Evelyn Lamb
Science & Math Writer and more
About Evelyn
I am a freelance math and science writer based in Houston, Texas. I love sharing math and science stories with people, and I love the creativity, imagination, and humanity of mathematics and mathematicians. I got my Ph.D. in math from Rice University in May 2012, and I taught at the University of Utah from 2013-2015 before leaving academia to focus on writing full-time. I wrote the Roots of Unity blog on the Scientific American blog network and cohosted the My Favorite Theorem podcast. I write for a variety of math and popular media outlets. If you’d like to get in touch about my writing or send me a tip about an interesting math story, please contact me by LinkedIn, or email.
In addition to mathematics, I love Sacred Harp or shape-note singing. It is an American a cappella hymn singing tradition that emphasizes participation over polish, welcomes people from all musical and spiritual backgrounds, and embraces every voice. There are no auditions or membership dues. Learn more about the tradition and find a singing near you at fasola.org. I wrote a little bit about some of the parallels I see between Sacred Harp singing and math here.
Latest posts
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My Favorite Theorem
By Evelyn Lamb • October 10, 2026Join us as we spend each episode talking with a mathematical professional about their favorite result. And since the best things in life come in pairs, find out what our guest thinks pairs best with their theorem. -
Math and Racial Justice Compendium
By Evelyn Lamb • September 1, 2026In June of 2021, MSRI held a virtual Workshop on Mathematics and Racial Justice, which convened nearly 300 mathematicians, statisticians, computer scientists, and STEM educators to critically examine the role that mathematics plays in today’s movement for racial justice. -
A Mathematical Companion for Your Year
By Evelyn Lamb • February 24, 2026If you’re looking for a holiday gift for a mathematician, STEM student, teacher, or other math-interested person in your life (including yourself), I’ve got good news for you! I am excited to announce the availability of a product I am particularly proud of: the AMS Page-a-day calendar, published by the American Mathematical Society. You can find…
Selected Publications and Writing
A Sphere-Packing Breakthrough in 8 DimensionsUkrainian mathematician Maryna Viazovska recently figured out how spheres could be efficiently arranged in eight and 24 dimensionsUkrainian mathematician Maryna Viazovska recently figured out how spheres could be efficiently arranged in eight and 24 dimensions
The Enduring Legacy of Hilbert’s 23 ProblemsHilbert’s 23 Problems at ICM 2026: Where Are We Now?Hilbert’s 23 Problems at ICM 2026: Where Are We Now?
The Mathematical Legacy of Maria Gaetana AgnesiAfter writing a groundbreaking math textbook, Maria Agnesi quit math for goodAfter writing a groundbreaking math textbook, Maria Agnesi quit math for good
How two outsiders tackled the mystery of arithmetic progressionsComputer scientists made progress on a decades-old math puzzle that asks where order existsComputer scientists made progress on a decades-old math puzzle that asks where order exists
SlateWriting at Slate by Evelyn LambWriting at Slate by Evelyn Lamb
The Mathematical Mysteries of FirefliesWhat blinking bugs reveal about synchrony in the universeWhat blinking bugs reveal about synchrony in the universeOne Weird Trick to Make Calculus More BeautifulThe strange power of complex analysis.The strange power of complex analysis.How Julia Robinson helped define the limits of mathematical knowledgeBorn 100 years ago, she was key in solving Hilbert’s 10th problemBorn 100 years ago, she was key in solving Hilbert’s 10th problem