Noah Giansiracusa, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Mathematics at Bentley University
Karen Saxe, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President, Government Relations, American Mathematical Society
Robin Hood Math: Take Control of the Algorithms That Run Your Life
BONUS AFTER-HOURS EVENT: FAN donors are invited to attend a private AFTER-HOURS event hosted by Giansiracusa and Saxe that will start immediately after the webinar. Details on the webinar registration page.
Everything we do today is recorded as data that’s sold to the highest bidder. Plugging our personal data into impersonal algorithms has made government agencies more efficient and tech companies more profitable. But all this comes at a price. It’s easy to feel like an insignificant number in a world of number crunchers who care more about their bottom line than your humanity. It’s time to flip the equation, turning math into an empowering tool for the rest of us.
In his new book Robin Hood Math: Take Control of the Algorithms That Run Your Life, award-winning mathematician Noah Giansiracusa, Ph.D., explains how the tech giants and financial institutions use formulas to get ahead—and how anyone can use these same formulas in their everyday life. Through real-world events and relatable examples, Giansiracusa makes math fun and relevant, equipping readers with simple math hacks and streamlined formulas that can be applied immediately. You’ll learn how to handle risk rationally, make better investments, take control of your social media, and reclaim agency over the decisions you make each day.
Giansiracusa, an associate professor of mathematics at Bentley University and a visiting scholar at Harvard University, has spent his career studying algorithms and society. He has penned over a dozen prominent op-eds at outlets including Scientific American, TIME, WIRED, Slate and more. He excels at explaining complex math to wide audiences and has been on national television programs discussing timely topics like AI-generated misinformation and the importance of mathematical literacy.
In a society that all too often takes from the poor and gives to the rich, math can be a vital democratizing force. Robin Hood Math helps you to think for yourself, act in your own best interests, and thrive.
Siracusa will be in conversation with Karen Saxe, Ph.D., senior vice president, government relations, for the American Mathematical Society. She is Professor Emerita at Macalester College where she served as chair of the Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science.
This event suitable for youth 12+. It will be recorded and available on FAN’s website and YouTube channel.
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