Wonder Women of the Week: Maryam Mirzakhani

Name: Maryam Mirzakhani

Life: May, 1977 - Now

Occupation: Mathematician, Professor of Mathematics

Super Power: Problem Solver Extraordinaire

Maryam Mirzakhani, an Iranian maths professor at Stanford University, has been named the first female winner of the Fields Medal. The Fields Medal is the world’s most prestigious mathematics prize and is often described as the Nobel prize of mathematics. Until now, it has only seen male recipients since it was established nearly 80 years ago.

With a PhD from Harvard, it was Maryam’s unique approach to mathematics that earned her the distinguished award. Describing the language of maths as full of “beauty and elegance”, she hopes her achievements will encourage other young females to pursue science and mathematics. She’s confident this will be the case, stating, “I am sure there will be many more women winning this kind of award in coming years”.