Prison Math Project
@prisonmathproject.bsky.social
We support the study of math and computer science in prisons by building coding apps, creating math circles, and pairing incarcerated people with math mentors.
How did the ancient Greeks know the Earth was round without satellites or cell phones? One incarcerated father explains it to his daughter during a family visit, and it turns into an all-nighter math marathon.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/a-well-...
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/a-well-...
Nonlinear Transformations: A Well-Rounded World
During a family visit, an incarcerated father uses Eratosthenes' ancient method for measuring the Earth to teach kids the wonder of math.
www.prisonmathproject.org
July 13, 2026 at 7:11 PM
How did the ancient Greeks know the Earth was round without satellites or cell phones? One incarcerated father explains it to his daughter during a family visit, and it turns into an all-nighter math marathon.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/a-well-...
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/a-well-...
In the cacophony of a prison dayroom, a quiet communion occurs over sines, tangents, and the unit circle. With humor and a keen eye for observing prison dynamics, Nathan recounts a simple interaction over a trigonometry problem.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/this-is...
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/this-is...
Nonlinear Transformations: This is Nuts!
www.prisonmathproject.org
April 19, 2026 at 10:56 PM
In the cacophony of a prison dayroom, a quiet communion occurs over sines, tangents, and the unit circle. With humor and a keen eye for observing prison dynamics, Nathan recounts a simple interaction over a trigonometry problem.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/this-is...
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/this-is...
There is a specific, quiet threshold in every academic career: the moment you move from solving problems to posing them.
For Travis Cunningham, that threshold is a first paper on Schrödinger operators and the distribution of resonances.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/the-pri...
For Travis Cunningham, that threshold is a first paper on Schrödinger operators and the distribution of resonances.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/the-pri...
The Prison to PhD Pipeline: That Impossible Goal
www.prisonmathproject.org
March 22, 2026 at 10:04 PM
There is a specific, quiet threshold in every academic career: the moment you move from solving problems to posing them.
For Travis Cunningham, that threshold is a first paper on Schrödinger operators and the distribution of resonances.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/the-pri...
For Travis Cunningham, that threshold is a first paper on Schrödinger operators and the distribution of resonances.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/the-pri...
Did you know... PMP made the front page of Wikipedia?
Thank you, @wikipedia.org. We're thrilled to be featured in the "Did you know..." section on Pi Day.
Happy Pi Day! 🥧🎉
Thank you, @wikipedia.org. We're thrilled to be featured in the "Did you know..." section on Pi Day.
Happy Pi Day! 🥧🎉
March 14, 2026 at 11:21 PM
Did you know... PMP made the front page of Wikipedia?
Thank you, @wikipedia.org. We're thrilled to be featured in the "Did you know..." section on Pi Day.
Happy Pi Day! 🥧🎉
Thank you, @wikipedia.org. We're thrilled to be featured in the "Did you know..." section on Pi Day.
Happy Pi Day! 🥧🎉
Today, we send our congratulations to PMP mentee Travis Cunningham, who recently made available through arXiv his first solo paper. Travis is gearing up to apply to graduate school and has several papers coming up soon. Stay tuned!
Access: arxiv.org/abs/2602.20392
Access: arxiv.org/abs/2602.20392
Improved fractal Weyl bounds matching improved spectral gaps for hyperbolic surfaces and open quantum maps
We prove a new fractal Weyl upper bound for the high-energy distribution of resonances of convex co-compact hyperbolic surfaces which matches the improved spectral gap given by Fourier decay. This imp...
arxiv.org
March 5, 2026 at 10:58 PM
Today, we send our congratulations to PMP mentee Travis Cunningham, who recently made available through arXiv his first solo paper. Travis is gearing up to apply to graduate school and has several papers coming up soon. Stay tuned!
Access: arxiv.org/abs/2602.20392
Access: arxiv.org/abs/2602.20392
Reposted by Prison Math Project
It's finally here! "Linear Optimization: A Geometric Inquiry Course" gives an inquiry based course in linear optimization supplemented by technology for intuition building. A great class for interests in either pure or applied math! Physical Copies now on sale: www.619wreath.com/store/p53/Li...
Linear Optimization: A Geometric Inquiry Course
"Linear Optimization: A Geometric Inquiry Course" is an inquiry based learning text for an undergraduate course in linear optimization. Taking a geometric vantage point to build intuition, students wo...
www.619wreath.com
March 1, 2026 at 3:40 PM
It's finally here! "Linear Optimization: A Geometric Inquiry Course" gives an inquiry based course in linear optimization supplemented by technology for intuition building. A great class for interests in either pure or applied math! Physical Copies now on sale: www.619wreath.com/store/p53/Li...
