lumbee Tribe Enterprises, LLC.
Early life and education:
Freda Porter, a member of the Lumbee tribe, was born on October 14, 1957, in Lumberton, North Carolina. She grew up in a close-knit community that instilled in her a strong sense of cultural identity and a deep appreciation for education. From a young age, Porter showed a talent for mathematics and a fascination with the natural world.
Porter pursued her passion for mathematics by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in applied mathematics with a minor in computer science from Pembroke State University. She then went on to pursue a Master of Science degree in applied mathematics with a minor in computer science from North Carolina State University.
In 1991, Porter achieved a significant milestone in her academic journey by obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy degree in applied mathematics from Duke University. Her doctoral research focused on numerical modeling, specifically in the areas of groundwater contamination and noise modeling. This groundbreaking work showcased Porter’s innovative thinking and analytical prowess.
Career:
Following the completion of her doctorate, Porter began her career as an assistant professor of mathematics at Pembroke State University from 1991 to 1994. During this time, she actively contributed to the academic community by teaching and mentoring students, inspiring a new generation of mathematicians.
Porter further expanded her expertise through a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Her research during this fellowship centered around modeling groundwater contamination in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She also worked on noise modeling and simulation research in collaboration with the NASA Langley Research Center. These experiences allowed Porter to apply her mathematical knowledge to real-world environmental challenges.
In 1997, Porter established Porter Scientific, Inc., an environmental consulting agency, where she currently serves as the president and CEO. Through her company, she has made significant contributions to environmental sustainability by providing scientific expertise and innovative solutions to businesses and organizations.
Porter’s dedication to her community extends beyond her scientific career. She has been actively involved in Lumbee tribal government for many years. In 2017, the Lumbee Tribal Council elected her to serve as a full-time administrator for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Her contributions in this role were instrumental in strengthening tribal governance and promoting the welfare of the Lumbee community.
In 2020, Porter’s leadership and expertise were recognized once again when she was appointed as the interim president of Lumbee Tribe Enterprises, LLC. This government and industry contracting company is owned by the Lumbee Tribe and plays a vital role in economic development and job creation within the community.
Motivated by a desire to support and uplift Native Americans in the field of STEM, Porter founded the Pembroke State chapter of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) in 1991. Through this organization, she has been instrumental in empowering Native American students to pursue careers in science and engineering. Porter has also directed a science and mathematics summer program for Native American high schoolers for three years, providing them with valuable educational opportunities.
In recognition of her achievements and contributions, Porter served as a member of the Mathematical Association of America’s Committee of Minority Participation in Mathematics from 1994 to 1999. Her insights and expertise greatly influenced efforts to increase diversity and inclusion within the mathematical community.
Furthermore, Porter’s dedication to promoting Native American history and culture led her to serve as a trustee for the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian from 2006 to 2013. In this role, she actively supported the museum’s mission to preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of Native Americans.
Throughout her career, Freda Porter has been a trailblazer in the field of mathematics and environmental science. Her groundbreaking research, leadership, and advocacy have inspired countless individuals and have had a lasting impact on both academia and society.
Awards:
– Honorary Doctorate in Mathematics, Pembroke State University (1999)
– Lumbee Woman of the Year, Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina (2003)
– Outstanding Alumnus Award, Pembroke State University (2008)
– Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (2012)