Karen Mortensen
Director of the Illinois Mathematics Lab

As the IML director, Dr. Karen Mortensen oversees the research and outreach activities of the Illinois Mathematics Lab.

Karen holds a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Chicago. Karen has been on the faculty at Illinois as an Academic Professional since 1999 and also serves as the Associate Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Mathematics. She became director of the Illinois Mathematics Lab in 2023, after collaborating with Prof. Steve Bradlow to lead an IML project that examined the extensive collection of historical mathematical models displayed throughout Altgeld Hall.

Manisha Garg
Research Manager

As the IML Research Manager, Manisha Garg supports the IML director in identifying potential research collaborations between UIUC faculty members and students. She assists the director in reviewing applications, assigning students to projects, and coordinating IML’s mid-semester presentations and end-of-semester poster sessions.

Manisha is a 3rd year graduate student in the Department of Mathematics. She has served as a team leader for several IML research groups. Manisha is an active member of the Illinois graduate chapter of the Association for Women in Mathematics and has also served as an instructor and the director of SIM Camp, the department’s summer math camp for high school students.

Manisha holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Delhi Technological University.

Maddy Ritter
Outreach Manager

As the IML Outreach Manager, Maddy Ritter supports the IML’s undergraduate RSO in coordinating mathematical outreach activities in the local Champaign-Urbana communities.

Maddy is a 3rd year graduate student in the Department of Mathematics. She currently serves as the President for the graduate chapter of the Association for Women in Mathematics at UIUC.

Maddy holds a bachelor of arts degree in mathematics from Mount Holyoke College. She is advised by Dr. Bruce Reznick.