Interview with Richard Thomas

Richard Thomas is a professor at Imperial College London, working in algebraic geometry and mirror symmetry. In this interview, Richard speaks about math education for kids, contemplates the process of doing research and gives plenty of good advice for PhD students. 

Richard's webpage: http://wwwf.imperial.ac.uk/~rpwt/​

Photo: Richard's wikipedia page

Interview with Richard Thomas

0:00​ teaser

0:30​ non-linear way in math

3:14​ the mystery of mathematicians

6:55​ kids' attitude to math problems

11:40​ boys vs girls math approach

16:26​ me being triggered (clickbait!)

21:32​ what made Richard a mathematician

26:40​ insights vs dull proofs

29:06​ math is subjective 

30:08​ process of doing math research

35:16​ obstructions to enjoying research

37:53​ what students should know

43:53​ hardest part of research

47:36​ insecurities of mathematicians

51:19​ psychology of doing math

54:55​ minorities in math

1:01:14​ math during an earthquake