Prof. Diana Torres
Professor of Applied Mathematics
University of Chicago
About
Professor Diana Torres uses mathematical modeling to solve problems in public health and national security. Her cryptography research has been adopted by major tech companies, and her textbook on applied mathematics is used in universities worldwide. She is the faculty advisor for her university's chapter of the Association for Women in Mathematics.
“Math is not about being fast or never making mistakes. It's about thinking deeply, finding patterns, and solving problems that matter. If you enjoy puzzles, you'll love mathematics.”
Interview
How did you discover your passion for mathematics?
I was a quiet, bookish kid who loved puzzles and patterns. In middle school, I had a math teacher who gave us problems that didn't have one right answer — open-ended explorations where the process mattered more than the result. That blew my mind. I realized math wasn't just about memorizing formulas; it was about creative thinking. By high school, I was participating in math competitions and knew I wanted to pursue it professionally.
Can you explain what applied mathematics means in practice?
Applied mathematics uses mathematical tools to solve real-world problems. In my case, I've used mathematical models to predict disease outbreaks, helping public health officials allocate resources more effectively. I've also worked on cryptographic algorithms that protect digital communications. The beauty of applied math is its versatility — the same mathematical framework can apply to completely different problems in health, security, finance, or engineering.
What misconceptions do people have about mathematicians?
The biggest misconception is that you have to be a "math genius" to succeed. That's simply not true. Mathematics is a skill that develops with practice and effort, just like playing an instrument or learning a sport. Another misconception is that mathematicians work alone in isolation. In reality, math is deeply collaborative. I work with epidemiologists, computer scientists, and engineers regularly. Math is a team sport.
What opportunities exist for young people interested in math?
There are so many! Math competitions like AMC, MATHCOUNTS, and Math Olympiad are great for developing problem-solving skills. Many universities offer summer math programs — PROMYS, HCSSiM, and MathPath are excellent. Online platforms like Art of Problem Solving, Brilliant, and 3Blue1Brown's YouTube channel make advanced math accessible. I'd also encourage students to explore how math connects to their other interests — math is everywhere, from music to art to sports statistics.