Freda Porter Locklear
Postdoctoral candidate, University of North Carolina

Like many other research mathematicians and scientists, Freda Porter Locklear wants to make a name for herself in her field. She has already created a body of work that places her in the top of her field and serves as a role model for other young mathematicians and students. As a Native American, Freda also serves as a role model for young people in her own community. Achieving such high stature has taken a great deal of work and commitment over many years.

Freda and her family have worked together for her success. After she earned her bachelor's degree from Pembroke State College in her hometown of Pembroke, North Carolina, Freda went on to graduate school, first at North Carolina State University and then at Duke University. For many years she spent several days at a time at school and away from her husband and son. Today, Freda is one of only 12 Native American women to have earned a Ph.D. in mathematics, and the family believes that her work and success created opportunities for other women and other Native Americans. She continues to divide her time between her academic community and her home and family, working on a postdoctoral degree at the University of North Carolina.

Freda is active in several national organizations that promote the study of mathematics and that support women and Native Americans in the field. She has established a campus chapter of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society at Pembroke State University. As she plans her future career goals, she continues to think in the long term about her own research and about the ways in which she can help her community.

Photo courtesy of Blackside, Inc.
Biography by Lauren Foley