For Shiraz Robinson, mathematics is more than just numbers and formulas; it’s an avenue for creative exploration and professional growth. Since his teenage years, he has spent countless hours on the Khan Academy platform, which has been instrumental in guiding him toward fields like data science, engineering, and quantum computing.
Robinson explained, “You build this mathematical literacy, where you spend so much time with math that it actually leads you to a field like data science or engineering or quantum computing.” This passion for math continued from his undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland to his time at the University of Virginia, culminating in unique projects such as holiday-themed mathematical creations.
His latest endeavor includes crafting and animating holiday-inspired equations using a software package called Manim. In December, he shared his “Merry Christmas” equations on the School of Data Science’s website. He described this tradition, saying, “Solving equations has become my own festive tradition, weaving mathematics into the magic of the holidays.”
As Valentine’s Day approached, Robinson introduced a new set of equations that transformed romantic phrases and symbols into mathematical expressions. These equations drew from various mathematical disciplines, including trigonometry, geometry, linear algebra, quantum computation, complex analysis, and deep learning. “Some of these equations come from very familiar places,” he noted. “For example, I created a heart-shaped graph using equations I learned in high school algebra, so you don’t have to know very high-level math to create one in this way.”
Robinson’s research pursuits as a graduate assistant at the National Security Data and Policy Institute focus on Chinese large language models and the implications of the 2022 U.S. GPU embargo on Chinese AI development. Additionally, he is engaged in an independent study on quantum computing this semester.
He recently appeared on a CBS19 segment titled “Inside the Numbers,” where he discussed the transformative effects of quantum computing on artificial intelligence and data science. Looking forward, Robinson is considering doctoral studies in data science and related domains such as computer science and quantum science & engineering, all while continuing his inventive approach to holiday-themed mathematics.
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