Dr. Angela Tabiri, known affectionately as the "Maths Queen" in Ghana, has not only achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first African to win The Big Internet Math Off competition but is also passionately dedicated to empowering the next generation of female mathematicians. At just 35 years old, Tabiri is leveraging her platform and expertise to break down societal barriers that discourage young girls from pursuing mathematics, a field traditionally perceived as a male domain.
Empowering the Next Generation: Dr. Angela Tabiri's Quantum Leap for Girls in Mathematics
Empowering the Next Generation: Dr. Angela Tabiri's Quantum Leap for Girls in Mathematics
Dr. Angela Tabiri, the first African winner of The Big Internet Math Off, is on a mission to inspire girls in Ghana to explore mathematics and quantum science.
Tabiri's journey into the world of mathematics was unexpected. Growing up in Ashaiman, a bustling neighborhood in Tema, she initially aimed to study business administration, but fate led her to mathematics and economics. This twist of fate proved serendipitous as she grew to love numbers and problem-solving. Following her passion, she went on to earn a PhD in mathematics at Glasgow University, where the film "Hidden Figures" featuring pioneering black women mathematicians at NASA inspired her to embrace her potential and persist in her journey.
Through her role as an academic manager for AIMS-Ghana's Girls in Mathematical Sciences Programme, Dr. Tabiri is actively nurturing young female talent, aiming to ensure a steady pipeline of girls who can lead in mathematical research and innovation. By providing mentorship, support, and resources, she encourages girls to consider careers in mathematics beyond conventional teaching roles. Her non-profit, FemAfricMaths, collaborates with volunteers to teach mathematics to underprivileged high-school students, bridging the gap in access to quality education.
Dr. Tabiri's commitment extends to promoting quantum science, an area she believes holds immense potential for innovations in technology, medicine, and more. Ghana has taken proactive steps internationally to prioritize quantum science, with Tabiri advocating for the declaration of 2025 as the UN International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. She envisions "quantum road shows" to engage children in this field from an early age, ensuring they are equipped with the requisite skills as they progress in their education.
The future of the African workforce looks bright, yet Dr. Tabiri emphasizes the need to align educational initiatives with job creation to harness this potential effectively. She is organizing a "Quantum Hackathon" in collaboration with UNESCO to encourage post-graduate students from various African nations to apply quantum skills to real-world challenges.
As Dr. Tabiri continues her mission to inspire and mentor young women in mathematics, she stands as a beacon of hope and determination, paving the way for a more inclusive and empowered future in STEM for girls across Africa.
Through her role as an academic manager for AIMS-Ghana's Girls in Mathematical Sciences Programme, Dr. Tabiri is actively nurturing young female talent, aiming to ensure a steady pipeline of girls who can lead in mathematical research and innovation. By providing mentorship, support, and resources, she encourages girls to consider careers in mathematics beyond conventional teaching roles. Her non-profit, FemAfricMaths, collaborates with volunteers to teach mathematics to underprivileged high-school students, bridging the gap in access to quality education.
Dr. Tabiri's commitment extends to promoting quantum science, an area she believes holds immense potential for innovations in technology, medicine, and more. Ghana has taken proactive steps internationally to prioritize quantum science, with Tabiri advocating for the declaration of 2025 as the UN International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. She envisions "quantum road shows" to engage children in this field from an early age, ensuring they are equipped with the requisite skills as they progress in their education.
The future of the African workforce looks bright, yet Dr. Tabiri emphasizes the need to align educational initiatives with job creation to harness this potential effectively. She is organizing a "Quantum Hackathon" in collaboration with UNESCO to encourage post-graduate students from various African nations to apply quantum skills to real-world challenges.
As Dr. Tabiri continues her mission to inspire and mentor young women in mathematics, she stands as a beacon of hope and determination, paving the way for a more inclusive and empowered future in STEM for girls across Africa.
