Maryam Mirzakhani: The Trailblazing Mathematician
This episode of 'She Changed History' delves into the life and legacy of Maryam Mirzakhani, an extraordinary Iranian mathematician and the first woman to win the basically the math olympics. Discussing her journey from a childhood during the Iran-Iraq war to her groundbreaking work in hyperbolic geometry, the episode highlights her resilience, optimism, and the critical support she received from teachers and peers. Maryam's remarkable achievements continue to inspire women in mathematics and science, leaving an enduring impact on the field.
Sources today area
1 https://mathshistory.st-
andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Mirzakhani/
2 https://www.britannica.com/biography/Maryam-Mirzakhani
3 https://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/aug/13/interview-
maryam-mirzakhani-fields-medal-winner-mathematician
4 https://www.quantamagazine.org/years-after-the-early-death-
of-a-math-genius-her-ideas-gain-new-life-20250303/
5 https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/jul/19/maryam-
mirzakhani-obituary
6
https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2017/08/01/mary
am-mirzakhani-a-candle-illuminating-the-dark/
7 https://www.cantorsparadise.com/maryam-mirzakhani-
humble-till-the-end-856961ffd946
8 https://mariyamraza.medium.com/understanding-labor-of-
love-through-the-life-of-maryam-mirzakhani-a76e40f91ad5
9 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-28739373
00:00 Introduction and Algorithm Woes
00:26 Henry Cavill and Chivalry
01:47 Weekend Vibes and Math Talk
02:38 Introducing Maryam Mirzakhani
03:43 Early Life in Iran
05:29 Educational Journey and Challenges
11:46 Mathematical Olympiad Success
17:32 University Years and Research
20:37 Tragedy and Resilience
21:33 A Passion for Mathematics
21:42 Harvard and the Fields Medal
24:22 Understanding Hyperbolic Geometry
27:52 Maryam's Academic Journey
33:32 Breaking Barriers in Mathematics
38:57 Legacy and Final Years
