The Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) recently awarded Anita Layton with one of its fellowships.
Layton is the Canada 150 research chair in mathematical biology and medicine and a professor of applied mathematics, computer science, pharmacy and biology. She currently serves as the associate dean of research and international for the Faculty of Mathematics and chairs the university’s research equity, diversity and inclusion council.
AWM has a mandate to encourage women and girls to study and to have active careers in the mathematical sciences, and to promote equal opportunity and the equal treatment of women and girls in the mathematical sciences.
Founded in 1971, the AWM currently has more than 3500 members and is the leading society for women in the mathematical sciences. The AWM fellowship recognizes members who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to the support and advancement of women in the mathematical sciences, consistent with the AWM mission.
In its citation for Layton’s fellowship, the AWM awards committee recognized her “ground-breaking research in mathematical physiology and medicine; for being a stalwart champion of education, mentorship, and equity initiatives in Canada and the US; and for her leadership in developing equitable training and mentorship opportunities that support and advance the participation of women and girls in the mathematical sciences.”
Asked to reflect on the fellowship, Layton said she was proud of the award because it is an opportunity to forward her ongoing work for equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, such as with Waterloo initiatives like the Women in Math (WiM) committee and the Women in Computer Science (WiCS) committee.
“The fellowship program is important because it is among the few awards recognizing contributions to equity,” she said. “Some of the AWM programs that have the biggest impacts are the student chapters and the mentoring programs, and I’m happy to be involved with this organization and to be recognized for my work.”
Read more about the AWM fellowship on the association’s awards webpage.