Ruth Michele Charney (born 1950)[1] is an American mathematician known for her work in geometric group theory and Artin groups. Other areas of research include K-theory and algebraic topology.[2] She holds the Theodore and Evelyn G. Berenson Chair in Mathematics at Brandeis University. She was in the first group of mathematicians named Fellows of the American Mathematical Society.[3] She served as president of the Association for Women in Mathematics during 2013–2015,[4] and has been elected to serve as president of the American Mathematical Society for the 2021–2023 term.[5]
Ruth Charney | |
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![]() Ruth Charney in 1977 | |
Born | 1950 |
Citizenship | United States |
Alma mater | Princeton University |
Known for | Geometric group theory, Artin groups |
Awards |
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Scientific career | |
Fields | Mathematics |
Institutions | Brandeis University |
Thesis | Homological Stability for the General Linear Group of a Principal Ideal Domain (1977) |
Doctoral advisor | Wu-Chung Hsiang |
Charney attended Brandeis University, graduating in mathematics in 1972.[6] She then attended Merce Cunningham Dance Studio for a year, studying modern dance. She received her Ph.D. from Princeton University in 1977 under Wu-Chung Hsiang.[7] Her dissertation was titled Homological Stability for the General Linear Group of a Principal Ideal Domain
Following her graduation from Princeton, Charney took a postdoctoral position at University of California, Berkeley, followed by an NSF postdoctoral appointment/assistant professor position at Yale University.[8] She worked for Ohio State University until 2003, when she returned to work at Brandeis University.
Charney served as president of the Association for Women in Mathematics during 2013–2015.[6] She emphasized the importance of encouraging young women in mathematics through summer programs, mentorships, and parental involvement.[9]
She has served as an editor of the journal Algebraic and Geometric Topology from 2000 to 2007.[10][8]
In 2019 she was elected to serve as president of the American Mathematical Society during 2021–2023.[5]