Maryam Mirzakhani

Maryam Mirzakhani was an Iranian mathematician renowned for her groundbreaking work in geometry and dynamical systems. Born in 1977, she became the first woman to win the prestigious Fields Medal in 2014, often referred to as the Nobel Prize of Mathematics. Her research focused on understanding complex shapes and surfaces, particularly in hyperbolic geometry. Mirzakhani's contributions illuminated the interplay between different areas of mathematics and inspired many in the field, especially women. She passed away in 2017, leaving a lasting legacy in mathematics and as a role model for aspiring mathematicians worldwide.