Author Archives: Karen Saxe

About Karen Saxe

Karen Saxe is Director of the AMS Office of Government Relations which works to connect the mathematics community with Washington decision-makers who affect mathematics research and education. Over many years she has contributed much time to the AMS, MAA, and AWM, including service as vice president of the MAA and in policy and advocacy work with all three. She was the 2013-2014 AMS Congressional Fellow, working for Senator Al Franken on education issues, with focus on higher education and STEM education. In Minnesota she has served on the Citizens Redistricting Commission following the 2010 census and serves on the Common Cause Minnesota Redistricting Leadership Circle. She has three children and, when not at work especially enjoys being with them and reading, hiking and sharing good food and wine and beer with family and friends.

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” — Wayne Gretzky (former professional ice hockey player and coach)

Posted on October 24, 2017 by Karen Saxe

Once upon a time there was a Senator from Wisconsin who thought it a good idea to publish a monthly bulletin highlighting what he viewed as the most frivolous and wasteful uses of taxpayers’ dollars. From 1975 until 1988, Senator … Continue reading →

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Spend a year, or two, in Washington D.C.! Applications due soon!

Posted on September 26, 2017 by Karen Saxe

Editor’s note: Guest columnist Catherine Paolucci served as the AMS/AAAS 2016-17 Congressional Fellow and is now serving a second year as a AAAS fellow, this time posted in the Executive Branch. As a mathematics community, we often look to publication, … Continue reading →

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Federal policies and our work at institutions of higher education

Posted on September 18, 2017 by Karen Saxe

AMS President Ken Ribet has issued a statement about President Trump’s statement on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. He’s joined leaders of other science organizations (e.g., AAAS, APS) in making such a statement, and I am glad … Continue reading →

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More bad news for science in the U.S.

Posted on August 28, 2017 by Karen Saxe

If you think my July 24 post about the outlook for science in the U.S. brought bad news, just wait, it gets worse. NEWS FLASH We really need to worry about the marginalization of science in the present Administration Probably … Continue reading →

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Redistricting on my mind

Posted on August 14, 2017 by Karen Saxe

My past few weeks have been filled with thoughts of redistricting – I gave a talk at MAA MathFest titled “Ready for redistricting 2020?” and, then, spent an exhilarating week at Tufts at the Geometry of Redistricting Workshop. This workshop was … Continue reading →

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Recess in Washington; Congress winding down pre-recess budget negotiations

Posted on July 24, 2017 by Karen Saxe

I’m headed off to the MAA’s MathFest and thought it a good time to give you an update on budget proceedings in Washington. The month of August is traditionally a congressional recess, meaning that Representatives and Senators are in their … Continue reading →

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Posted on July 17, 2017 by Karen Saxe

Over the weekend we lost a major force in mathematics. Maryam Mirzakhani died far too soon, at the age of 40. You no doubt know that she is the first and only woman ever to have been honored with a Fields … Continue reading →

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Making the Pool Bigger: Advocating for NSF and AMS

Posted on July 13, 2017 by Karen Saxe

Editor’s Note: Lea Jenkins is in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Clemson University. She represented the AMS at the 23rd Annual Capitol Hill Exhibition of the Coalition for National Science Funding. Key to the mission of the AMS Washington Office are telling compelling … Continue reading →

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ICYMI – A great Congressional Briefing!

Posted on June 30, 2017 by Karen Saxe

On Wednesday June 28 we held a Congressional Lunch Briefing in D.C. and it was a great success! In the past, the AMS has held one Congressional Briefing each year, typically during the week or two following Thanksgiving. This was our first … Continue reading →

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Promoting Diversity in the Mathematical Sciences

Posted on June 20, 2017 by Karen Saxe

The AMS recently endorsed two bills that are part of Senator Mazie Hirono’s (Hawai’i) plan to promote women and minorities pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions and careers. Companion bills were introduced in the House of Representatives by … Continue reading →

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