Maryam Mirzakhani
Maryam Mirzakhani (1977–2017), an Iranian-born mathematical theorist, had a virtuosic ability to describe the geometric and dynamic complexities of curved surfaces. Her highly original approach to dynamic systems and geometry could impact other fields of research, such as the mathematics of prime numbers and cryptography, quantum field theory in engineering and materials science, and theoretical physics of the origins of the universe. Mirzakhani was the first female winner of mathematics’ prestigious Fields Medal, often equated with the Nobel Prize. She was a member of the National Academy of Sciences, and the NAS Award in Mathematics was renamed the Mirzakhani Prize in her honor.
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