Celebrating Women in Mathematics - Shan Shan Inspires with Curiosity 51本色鈥檚 Centre for Quantum Mathematics
Each year on May 12, the International Women in Mathematics Day is celebrated in honor of Iranian mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani鈥攖he first woman to receive the Fields Medal. The day serves as a powerful reminder of the vital contributions women continue to make in mathematics worldwide.
At the Centre for Quantum Mathematics (QM) at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), we also take this opportunity to recognize the achievements of women in mathematics. Here, a vibrant community of researchers and students pushes the boundaries of mathematical knowledge in areas such as quantum research and quantum computing. Among them is Associate Professor Shan Shan, one of our faculty members, whose journey exemplifies the courage, curiosity, and collaboration that define the spirit of women in STEM.
A Journey Across Disciplines
Shan Shan's research defies simple categorization.
“I have a mix of interests,” she explains. “Since my PhD days, I’ve worked on computational methods for biological shape analysis and developed mathematical frameworks for machine learning. More recently, I’ve started exploring quantum computing and its applications.”
Her path into quantum mathematics was far from linear. When she joined QM in 2021, she had only a basic understanding of quantum computing. But a wave of breakthroughs in the field—and the dynamic research environment in Denmark—sparked her curiosity.
“Entering an entirely new field wasn’t easy,” she admits. “But I tend to focus on the work itself rather than the obstacles. And having a fantastic mentor like Professor Jørgen Ellegaard Andersen made a huge difference.”
The Power of Representation
For Shan Shan, increasing the visibility of women in STEM is essential.
“It’s important to show young people that women can be great mathematicians, scientists, and leaders,” she says. Traditional platforms like conferences and workshops have played an important role, but she also sees potential in modern tools like social media and augmented reality to engage the next generation.
Her own inspiration came from the inherent beauty of mathematics—and from the professors who helped her see it.
“When I chose mathematics as a career, the idea of being successful came second to understanding how beautiful math is,” she reflects. “I’m grateful to the professors I had at Agnes Scott College and Duke University for showing me that.”
Mentorship and Mutual Support
Shan Shan speaks with deep admiration about her PhD advisor, Professor Ingrid Daubechies, describing her as “a person who represents the best of human qualities.” That reverence for mentorship is reflected in her own experience at QM, where collaboration and support are central to the research culture.
In a field where women remain underrepresented, these support networks are crucial. At QM, women are not only contributing to groundbreaking research—they are uplifting each other, creating a space where curiosity thrives, and diverse perspectives are celebrated.
A Celebration of Focus and Joy
When asked about career milestones, Shan Shan’s answer is refreshingly grounded:
“I enjoy the process more than the outcome. Every second of fully focused work is a joy in itself.” It’s a sentiment that captures what drives so many women in mathematics—not just the pursuit of answers, but a deep love for the journey itself.