Guyanese-born distinguished professor Dr. Terrence Richard Blackman

Guyanese-born Dr. Terrence Blackman is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Mathematics at Medgar Evers College, City University of New York (CUNY).

A dedicated educator, researcher, and advocate for diversity in the mathematical sciences, Dr. Blackman has spent his career expanding opportunities for underrepresented students in STEM while contributing to global discussions on economic development and policy.

Dr. Blackman is a distinguished mathematician whose research spans spectral geometry, quaternion algebras, and quantum computing.

On Thursday, the associate professor told Caribbean Life that his work in pure mathematics has led to “significant advancements in the field, particularly in understanding the Langlands Program and the relationships between automorphic forms for different arithmetic groups.”

He said his research on spectral correspondences for Maass waveforms and quaternion algebras has provided “new insights into deep problems at the intersection of number theory and geometry.”

Dr. Blackman said his recent paper, “Fast Navigation with Icosahedral Golden Gates,” explores the practical applications of quaternion algebra techniques in quantum computing, specifically improving the efficiency of quantum gate decompositions.

“This research has far-reaching implications, contributing not only to theoretical mathematics but also to the development of fault-tolerant quantum computation—a crucial challenge in advancing quantum technology,” Dr. Blackman said.

He said that beyond his contributions to pure mathematics, he has made “substantial strides” in applied research and mathematics education.

Dr. Blackman said his work creating transformative learning environments for underrepresented students has led to “significant insights and practical applications, directly impacting mathematics education and broadening participation in STEM fields.”

Dr. Blackman is the chair of the Executive Council of The National Alliance for Doctoral Studies in the Mathematical Sciences, an organization committed to increasing the number of students from underrepresented groups who pursue doctoral degrees in the mathematical sciences.

He also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Mathematicians (NAM), where he plays a key role in supporting the advancement of African American mathematicians.

Previously, Dr. Blackman was dean of the School of Science, Health, and Technology at Medgar Evers College (2016–2019), where he worked to strengthen mathematics and science education for students in Central Brooklyn.

Dr. Blackman said his work shaping math education has extended beyond the college level. He has been lobbying Congress through the American Mathematical Society (AMS) on equity, diversity, and inclusion issues in mathematics and education.

He said he is “a passionate advocate for broadening access to mathematics.”

He founded and led the Frank Ragland Math Master’s Program, a Medgar Evers College initiative that provides mentorship, academic support, and tutoring for students from underserved communities preparing for specialized high school admissions and beyond.

Dr. Blackman said his research and teaching experiences have also influenced his authorship of Fundamentals for Calculus, an upcoming book focused on strengthening pre-calculus education as a foundation for success in STEM fields.

In addition, Dr. Blackman said he is working on a biographical book highlighting the contributions of Black mathematicians to the mathematical sciences, featuring scholars such as Jonathan Mboyo Esole, Edray Herber Goins, Trachette Jackson, Donald King, William Massey, and Kate Okikiolu.

Dr. Blackman has held prestigious academic appointments, including serving as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Department of Mathematics (2012–2013) as part of the MIT Martin Luther King, Jr. Visiting Professors and Scholars Program.

“This distinguished fellowship brings exceptional scholars and professionals from underrepresented backgrounds to MIT to enrich its academic and research environment,” he said, stating that, during his tenure, he “engaged in advanced research in mathematical sciences, collaborated with MIT faculty, and provided mentorship to students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, aligning with the program’s mission of advancing diversity in academia.”

In 2023, Dr. Blackman was honored by The HistoryMakers, the nation’s most prominent African American video oral history archive, recognizing his contributions to mathematics, education, and mentorship.

He said this distinction places him among an elite group of scholars and leaders whose stories and legacies are preserved for future generations.

Additionally, Dr. Blackman was recognized by Mathematically Gifted & Black. This initiative highlights the contributions of Black mathematicians and their impact on the field.

He also said this recognition underscores his ongoing commitment to mathematics education, diversity in STEM, and community engagement.

Under Dr. Blackman’s leadership, the Math Alliance was a finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM), a prestigious recognition that celebrates individuals and organizations who have demonstrated outstanding efforts in mentoring students and early-career professionals in STEM.

Beyond academia, Dr. Blackman said he founded the Guyana Business Journal and Magazine, a platform dedicated to fostering economic discourse and policy discussions related to Guyana’s development in the oil and gas era.

He hosts the “Transforming Guyana” webinar series, which engages global experts, policymakers, and business leaders in discussing the country’s economic transformation.

Dr. Blackman said he has moderated key discussions, including Vision 2040: Guyana’s National Development Plan and A Guyanese Universal Basic Income in the Era of Oil and Gas.

Dr. Blackman said he has also organized Diaspora Dialogues and the Navigating a Changing Guyana series in Washington, D.C., New York, Florida, Atlanta, and London.

“These forums bring together members of the Guyanese Diaspora, policymakers, and business leaders to engage in meaningful conversations about economic opportunities, governance, and the role of the diaspora in Guyana’s development,” he said.

Dr. Blackman said his dedication extends beyond professional and academic pursuits. As a father, he said he is proud of his daughter, Sasha, an accomplished flutist and student at the Special Music School in Manhattan, where she has performed internationally and won numerous prestigious competitions.

His son, Madiba, is a medical student in Brooklyn, following the family’s tradition of academic excellence in service to the community. Dr. Blackman said he has been married to his wife, Anna, for 15 years.

With a career spanning mathematics, education, policy, and economic development, Dr. Blackman said he remains “committed to expanding access, fostering opportunity, and shaping a legacy of inclusive excellence in mathematics and the sciences.”