A renowned Irish educator who has a reputation for bringing fun to maths, Prof Colm Mulcahy, has been honoured as the 2024 recipient of the Maths Week Ireland Award.
He is professor emeritus of mathematics at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia (US), where he lectured for 32 years. Over the course of his career, he has made an indelible mark through his innovative teaching methods, impactful writing and his “mathemagical” presentations blending maths concepts with the fun of puzzles and magic, including card tricks, earning him the online moniker “CardColm”, which he uses when blogging.
Prof Mulcahy is recognised for his efforts to make maths a fun and accessible subject for everyone, including young people, according to the award judges. His outreach activities during Maths Week Ireland, held every year in mid-October, have been instrumental in changing perceptions of maths as a challenging subject to one that is approachable and enjoyable.
He has been involved with Maths Week for many years, enthusing and entertaining thousands of young people and members of the public.
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Having graduated in mathematical science from University College Dublin, he went on to study at Cornell University in the US, obtaining a doctorate in 1985. He is a well-known figure in international maths circles, having authored the book Mathematical Card Magic: Fifty-Two New Effects and blogged for the Mathematical Association of America and Scientific American. His puzzles and writings about mathematics and mathematicians have appeared in the Guardian and the New York Times.
Through the establishment and curation of the Annals of Irish Mathematics and Mathematicians, he has played an essential role in preserving and promoting the rich mathematical heritage of Ireland going back 400 years.
“I am very honoured to receive this award and extremely grateful for the recognition,” Prof Mulcahy said.
“Maths is a language that explains so much of the world around us: the sun, moon, planets and stars, hence the calendar and tides here on earth. That’s how it started for us humans; that and commerce. It’s about observation, curiosity and patterns, explaining symmetries and coincidences, navigating on earth and in space, and making reliable predictions,” he added.
“Today, maths is used almost everywhere: in aviation, weather predictions, medicine, all branches of science, finance, insurance and sport. But it’s not all cut and dried calculations, like some believe. Maths requires imagination and innovation and that is exactly what Maths Week delivers: a stage for demonstrating that maths can be really enjoyable and fun, as well as practical.
“It’s about seeing connections, solving puzzles, knowing how things work and finding a bit of magic in everyday things. It’s always a thrill to see Maths Week participants, in a class or in the street, have an ‘Aha!’ moment. That makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
Dr Sheila Donegan of Maths Week Ireland said: “Colm is a shining example of enthusiasm for maths. His unwavering commitment to making maths relatable and accessible sets him apart. His work aligns perfectly with the spirit of Maths Week, making maths an enjoyable, thought-provoking and essential part of life.”
More than 500,000 schoolgoers and members of the public across the island took part in Maths Week 2024. It is supported by Taighde Éireann (Research Ireland), the Department of Education, the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy and AMD. The event is co-ordinated by Calmast, the Stem Engagement Centre at South-East Technological University.
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