Dr Eugenia Cheng (No.4, 1987-94), is a mathematician, educator, public speaker, columnist, pianist, and author. Teaching in universities across the world and holding a PhD in pure mathematics from the University of Cambridge, Dr Cheng aims to rid the  world of “math phobia”.

Having already written 7 books, including 2 children’s books, Eugenia’s most recent book, Is Maths Real? was shortlisted for the  44th Annual LA Times Book Prize. The book dives into ‘How simple questions lead us to mathematics’ deepest truths’ and as one of the world’s most creative mathematicians, she offers a new way to look at math, which focuses on how we learn from human curiosity, namely by asking questions.

The LA Times Book Prize is in it’s 44th year, and honours literary excellence in 12 subject categories – to be shortlisted is an incredible achievement.

Header photo credit: Josh Clark.