Ruth Charney

Ruth Michele Charney (born 1950) is an American mathematician known for her work in geometric group theory and Artin groups. She holds the Theodore and Evelyn G. Berenson Chair in Mathematics at Brandeis University. She was in the first group of mathematicians named Fellows of the American Mathematical Society. She served as President of the Association for Women in Mathematics during 2013–2015, and has been elected to serve as President of the American Mathematical Society for the 2021–2023 term.
Life.
Charney attended Brandeis University, graduating in mathematics in 1972. She then attended Merce Cunningham Dance Studio for a year, studying modern dance. She received her Ph.D. from Princeton University in 1977 under Wu-Chung Hsiang.
Work.
Following her graduation from Princeton, Charney took a postdoctoral position at University of California, Berkeley, followed by an NSF postdoctoral appointment/assistant professor position at Yale University. She worked for Ohio State University until 2003, when she returned to work at Brandeis University.
Charney served as President of the Association for Women in Mathematics during 2013–2015. She emphasized the importance of encouraging young women in mathematics through summer programs, mentorships, and parental involvement.
She has served as an editor of the journal "Algebraic and Geometric Topology" from 2000 to 2007.
In 2019 she was elected to serve as President of the American Mathematical Society during 2021–2023.