719: Computational Mathematics and Fluid Dynamics — with Prof. Margot Gerritsen

Colorful Numbers

Margot Gerritsen's unique experience with synesthesia has profoundly influenced her understanding of numbers and mathematics. She describes how numbers appear to her as colors, with some numbers like three and 27 having a vibrant, rainbow-like spectrum. This visual connection extends to her teaching, where she recognizes the importance of visual learning for some students.

Three is one of the colors that, for me, has more of a rainbow. I mean, some of them, the nicer numbers.

--- Margot Gerritsen

Margot's synesthesia also affects her perception of words, associating early learned words with colors, although this became impractical as her vocabulary expanded. Her experience highlights the diverse ways individuals can perceive and interact with mathematical concepts 1 2.

   

Learning Impact

Synesthesia has not only shaped Margot's perception of numbers but also her mathematical learning journey. She believes that synesthetes often excel in mathematics due to their ability to visualize numbers and operations more easily. Margot's passion for mathematics led her to explore various scientific fields, ultimately choosing computational mathematics as a versatile foundation for her career.

I've gone through so many of those doors. And so it's been fascinating. So clearly I love it.

--- Margot Gerritsen

She emphasizes the importance of dispelling myths about innate mathematical ability, advocating for more intuitive teaching methods to help others unlock their potential in this "beautiful language" 3 4.