“Mathematics benefits from the contributions of all people and yet women are underrepresented in mathematics … This is a critical issue for the health of the economy and a matter of social justice.”

Dr. Sarah J. Greenwald, professor of mathematics at Appalachian

BOONE, N.C. — The Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) has named Dr. Sarah J. Greenwald, professor in Appalachian State University’s Department of Mathematical Sciences, among its 2020 AWM Fellows. The AWM Fellows Program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to the support and advancement of women in the mathematical sciences.

She joins the third class of fellows, comprising 18 women in the field of mathematics from colleges and universities across the U.S., as well as research institutes. She will be honored at the AWM Reception and Awards Presentation as part of the Joint Mathematics Meeting held in Denver, Colorado, Jan. 16, 2020.

According to the AWM website, Greenwald was selected as a fellow “for her creative and effective efforts to spark interest in mathematics among young people, especially girls; for her extensive contributions to advancing women in mathematics through writing, lectures and working with the AWM and other professional societies; and for her mentorship of students.”

“I am honored to be included as an AWM Fellow and humbled to be in the company of people who have shown extraordinary dedication to creating a more inclusive mathematics community,” Greenwald said.

She continued, “Mathematics benefits from the contributions of all people and yet women are underrepresented in mathematics, even though we are overrepresented in the general population. This is a critical issue for the health of the economy and a matter of social justice.”

Earlier this year, Greenwald participated in a workshop on inclusive teaching practices at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, presenting on the topic of “Mathematical Identities: Representing the Underrepresented.” She also presented on “Promoting Women in Mathematics” at Brigham Young University.

Greenwald joined the faculty in Appalachian’s Department of Mathematical Sciences in 1998 as an assistant professor and was promoted to associate professor in 2004 and professor in 2009. She is also a faculty affiliate in the university’s Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Peace Studies and gender, women’s and sexuality studies program, housed in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies in Appalachian's College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).

She has won several awards for teaching, scholarship and service over the course of her academic career, including the AWM Service Award in 2018 and the CAS Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award in 2011. In 2018, she was nominated for Appalachian’s Undergraduate Research Mentorship Excellence Award, and she was inducted into the CAS Academy of Outstanding Teachers in 2010.

She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and her B.S. in mathematics from Union College.

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About the Department of Mathematical Sciences

The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers undergraduate degrees in actuarial science and mathematics, with concentrations in business, computation, life sciences, physical sciences, secondary teaching and statistics, plus a general, self-designed concentration. The department also offers the Master of Arts in mathematics, with concentrations in college teaching and secondary teaching. Learn more at https://mathsci.appstate.edu.

About the College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college. These units span the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. CAS aims to develop a distinctive identity built upon our university's strengths, traditions and locations. The college’s values lie not only in service to the university and local community, but through inspiring, training, educating and sustaining the development of its students as global citizens. More than 6,800 student majors are enrolled in the college. As the college is also largely responsible for implementing App State’s general education curriculum, it is heavily involved in the education of all students at the university, including those pursuing majors in other colleges. Learn more at https://cas.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.