The forth annual Elizabeth S. Meckes Memorial Lecture will be given by Prof. Talithia Williams, at 12:45 p.m. on April 1, 2026, in DeGrace Hall 312.

Title: Numbers with a Narrative: Why Storytelling Matters in Data Science

Abstract: Mathematics is more than numbers and theorems. It’s a powerful language that shapes the world around us. In this talk, I’ll explore how storytelling, rooted in our lived experiences, can be a transformative tool for engaging the public in rich, complex mathematical concepts. We’ll discuss how data becomes more impactful when it’s connected to people, context, and culture and how your voice can reshape public perception of who does math, and why it matters. By learning to frame our research and personal journeys in ways that connect with diverse audiences, we expand who can access and benefit from our work.

About the speaker

Talithia Williams is a professor in the Department of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College. She is a statistician who develops statistical models which emphasize the spatial and temporal structure of data and has partnered with the World Health Organization in developing a cataract model used to predict the cataract surgical rate for countries in Africa. She gave a renowned TED talk “Own your body’s data” and is the author of the book Power in Numbers: The Rebel Women of Mathematics.

About the lecture
Elizabeth Meckes was a professor of mathematics at Case Western Reserve University from 2007 until her death in 2020.  She earned her B.S. and M.S. at Case in 2001 and 2002 and her Ph.D. from Stanford in 2006.  Prof. Meckes was a strong proponent of mathematical outreach, and had hoped to one day establish an annual public lecture in mathematics at Case.  In her memory, an endowment was established to make her vision a reality.

Previous lectures

 

How to support the department
Please see more information about donations here: https://mathstats.case.edu/how-to-give/ (To support the Elizabeth S. Meckes Memorial Endowed Fund, please add the “Honor or Memorial Gift” information after choosing “Department of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Statistics” in the “Designation” box.)