African Women Series: Dr. Angela Tabiri
By: Vennisa Owusu-Barfi
In the landscape of STEM, where gender disparities persist, Dr. Angela Ankomaah Tabiri stands as a luminary, challenging stereotypes and fostering a new generation of female mathematicians. Born in 1990 in Accra, Ghana, Dr. Angela's journey into the realm of mathematics was marked by determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her dreams.
Dr. Angela's educational voyage began at Anum Memorial School in Ashaiman Middle East, Accra, where she laid the foundation for her academic pursuits. Continuing her education at Accra's Girls Senior High School, she initially explored business studies, inspired by her sisters. However, fate had other plans, guiding her towards a path less traveled – mathematics.
Source: Le Journal de l’Afrique
Pioneering Academic Achievements
Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and economics from the University of Ghana in 2011, Dr. Angela's academic journey was marked by excellence and dedication. Despite the challenges she faced as a woman in a predominantly male-dominated field, Dr. Angela emerged triumphant, fueled by her passion for numbers and equations.
Her quest for knowledge led her to The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in Ghana, where she earned a Master of Science in mathematics in 2014. Subsequently, she embarked on a transformative journey at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy, earning a postgraduate diploma in 2015.
Source: Mathematically Gifted & Black
Doctoral Pursuits and Academic Triumph
In 2019, Dr. Angela reached a significant milestone in her academic career, obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Her doctoral dissertation, titled "Quantum Group Actions on Singular Plane Curves," exemplified her prowess in noncommutative algebra and quantum mathematics.
Throughout her educational odyssey, Dr. Angela encountered numerous obstacles as a woman in STEM. Yet, she persevered, fueled by her unwavering determination and a steadfast belief in her abilities. Her resilience culminated in her return to Ghana, where she dedicated herself to supporting the teaching and learning of mathematics in her native country.
Source: Words That Count
Advocacy and Outreach
As an AIMS-Google AI Postdoctoral Fellow in 2019, Dr. Angela not only pursued her research interests in linear algebra and mathematics for machine learning but also ventured into the realm of science communication. With the establishment of Femafricmaths, an NGO she founded to promote African women in mathematics, Dr. Angela embarked on a mission to inspire and empower young girls across the continent.
In 2019, Dr. Angela organized the first Science Slam event in Ghana, captivating audiences with the wonders of science and mathematics. Her commitment to bridging the gap between academia and society was further exemplified by her participation as a presenter in "Connections for Women: Quantum Symmetries" at the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2020.
Source: Women of Rubies
Continued Leadership and Advocacy
As a Board Member with Kente Connect, Dr. Angela continued to champion digital literacy in rural Africa while leading Femafricmaths in 2021. Her tireless efforts to promote STEM education, especially among girls, have earned her accolades and recognition on both local and international platforms.
Dr. Angela Ankomaah Tabiri's journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of education, perseverance, and passion. As she continues to research, teach, and inspire future generations of mathematicians, her legacy resonates as a beacon of hope and empowerment for aspiring minds worldwide. In a world hungry for change and progress, Dr. Angela Tabiri stands as a guiding light, illuminating the path towards a future where diversity and inclusion reign supreme, and every mind is empowered to reach its full potential.