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James P. McIntyre Professor of Mathematics Solomon Friedberg has been named a fellow of the American Mathematical Society, one of a select group of mathematicians who make up only the second class of fellows selected by the 125-year-old organization.
Friedberg — who is on sabbatical this year as chair of Mathematics — is one of 50 mathematicians from around the world selected for their “outstanding contributions to the creation, exposition, advancement, communication, and utilization of mathematics,” according to the society.
In particular, the organization praised Friedberg for his scholarly contributions to number theory, representation theory and automorphic forms, an analytical approach to complex mathematical problems. He was also recognized for his work to establish BC’s PhD program in mathematics three years ago.
College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Dean David Quigley said Friedberg has not only sought to advance mathematical study on campus, but also worked extensively to improve math education in Massachusetts’ K-12 schools.
“Sol Friedberg has distinguished himself as an international leader in number theory while closer to home he has been a successful chair of the Mathematics Department and he’s committed to improving K-12 math education across the Commonwealth,” Quigley said. “I’m very happy to learn of his appointment as Fellow of the American Mathematical Society.”
Friedberg’s research has been supported by the National Security Agency and he is currently a co-principal investigator on a six-year National Science Foundation grant to support math teachers in high-need schools.
A member of the board of directors of Math for America Boston, which supports K-12 and college-level math teachers, Friedberg has also advised the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on mathematics and science education. He is one of the organizers of the BC-MIT Number Theory Seminar.
Regarding the new fellows, AMS President David A. Vogan Jr. said, “It is always a pleasure to learn about the work of other mathematicians. Each of us knows many amazing individuals; the Fellows program is a chance to shout from the rooftops.”
To learn about this year’s American Mathematical Society fellows, see www.ams.org/profession/ams-fellows.