Dr. Angela Tabiri, the first African winner of The Big Internet Math Off competition, is on a mission to encourage girls in Ghana to embrace mathematics. Through her academic management of the Girls in Mathematical Sciences Programme and her non-profit organization, FemAfricMaths, she aims to break gender stereotypes and nurture future leaders in the field, focusing on the pivotal role of quantum science.
Pioneering Quantum Ambitions: Dr. Angela Tabiri's Mission for Girls in Mathematics
Pioneering Quantum Ambitions: Dr. Angela Tabiri's Mission for Girls in Mathematics
Dr. Angela Tabiri, celebrated as Ghana’s Maths Queen, seeks to inspire young African women through mentoring and her groundbreaking work in quantum mathematics.
Dr. Angela Tabiri, often referred to as the Maths Queen in Ghana, has made history by being the first African to win The Big Internet Math Off competition. At 35 years old, Dr. Tabiri hopes her recent achievements will inspire African women, especially those who have historically faced discouragement in pursuing mathematics. "I find joy in solving puzzles and mathematical questions," she states, underlining her passion for the subject.
The competition, which began in 2018, casts sixteen mathematicians in a humorous contest for the title of "the world's most interesting mathematician." Their performance is judged based on how well they convey mathematical concepts. With a keen interest in quantum algebra, Dr. Tabiri conducts research at the Ghana branch of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), a program aimed at enhancing postgraduate education in STEM across Africa.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Tabiri leads the Girls in Mathematical Sciences Programme, initiated by AIMS-Ghana in 2020. This initiative provides mentorship to high school girls, addressing a notable drop in female representation in mathematics at university levels. Dr. Tabiri believes this decline stems from perceptions that careers in mathematics are predominantly male-driven, with limited female role models available.
Dr. Tabiri's path to mathematics was not linear. Raised in the bustling neighborhood of Ashaiman, she lived in a large family, seeking refuge in local community centers for studying. Initially intent on pursuing business administration, she eventually shifted to mathematics and economics when she was accepted into the program despite not meeting the criteria for her first choice. Reflecting on this twist of fate, she expressed gratitude for finding joy in mathematics.
Her experience studying for her PhD at Glasgow University was transformative, particularly after watching "Hidden Figures," a film highlighting the contributions of black women mathematicians at NASA. Dr. Tabiri has since drawn significant inspiration from figures like Katherine Johnson, whose resilience marked a turning point in her own journey. "It made me realize that perseverance pays off, even when recognition isn't immediate," she recalled.
In recognition of female achievements in mathematics, Ghana celebrated a milestone in 2024 when Dr. Gloria Botchway became the first woman to earn a PhD in math from the University of Ghana. Aiming to pave the way for aspiring mathematicians, Dr. Tabiri, who has faced her own struggles, has founded a non-profit organization called FemAfricMaths, providing lessons to young high school students and sharing insights from leading female mathematicians through social media platforms.
Dr. Tabiri is particularly enthusiastic about the potential of quantum science and technology, advocating for its importance in modern innovations. She played a vital role in Ghana's proposal for the declaration of 2025 as the UN International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, honoring a century since modern quantum mechanics was established. "Quantum technologies are key for future breakthroughs in medicine, environmental studies, and cybersecurity," she asserted.
With Africa's youth projected to become the world’s largest workforce by 2040, Dr. Tabiri emphasizes the importance of early education in quantum science. To foster curiosity among students, she plans to launch a "quantum road show" to introduce concepts of quantum science at a younger age.
Additionally, a "Quantum Hackathon," in collaboration with UNESCO, is set to take place in July at AIMS-Ghana, aiming to engage postgraduate students from various African nations in solving pressing real-world challenges through quantum skills. “It’s imperative that we prepare the youth for the upcoming technological revolution,” Dr. Tabiri concludes, highlighting the urgency of her mission.
