Born: 1983 (Mexico)
Biography:
Pamela Estephania Harris was born on November 28, 1983, in Mexico. She is a renowned Mexican-American mathematician, educator, and advocate for immigrants. Currently, she holds the position of an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, after previously serving as an associate professor at Williams College in Massachusetts. Harris is also widely recognized as the co-founder of the online platform Lathisms and serves as an editor of the e-mentoring blog of the American Mathematical Society (AMS).
Harris’s journey began when she emigrated with her family to the United States at the age of 8. However, they eventually returned to Mexico before finally settling in Wisconsin when Harris was 12 years old. As an undocumented immigrant, she faced significant barriers in pursuing higher education. Despite the challenges, Harris demonstrated resilience and determination.
Unable to attend university due to her immigration status, Harris enrolled at the Milwaukee Area Technical College. Within an impressive span of two and a half years, she earned two associate degrees, displaying her dedication to her academic pursuits. After marrying a US citizen and obtaining a change in her immigration status, Harris transferred to Marquette University, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in mathematics.
Continuing her academic journey, Harris pursued a master’s degree and, in 2012, she obtained her PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee under the guidance of Jeb F. Willenbring. Her research is primarily focused on algebraic combinatorics, particularly the representation of Lie algebras. Harris delves into the study of vector partition functions, with a particular interest in Kostant’s partition function. Additionally, she explores areas such as graph theory and number theory, broadening her mathematical expertise.
Harris’s contributions extend beyond her research as she actively advocates for underrepresented groups in the mathematical community. In 2016, she co-founded Lathisms, an influential online platform aimed at promoting the contributions of Latinxs and Hispanics in the field of Mathematical Sciences. Her dedication to inclusivity and diversity is further evident in her book co-authorship. In 2020, Harris published Asked and Answered: Dialogues On Advocating for Students of Color in Mathematics.
Having a profound impact on the mathematics community, Harris co-hosts a podcast called Mathematically Uncensored alongside Aris Winger through the Center for Minorities in the Mathematical Sciences. The podcast, initiated in October 2020, discusses the challenges minorities encounter in mathematics and addresses current issues in the field.
Awards:
– In 2022, Harris was awarded the Deborah and Franklin Haimo Awards for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics.
– In 2020, she was selected as one of the inaugural class of Karen EDGE Fellows.
– In 2019, Harris received the Mathematical Association of America Henry L. Alder Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Beginning College or University Mathematics Faculty Member. This recognition was a testament to her mentorship towards undergraduate research and her tireless efforts as a fierce advocate for a diverse and inclusive mathematics community.
– She also received the early career Faculty Mentor Award from the Council of Undergraduate Research in the Mathematics and Computer Sciences Division.