Forward Thinking mathematics research and inspiring the next generation

Dr Candida (Candy) Bowtell (BaA, GrE 04-11), is at the forefront of mathematical research as a research fellow at the University of Birmingham. With a passion for building mathematical confidence in young people and her forward thinking mathematical research, Candy aims to change perceptions around how ‘scary’ university level maths is and inspire the next generation of problem solvers.

From Hesitation to Success

‘I initially hesitated to study maths after school. However, a gap year at Bradfield College, where I worked in maths and music, reignited my passion and led me to Birmingham’s joint maths and music course. I later switched to single honours maths to secure funding for a fourth year, which paved the way for a PhD at Oxford and a postdoctoral fellowship at Warwick’.

Now as a Leverhulme Early Career Research Fellow at Birmingham, Candy focuses on combinatorics – the maths of counting. ‘My role includes lecturing, supervising projects, organising seminars and conferences, supporting equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives and collaborating internationally, with research taking me to Australia, Canada, Sweden, and the USA.’

Photo: DPhil Graduation Day – Mathematics Institute, Oxford

Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Real-World Applications

Candy’s work may sound obscure, but it has far-reaching applications ‘The study of abstract networks can be applied to a range of areas, from understanding biological systems to improving transportation networks and even recreational maths like chess and sudoku, making it both practical and fun to explore.’

Empowering Progress
Beyond research, Candy’s passion for inclusion drives her to create opportunities for underrepresented groups in mathematics. ‘I strive to use my work to actively promote these values and make a positive impact.’

Mathematics remains a male dominated subject, but Candy sees the opportunity to foster change, ‘I am grateful to have the opportunity to increase female representation and support female and non-binary students.’

‘At Oxford I was involved in a mentoring scheme pairing female and non-binary undergraduate students with postgraduate students and co-led a lunch time discussion group, open to postgraduates and staff, to discuss issues and challenges faced by minorities in mathematics’.

Photo: Candy lecturing at the University of Warwick

Advice for Inspiring Mathematics
Candy offers encouraging advice for anyone considering studying mathematics at university: ‘Go for it! Maths is a very collaborative subject, and you’re encouraged to discuss problems with peers and learn together. University maths isn’t as scary as it seems and you will likely start to view maths in a new way. It isn’t so much harder – universities want to support you through the transition and develop all sorts of skills to be employable.’

Embracing Persistence: The Key to Mathematical Growth
For anyone looking to improve their maths ability, no matter their age, Candy offers one key piece of advice: ‘Get comfortable with struggle’. She explains ‘maths often gets seen as something that you are either good at, or bad at, and if you struggle to solve a problem then you must be bad.’

‘A friend of mine, a maths teacher, asks her students how long they think is reasonable to work on solving a problem, before giving up, or concluding that they are ‘bad at maths’. Most say a couple of hours. She then tells them about me, who has a PhD in maths from Oxford and spent four years solving one maths problem. She asks if that makes me bad at maths. No! It’s all about persistence! By embracing this, you can find more enjoyment and deeper understanding in the subject.’

Christ’s Hospital’s Lasting Impact
Candy credits her time at Christ’s Hospital for nurturing a love for maths. ‘Maths was my favourite subject. I had some great teachers who supported and encouraged me. Alan Smith, Chris Hennock and Arthur Mayhew were particularly important, but I really did appreciate all my maths teachers. The fun games we sometimes played in lessons also helped!’

‘What I love about maths now, is not what I loved at school, but I don’t think I would have the love for it that I have, were it not for my school experience, and the support and encouragement that I had.’

‘One fond memory was the opportunity to run a maths and music workshop for visiting primary school children alongside Adrian Bawtree, Director of Music at the time. It was fun and rewarding to teach and inspire a love for maths in the younger students’. explained Candy.

Photo: Luxembourg 2009 – Rhineland trip (Candy second left)

Photo: Beating Retreat 2011 (Candy far left)

Photo: CH girls rugby team (Candy top second right)