Maryam Mirzakhani

First woman to win the Fields Medal, revolutionizing modern mathematics through her work in geometry and dynamical systems.

Maryam Mirzakhani (1977–2017) was an Iranian mathematician whose groundbreaking contributions to hyperbolic geometry, Teichmüller theory, and ergodic theory reshaped modern mathematics. Her work earned her the Fields Medal in 2014, making her the first woman and first Iranian to receive the prestigious award. Mirzakhani’s research focused on understanding the complexities of Riemann surfaces and their moduli spaces, which have applications in fields ranging from quantum field theory to string theory.

One of her most notable achievements was proving the asymptotic behavior of geodesics on hyperbolic surfaces. This work, co-authored with Alex Eskin, demonstrated how chaotic systems could exhibit predictable patterns—a discovery that bridged mathematics and physics. Mirzakhani’s innovative use of combinatorial and probabilistic methods challenged traditional approaches, inspiring a new generation of mathematicians.

Despite facing cultural barriers in Iran and later battling cancer, Mirzakhani’s perseverance and creativity made her a symbol of intellectual courage. Her legacy is celebrated through initiatives like the Association for Women in Mathematics, which advocates for gender equality in STEM. Mirzakhani’s ability to visualize abstract concepts and her collaborative spirit exemplify how she made a difference by expanding the boundaries of human knowledge.