About the Tondeur Initiatives

In 2018, Philippe and Claire-Lise Tondeur made donations to SIAM, American Mathematical Society (AMS), and Mathematical Association of America (MAA), to support U.S.-based mathematicians interested in careers outside the professorate in business, industry, and government (i.e., “BIG” careers). In his many leadership roles, which include directing the Division of Mathematical Sciences at the National Science Foundation from 1999 to 2002, Philippe Tondeur has tirelessly championed mathematics and mathematicians. SIAM leadership thanks Philippe and Claire-Lise Tondeur for their vision, advocacy, and generosity.

The initiatives funded under the Tondeur donation align with the mission of the BIG Math Network, which acts as a repository of information for students seeking BIG internships and careers. SIAM is proud to work in coordination with the BIG Math Network and its fellow mathematics societies to implement the Tondeurs’ vision.

Student Media Fellows Program

SIAM, in collaboration with AMS, conducts a yearly competition to select a two-person cohort of interviewers for the BIG Jobs Live Interview Series. U.S.-based graduate students in the mathematical sciences who are interested in receiving training from Philadelphia’s public media station, WHYY, and applying those skills as interview hosts, are invited to submit 4-minute videos that demonstrate their potential. A committee selects two members of the cohort, who are brought to Philadelphia to undergo training and launch their year as Student Media Fellows.

Student Media Fellows

2019/2020

Sarah Minucci, Virginia Commonwealth University
Caitlin Waddle, San Francisco State University