Tatyana Barron
Tatyana Barron is a full professor in mathematics who is passionate about her research and about inspiring the younger generations to understand the beauty of mathematics. In an interview with our team, she explains what drove her to pursue an academic career and shares the challenges of leading a research group while raising children.
1. Please describe your job in one sentence.
I’m a full professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Western Ontario (Western University) in Canada.
2. What do you aspire to accomplish in your career and why?
In research, I’m aiming for a bit more understanding of the structure of the world around us as well as how mathematics can help deal with the processes that happen at a microscopic scale (for example, quantum effects or signal transmission in neurons). Mathematics and its applications have always been a major part of my life. Figuring things out is fun. Solving equations or finding unexpected connections between two seemingly unrelated concepts can be a thrill. One can make a concentrated effort to apply the research skills and experience to answer practical questions. In education, my aspiration is to be a source of positive energy, someone who helps the learners to open their minds to the beauty of mathematics, and to maintain the standards of fundamental knowledge.
3. What do you consider to be your most important career achievement or milestone?
I would like to think that my most impactful discoveries still lie ahead: I have some research ideas and I wonder what those will lead to. My most recent milestone was promotion from a tenured associate professor to professor in 2022.
4. What career obstacles have you faced as a mother in STEMM? How did you overcome them?
Thinking of navigating the responsibilities of caring for my children while working a full time faculty job, every conference trip would have to be carefully planned, or occasionally canceled. Sometimes, there would be unexpected issues, such as a phone call from school or childcare, asking to pick up my child, or a babysitter that did not show up. I got really good at solving problems, fast, and focusing on priorities: are the kids okay and is the job getting done ? It helped to have the support of the people around me as well as a certain degree of flexibility of the daily work schedule that comes with the academic environment and various arrangements for parents that I was able to use. For example, one university where I worked had an emergency babysitter service for faculty members (used on a short notice if a child gets sick and is unable to attend their regular childcare). Another university which I visited for a sabbatical helped me find childcare spots for my children close to campus (which was nontrivial at that location).
5. What was the best professional or personal advice you’ve ever received?
This is something I heard from one of the fellow mathematicians many years ago, although I can not recall who that was and their exact words. The person addressing the audience asked us to invest some time in mentoring and training junior people, even if it does not bring us an immediate direct benefit. He said someone helped us get to where we are, and we should do the same.
6. How did MiS help you professionally and/or personally?
I was amazed to meet this incredible large group at the online MiS event I recently attended. The conversation was very honest and reassuring.
7. What advice would you give to a mother in STEMM?
To enjoy the wonderful experiences of raising a child and being a STEMM professional.