PHILADELPHIA, PA — Dr. Caoimhe Rooney, a prominent Flight Dynamics Engineer at Astroscale UK, will discuss the transformative power of mathematics in addressing societal challenges during the 2024 I. E. Block Community Lecture. This event is part of the annual meeting of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) and is open to the public.
Dr. Rooney’s academic journey began with a degree in pure mathematics from Trinity College Dublin and a DPhil in applied mathematics from the University of Oxford. Her career includes notable research at NASA, where she applied mathematical models to study exoplanets’ electromagnetic spectra, probing their composition and potential for life. Currently, at Astroscale, she focuses on developing spacecraft to remove space debris, ensuring sustainable future space exploration.
“The role of mathematics in the world’s greatest discoveries and inventions is often overlooked or unappreciated by the general public,” Dr. Rooney said. Her lecture, titled “Go Boldly Where No Math Has Gone Before,” aims to reshape this perception. She will delve into how mathematics underpins critical innovations that affect our daily lives and global challenges alike.
Rooney’s talk will highlight the ways applied mathematics has driven solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues. Her experience at Astroscale, addressing the increasingly critical problem of space debris, serves as a prime example. By removing hazardous debris from orbit, Astroscale works to ensure safe and sustainable use of outer space, a mission grounded in advanced mathematical principles.
Dr. Rooney’s contributions to mathematics and science have earned her recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list for Science and Healthcare in 2022. She also co-founded Mathematigals, an initiative aimed at making math accessible and promoting female representation in STEM fields.
The lecture will be held on July 10 at the Spokane Convention Center in Washington. It will be livestreamed, allowing a broader audience to engage with Dr. Rooney’s insights. The event promises to foster public appreciation for the vitality and excitement of mathematics.
Unleashing the Power of Math: Transforming Society with Dr. Rooney’s Insights
The implications of her work extend beyond space exploration. Mathematical applications are integral to advancements in healthcare, environmental science, and technology. Dr. Rooney’s discussion will illustrate how these mathematical tools can lead to pioneering breakthroughs, ultimately improving quality of life and solving complex global issues.
Public and media interested in attending or interviewing Dr. Rooney must register in advance. The talk will be available on SIAM’s YouTube channel after the event, providing an ongoing resource for those looking to understand the impact of mathematics on modern society.
This lecture underscores the essential role of mathematics in innovation and problem-solving. As society faces increasingly complex challenges, the insights from Dr. Rooney’s presentation could inspire new applications of mathematical principles across various fields.
Go Boldly Where No Math Has Gone Before
Featuring: Caoimhe Rooney
Astroscale and Mathematigals
Wednesday, July 10, 6:15 – 7:15 p.m. ET
Hall C, Spokane Convention Center
334 West Spokane Falls Boulevard, Spokane, Washington 99201
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