Day 3: Lecture from Ida Kersten and Tour!

 

Hallo! Today we started our math studies with an exciting lecture from Ida Kersten. Our day began with a group breakfast in the hotel. We are treated with assortments of yogurt, granola, cheeses, meats, eggs, etc. once breakfast was over, we made our way to the Mathematics Institute of Göttingen. There we were greeted by Ida Kersten who led the lecture on Emmy Noether.

Emmy Noether was born 1882 in Erlangen to Max Noether and Ida Kaufmann. Her father taught Mathematics at the University of Erlangen. Noether attended the State Girl’s School in Erlangen from 1889-1897. Then, from 1900-1902 Noether attended the University of Erlangen as an auditor. From 1903-1904, Noether attended the University of Göttingen. Noether first began teaching at the University of Erlangen, mainly as a substitute for her father. In 1915, Noether was invited to teach at the University of Göttingen by David Hilbert and Felix Klein. At the University, she lectured for free under Hilbert’s name. 

Once the bulk of the University’s faculty was forced out, including Noether, by Nazi law, the University of Göttingen has never reclaimed its exalted place in the field of Mathematics.

After our lecture, we were given a tour of many interesting Mathematical items! We even got to take out some of the objects for demonstrations. 

After our trip to the Mathematics Institute, we headed back for lunch and some more math at the hotel. Our first class session went great and we are excited to continue this journey in Göttingen, and next, Nuremberg!

-Megan