Born: 1959 (Garden City, New York)
Biography:
Lynne Marie Butler (born 1959) is an American mathematician known for her significant contributions to the fields of algebraic combinatorics, group theory, and mathematical statistics. She has made remarkable strides in her career as a professor of mathematics at Haverford College.
Butler was born in 1959 to parents who were both medical professionals. Growing up in Garden City, New York, she and her identical twin sister, Laurie Butler, were the youngest among six siblings. They were raised in a nurturing environment that valued education and encouraged their curiosity.
At a young age, Butler developed a keen interest in mathematics, thanks to her high school mathematics teacher, Mr. Mead, who played a pivotal role in sparking her passion for the subject. Together, they delved into the intricate world of group theory, fueling Butler’s thirst for knowledge and paving the way for her future endeavors in mathematics.
After completing her high school education in St. Petersburg, Florida, Butler pursued her undergraduate studies at the prestigious University of Chicago. Majoring in mathematics, she graduated in 1981, equipped with a solid foundation in the field.
Determined to further her mathematical prowess, Butler went on to pursue doctoral studies in mathematics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). However, her academic journey was fraught with challenges. Despite warnings from other women in the department about her prospective advisor, Butler persisted. Unfortunately, she encountered discrimination and biased attitudes within the academic community, particularly concerning women’s ability to focus on mathematics due to marriage and children.
Undeterred by the negativity, Butler sought guidance from the department chair and decided to change her research focus. She embarked on the field of combinatorics, working under the tutelage of renowned mathematician Richard P. Stanley. This marked a turning point in her career, as she discovered her passion for algebraic combinatorics, a field that blends arithmetic and abstract thinking.
With perseverance, Butler successfully completed her Ph.D. in mathematics in 1986.
In 2013, sensing a need for change and inspired by the success of her female students in the application-oriented aspects of her classes, Butler decided to pursue a master’s degree in statistics at the University of Chicago. This decision allowed her to expand her expertise and better guide her students.
Butler’s professional journey led her to Princeton University, where she became a postdoctoral researcher and, a year later, an assistant professor. Unfortunately, she encountered similar sexism and discrimination as she had faced at MIT. The oppressive environment at Princeton impacted her well-being and forced her to isolate herself for four years. However, she found solace in marrying F. Miller Maley, a computer scientist at Princeton.
In 1991, Butler made the decision to move to Haverford College, where she hoped to find a more supportive and collaborative atmosphere. The move proved to be a wise one, as she flourished in her career. In 1996, she achieved the rank of full professor, a testament to her exceptional contributions to the field and her dedication to her students.
Throughout her career, Butler has been a trailblazer for women in mathematics. Despite facing numerous obstacles, she has risen above adversity and made significant strides, leaving an indelible mark on the field of mathematics. Her work has not only advanced the understanding of algebraic combinatorics and group theory but has also served as an inspiration to aspiring mathematicians, particularly women.
Awards:
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