University of Dundee Mathematician inspires pupils with talk on the Sun

Karen, who was named the 2025 winner of the school’s Mathematics Hall of Fame, spoke to more than 200 pupils about how mathematics helps us understand our closest star.

Each year, pupils at Holy Rood RC research mathematicians from Scottish universities and present their work to classmates. The project is designed to show how mathematics connects to real life. The group that chose Karen as their subject was voted the winner, leading to her visit this September.

She spoke to S2 pupils and a group of S6 students studying Advanced Higher Mathematics. Karen shared her career journey and explained how mathematics plays a vital role in solar research. Her work focuses on the Sun’s magnetic field, which shapes solar eruptions and drives a phenomenon known as “Space Weather.”

Space Weather is a growing area of international importance and is listed on the UK National Risk Register. Solar eruptions can damage satellites, disrupt GPS, cause power outages, and even pose risks to astronauts. Airlines may also need to divert flights to avoid high radiation levels near the Earth’s poles. At the same time, solar activity produces the aurora, creating spectacular light displays in the night sky.

Karen’s research uses mathematical models and observations to reveal more about the Sun’s behaviour. By advancing our understanding, her work supports efforts to protect technology, infrastructure and people from the impacts of Space Weather.

If you are inspired by Karen’s story and want to explore how mathematics can help solve real-world challenges, you can discover our Mathematics courses at the University of Dundee.