Born: 1942 (Cleveland, Ohio)
Biography:
Karen Keskulla Uhlenbeck, born on August 24, 1942, is an American mathematician and one of the pioneers of modern geometric analysis. She is widely regarded as a trailblazer in the field and has made significant contributions to mathematics throughout her career. As a distinguished professor emeritus of mathematics at the University of Texas at Austin, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the discipline.
Uhlenbeck’s journey into mathematics began during her childhood in Cleveland, Ohio. Her father, Arnold Keskulla, was an engineer, while her mother, Carolyn Windeler Keskulla, was a schoolteacher and artist. The family later moved to New Jersey, where Uhlenbeck spent her formative years.
She pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, earning her B.A. degree in 1964. Following this, she embarked on her graduate studies at the renowned Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at New York University. In 1965, she married Olke C. Uhlenbeck, who would become a prominent biophysicist. Despite facing challenges associated with the anti-nepotism rules prevalent at the time, Uhlenbeck managed to secure a faculty position at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1971.
Throughout her academic career, Uhlenbeck made significant moves to various institutions, constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities. In 1976, she relocated to the University of Illinois at Chicago. She further moved to the University of Chicago in 1983, where she continued to expand her research and influence. Notably, in 1988, Uhlenbeck settled at the University of Texas at Austin as the Sid W. Richardson Foundation Regents Chairholder.
Uhlenbeck’s groundbreaking contributions to mathematics have left an indelible mark on the field. Her areas of expertise include geometric partial differential equations, gauge theory, and integrable systems. She played a pivotal role in advancing the study of analysis, geometry, and mathematical physics, propelling these disciplines to new heights. Her research has greatly influenced the way mathematicians approach and understand these complex phenomena.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions to mathematics, Uhlenbeck received numerous accolades and awards throughout her career. Notably, she became a member of the American Philosophical Society in 2007, further solidifying her esteemed status within the field. However, her most significant achievement came in 2019 when she was awarded the prestigious Abel Prize. This distinguished honor was bestowed upon Uhlenbeck for her pioneering achievements and fundamental impact in the realms of geometric partial differential equations, gauge theory, and integrable systems. Her work has not only made significant contributions to mathematics but has also played a crucial role in expanding the boundaries of human knowledge.
Uhlenbeck’s impact extends beyond her extraordinary contributions to mathematics. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she has been a source of inspiration and a symbol of empowerment for aspiring female mathematicians. Her success has shattered the glass ceiling, paving the way for future generations of women to excel in mathematics and other STEM fields. To further promote women’s engagement in research mathematics, Uhlenbeck generously donated half of her Abel Prize winnings to organizations dedicated to this cause.
Karen Uhlenbeck’s remarkable career and enduring influence have solidified her place in the annals of mathematics and women’s history. Her groundbreaking work, resilience in the face of challenges, and dedication to promoting gender equality have left an indelible impact on the world of mathematics and society as a whole.
Awards:
– 2019 Abel Prize for her pioneering achievements in geometric partial differential equations, gauge theory, and integrable systems, and for the fundamental impact of her work on analysis, geometry, and mathematical physics. She is the first, and so far only, woman to win the prize since its inception in 2003.