UW-Superior Encourages Girls to Pursue Mathematics

Over 130 students gathered to celebrate Sonia Kovalevsky Day

Superior, Wis. — Today was all about encouraging girls’ passion for math at UW-Superior.

Girls from 15 different high schools spent the day exploring mathematics and career opportunities. They listened to speakers, explored jobs, and participated in workshops, all relating to math. Teaching Assistant Professor Heather Kahler said she hopes girls left the event feeling uplifted and open to new professions.

“When they are discouraged in math class, know that that’s normal, it’s part of the process,” Kahler said. “It’s not that if you’re good at math you don’t have those moments, everyone has them. It’s that perseverance to overcome it because it is worth it. Even if they don’t go into a math related field, it still can help them be successful.”

With so many women and girls at the event, it made for a unique learning environment said Claire Farnham, a senior at Superior High School.

“There’s just a lot more positive energy in the room when it’s all girls,” Farnham said. “Part of the topic is learning as a woman, so you feel more seen because everyone has that mind of making sure everyone gets to be able to speak, everyone is listening to and everything.”

The event was in celebration of Sonia Kovalevsky, the first female math professor in the world. She began teaching in Sweden in 1889.