Following the meeting, the speaker was Professor Elena Nardi from the University of East Anglia and a former recipient of a BFWG Award. She told us how the award had helped not only her studies but her subsequent career. Through receiving the award, she had been able to speed up the completion of her PhD which enabled her to apply for a position at Warwick University. This provided her with the experience to enhance her application for a post of lecturer at the UEA, where she has since worked and achieved her present position.
Professor Nardi talked about her research into Mathematics and Mathematical Education. She explained research methods, sample groups and the areas of study. Her work encompasses all stages of education but mainly focuses on university teaching and learning. She has written a number of books though her style is unusual in that her findings are written like a dialogue from a play rather than straightforward mathematical research. A lively questions and answer session raised issues regarding gender in mathematical studies, promoting public awareness of mathematics and experiences of mathematics across different subjects.
Members and guests, joined by two of Professor Nardi’s students, enjoyed a lunch provided by committee members. Not only were we able to have lively discussions arising from the lecture but the students provided often amusing information about their studies and life in the UK as they both were from Greece. It was a very interesting and
successful day.
Carole Smith, Hon. Sec. Norfolk and Norwich
Association
