Mathematics Stories & News

Math alum Calvin Irons sitting at desk

Making math count

Did you know that modern GPS is based on the mathematical concept of degrees, which dates back to the ancient Babylonians? UNI alumnus Calvin Irons knows all about math, its history and how it relates to the current world, and he wants to share that knowledge with others.
UNI alumna Marilyn J. Bohl

UNI alum a computer science pioneer

As a teenager in 1950’s small-town Iowa, Marilyn J. Bohl dreamed of becoming a sports writer. A high school guidance counselor advised against it, saying it wasn’t a viable career for a woman. 

“You’re a smart girl Marilyn, you’ll figure it out,” was the counselor’s advice. 

UNI professor Doug Mupasiri

5 questions with UNI professor Doug Mupasiri

Doug Mupasiri has a voice that seems ideal for a professor. It’s booming and resonant, the type that can fill every corner of a lecture hall. The UNI mathematics department head is putting it to use advocating for the inclusion of more minorities in STEM fields, where black and Hispanics have been woefully underrepresented. Last month, UNI hosted a regional conference aimed at encouraging diverse students to consider a career in science, technology, engineering or math.

Data science added as UNI minor.

Data science coming to UNI

Companies need data scientists. And the University of Northern Iowa is introducing a new major and developing new courses to meet this demand.