An Afternoon With Professor Po Shen Loh | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Professor Po-Shen Loh discusses his experiences in math competitions, his teaching strategies, and his work on the Novid app to fight the spread of COVID-19.

Key Insights

• 💠 Professor Po-Shen Loh's experiences in math competitions and his passion for solving challenging problems have shaped his career as a mathematician, educator, and innovator.
• 😀 The Novid app, created by Loh, provides a unique approach to fighting the spread of COVID-19 by informing individuals of their proximity to sick individuals and helping them make informed decisions.
• ❓ Loh emphasizes the importance of understanding the why behind mathematical concepts and developing problem-solving skills rather than memorizing solutions.
• 😷 He encourages students to seek resources and support, ask questions, and maintain a positive mindset when facing challenges in math.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What is the Novid app, and how does it help stop the spread of COVID-19?

The Novid app takes a unique approach by informing users how many relationships away they are from a sick person. This allows individuals to see the danger and the potential spread of the disease before it reaches them. By providing real-time information, the app helps individuals make informed decisions and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others.

Q: What advice do you have for students preparing for math competitions?

It is essential to focus on developing problem-solving skills and not just memorizing solutions. Practicing challenging problems and exploring different problem-solving strategies is key. Additionally, it is important to start preparing early and to gradually work on time management skills closer to the competition.

Q: How do you encourage students who struggle in math?

Professor Loh emphasizes that struggling in math does not mean one lacks talent or the ability to succeed. He encourages students to ask questions and seek clarification, focusing on understanding the foundations and building step by step. Additionally, he advises seeking out resources such as online tutorials, videos, and interactive platforms to reinforce understanding.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Professor Po-Shen Loh shares his background, including his involvement in math competitions, his academic journey, and his current role as a professor and coach for the US International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) team.

• He discusses breakthrough moments in his math career, including his love for math competitions and his passion for finding interesting problems and innovative solutions.

• Loh shares one of his favorite moments as a student, when he solved a previously unsolved problem during his Ph.D. studies.

• He also talks about his creation of the Novid app, which uses network theory to track the spread of COVID-19 and help stop its transmission.