Interview with Richard Thomas

<p>Richard Thomas is a professor at Imperial College London, working in algebraic geometry and mirror symmetry. In this interview, Richard speaks about math education for kids, contemplates the process of doing research and gives plenty of good advice for PhD students.&nbsp;</p> <p><br></p> <p>Richard's webpage: <a href="http://wwwf.imperial.ac.uk/~rpwt/​">http://wwwf.imperial.ac.uk/~rpwt/​</a></p> <p>Photo: Richard's wikipedia page</p> <p>Interview with Richard Thomas</p> <p>0:00​ teaser</p> <p>0:30​ non-linear way in math</p> <p>3:14​ the mystery of mathematicians</p> <p>6:55​ kids' attitude to math problems</p> <p>11:40​ boys vs girls math approach</p> <p>16:26​ me being triggered (clickbait!)</p> <p>21:32​ what made Richard a mathematician</p> <p>26:40​ insights vs dull proofs</p> <p>29:06​ math is subjective&nbsp;</p> <p>30:08​ process of doing math research</p> <p>35:16​ obstructions to enjoying research</p> <p>37:53​ what students should know</p> <p>43:53​ hardest part of research</p> <p>47:36​ insecurities of mathematicians</p> <p>51:19​ psychology of doing math</p> <p>54:55​ minorities in math</p> <p>1:01:14​ math during an earthquake</p> <p><br></p>