For many, Danica McKeller is the American 90s sweetheart best known for her portrayal of Winnie Cooper on The Wonder Years. To others, she’s a Mathematics graduate from UCLA (with highest class honours) and a passionate education advocate.
Danica is the first to admit that her career choices are somewhat unusual. She recalls her time at university, where she was consistently drawn to mathematics subjects “for fun,” despite supposedly majoring in film studies. This is one aspect that greatly influenced Danica’s academic decisions: the belief that mathematics can and should be enjoyable.
“My main concern with the condition of mathematics in high school is that there’s a lot of fear involved!” she says. “Math is not, generally speaking, presented in a fun way. The concepts, as I see them, ARE fun, and that’s the way I’d like to convey them myself.”
A preview from Danica’s Youtube series Math Bites, The Pi Episode. Image via Nerdist
And now, after a commendable Hollywood career, Danica has turned her interests towards education advocacy: specifically, encouraging young girls to pursue mathematics as an enjoyable and viable career option.
Danica has published a series of New York Times bestselling books aimed at young girls, with the intent of trouble-shooting the common problems females face within the industry. The books also aim to dispel the perception that mathematics isn’t for women – partiulary for young girls in school who often see mathematics as a “boy subject”.
Danica McKeller’s latest book for young girls. Image via Wired.
“[I want] to show girls that math is accessible and relevant, and even a little glamorous,” she says, “[and counteract] the damaging social messages telling young girls that math and science aren’t for them.”
For those lucky enough to be in the US next month, Danica will be appearing at the USA Science and Engineering Expo from April 24 to 27. You can watch a preview below and check out Danica’s personal site here. Danica also hosts the popular Youtube series Maths Bites.
