William Yslas Vèlez
- Ethnicity: Hispanic
- Gender: M
- Year of Birth: 1947
- Place of Birth: Tucson, Arizona
University of Arizona
Department of Mathematics
Tucson, AZ 85721-0001
voice (602) 621-2259
fax (602) 621-8322
velez@math.arizona.edu
SACNAS Homepage
Education
- PhD Institution: University of Arizona, 1975.
- Dissertation Title: A Basis for the Group of Units Modulo RHO('M)
and Prime Ideal Decomposition in F(MU('1/M)).
- Advisor: Henry B. Mann
- MS Institution: University of Arizona, 1972
- BA Institution: University of Arizona, 1968
Biography
William Vèlez had no interest in mathematics in high school,
although he was fairly good at it. Had he told anyone then that he would
become a mathematician, no one would have believed him.
Vèlez began his undergraduate studies in chemical engineering
at the University of Arizona, but he had philosophical differences with
the engineering school. He dropped calculus his first semester and took
pre-calculus instead. After passing one semester of calculus with a "C,"
Vèlez enrolled in the second semester of calculus, earning an "A."
He then took differential equations. Finding that he liked mathematics
and was good at it, he decided in his sophomore year to get a Ph.D. in
either mathematics or physics. Vèlez carefully examined the curriculum
of both fields. Physics required a lot of laboratory work. His experiments
never worked so he decided not to get his Ph.D. in physics.
According to Vèlez, "One of the wonderful things about the mathematical
community is being around some of the smartest people in the world. Mathematicians
can do anything."
Since earning his Ph.D. in mathematics Vèlez has become a professor
at the University of Arizona, and Director of the Southwest Regional Institute
in Mathematical Sciences. The goal of this institute is the integration
of research and Education. He has also worked with the Navy creating communication
systems for submarines, holding patents on two of the systems and patents
pending on two more.
Vèlez is concerned about and involved with increasing the number
of Chicano students in mathematics and the sciences. He has a desire to
get the Latino community to think of Education in general and the importance
of Education. Vèlez remarks, "Ignorance is a heavy load to bear
and it weighs you down."
[Vicki Hill]