Mathematical researchers in Colombia: challenges and opportunities

Abstract

This investigation describes the academic impact of the contributions made by Colombian mathematics on the advance of the country’s scientific development, analyzing the factors that have impacted scientific achievements during the academic formation process. The study is made from the perspective of the social history of education. Using the methodology of oral history, an analysis is made of the influence of the family environment on the professional career choices of a prominent Colombian mathematician. Structuring is done with social-historical methods, and phenomenology is used to create a description-narration of the facts. The work relies on hermeneutics to perform the interpretation of the information gathered from interviews. The historical-comparative study of the development of mathematics carried out by our participant allows us to demonstrate the relative gender situation (both academically and socially speaking) that occurred and brings us to the conclusion that the academic advance obtained by the mathematician was motivated by their own initiative, as well as early education experiences. Likewise, the academic advance obtained in the course of their doctorate in mathematics is an achievement that helps her meet the challenge of being an example that will inspire future mathematicians.