Columbian Mathematicians

(Fedrico Ardila - Image: QuietSisyphus)

Colombia may be best known for coffee, emeralds, and magical realism, but it has quietly produced some extraordinary mathematicians. Federico Ardila (combinatorics rockstar, MIT PhD, mentor to dozens of underrepresented students), Antanas Mockus (the mayor who used game theory to transform Bogotá), José Fernando Escobar, known for his work on the Yamabe problem, and many more. Proof that a country of 50 million people can punch way above its weight in pure and applied math.

Brilliant

I recommend taking courses on Brilliant.org to supplement your mathematical education. I've been sampling the courses and enjoying the lessons. A typical lesson takes about 10-15 minutes. The time spent on these lessons is much more productive than mindlessly scrolling on social media.

325 A.D.

 

This year, Christians celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea (present day İznik, Turkey). The council was convened by the Roman Emperor, Constantine I. This ecumenical gathering representing all Christendom was represented by over 200 bishops. The council sought to establish common understanding of the technical aspects of Christology.

Establishing the date of Easter and the proclamation of faith, the Nicene Creed, were two major products of this council.