Dr Monk won the Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize for her research in spectral geometry, an area of maths studying the relationship between the vibrational modes of surfaces and their geometry. She said about the award: “Maryam Mirzakhani has been a big inspiration for me and my PhD was inspired by her amazing work. Sadly, we never had the chance to meet but she exchanged emails with my advisor Nalini Anantharaman asking questions, which we have since answered. That’s such a special feeling.”
The Breakthrough Prize celebrates research achievements of the world’s top scientists, awarding more than $15 million in prizes annually, including $50,000 for the Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize.
Dr Monk attended the star-studded event in Los Angeles and was presented the award by Tennis star Venus Williams and actor Zoe Saldaña.
Huge congratulations to Laura on this wonderful achievement.