Olga Taussky-Todd Prize

Credit: Caltech Archives

The Olga Taussky-Todd Prize was established by an alumna of Caltech to support women in Mathematics at Caltech.  Professor Taussky-Todd (1906-1995) was a pioneer in computer science and algebraic number theory.  She was also the first woman to receive a full professorship at Caltech and advised the Institute's first female Ph.D. in Mathematics, Lorraine Foster.  Dr. Taussky-Todd wrote her autobiography as a part of Caltech's Oral History Project. It is available here. The prize will support outstanding undergraduate students majoring in Mathematics. 

The recipient of this prize will receive up to $6,000 of support for a new experience to enrich their math education. The funding can be used in a variety of ways including to attend a conference, to go to a summer school or fund for a summer research project or REU (more information here). We encourage applicants to look for opportunities outside of Caltech. This prize is available to all mathematics majors, with a preference for students who identify as female. At the completion of your summer, you will be asked to submit, to the math department, a short synopsis of how your experience has enriched your education. 

To apply, please submit a proposal, in detail, of your plan for the support. What would you like to do with the money? How does it relate to your education? If you are using it as support for a summer project, where and with whom will you be working? Have they agreed to take you on? All arrangements are the responsibility of the student.  

Submit this proposal, as well as a CV or resume and letter of recommendation to Belen Maria Hernandez by noon on May 10, 2024. Sample proposals for a similar prize, awarded by the Dean of Students Office, are available here. 

If you have any questions please contact Belen.