Reposted by Prison Math Project
A pdf or html version may be found here: linopt.tienchih.org
A portion of the proceeds supports the Prison Math Project @prisonmathproject.bsky.social
A portion of the proceeds supports the Prison Math Project @prisonmathproject.bsky.social
Linear Optimization
linopt.tienchih.org
March 1, 2026 at 3:40 PM
A pdf or html version may be found here: linopt.tienchih.org
A portion of the proceeds supports the Prison Math Project @prisonmathproject.bsky.social
A portion of the proceeds supports the Prison Math Project @prisonmathproject.bsky.social
We often view expertise as a solitary climb, but knowledge production only happens in community.
"It is not enough to read and understand... You must be able to do something of your own with it."
For Travis, building that community took a leap of faith.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/the-pri...
"It is not enough to read and understand... You must be able to do something of your own with it."
For Travis, building that community took a leap of faith.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/the-pri...
The Prison to PhD Pipeline: Dawn
An inquiry into the genesis of academic opportunity within the carceral system. Travis Cunningham details the 'Dawn' of his research career, bridging the gap between solitary study and the broader sch...
www.prisonmathproject.org
February 1, 2026 at 9:17 PM
We often view expertise as a solitary climb, but knowledge production only happens in community.
"It is not enough to read and understand... You must be able to do something of your own with it."
For Travis, building that community took a leap of faith.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/the-pri...
"It is not enough to read and understand... You must be able to do something of your own with it."
For Travis, building that community took a leap of faith.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/the-pri...
"I can't volunteer to help him in his GED prep class... That is a security risk."
Nathan Kimbrell writes about the hurdles of prison education, and the loophole that allows him to trade the chaos of the cell block for the chaplain's office.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/algebra...
Nathan Kimbrell writes about the hurdles of prison education, and the loophole that allows him to trade the chaos of the cell block for the chaplain's office.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/algebra...
Nonlinear Transformations: An Algebraic Security Risk
Incarcerated mathematician Nathan Kimbrell reflects on the hurdles of tutoring in prison, where sharing equations becomes a rare escape from barbed wire and bureaucracy.
www.prisonmathproject.org
January 20, 2026 at 12:11 AM
"I can't volunteer to help him in his GED prep class... That is a security risk."
Nathan Kimbrell writes about the hurdles of prison education, and the loophole that allows him to trade the chaos of the cell block for the chaplain's office.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/algebra...
Nathan Kimbrell writes about the hurdles of prison education, and the loophole that allows him to trade the chaos of the cell block for the chaplain's office.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/algebra...
Imagine discovering your life's passion but having absolutely no one to share it with. For years, Travis studied in isolation, fearing that the academic world wouldn’t accept him. But one day, he took a risk.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/the-pri...
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/the-pri...
The Prison to PhD Pipeline: Reaching Out
After years studying math in solitude in prison, Travis Cunningham reaches out to the math community. Read his story to learn how he is building his own Prison to PhD pipeline.
www.prisonmathproject.org
January 7, 2026 at 5:10 PM
Imagine discovering your life's passion but having absolutely no one to share it with. For years, Travis studied in isolation, fearing that the academic world wouldn’t accept him. But one day, he took a risk.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/the-pri...
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/the-pri...
Don’t forget to enter our raffle! Every ticket helps us expand our Math Circles and provide life-changing resources to incarcerated students.
Support the mission and grab your chance to win here: www.every.org/pmp/f/suppor...
Support the mission and grab your chance to win here: www.every.org/pmp/f/suppor...
Want to make an impact AND possibly win a Christmas gift?
Enter the PMP raffle with your donation receipt!
Since the PMP will start a book club next year, the raffle prize is: a brand new Kobo Clara Color eReader!
Enter the PMP raffle with your donation receipt!
Since the PMP will start a book club next year, the raffle prize is: a brand new Kobo Clara Color eReader!
December 19, 2025 at 12:25 AM
Don’t forget to enter our raffle! Every ticket helps us expand our Math Circles and provide life-changing resources to incarcerated students.
Support the mission and grab your chance to win here: www.every.org/pmp/f/suppor...
Support the mission and grab your chance to win here: www.every.org/pmp/f/suppor...
Mathematicians + intriguing problems + a supportive community = transformation.
This year, PMP organized seven Math Circles in correctional facilities in Canada, Florida, Illinois, North Dakota, and Washington.
This year, PMP organized seven Math Circles in correctional facilities in Canada, Florida, Illinois, North Dakota, and Washington.
December 18, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Mathematicians + intriguing problems + a supportive community = transformation.
This year, PMP organized seven Math Circles in correctional facilities in Canada, Florida, Illinois, North Dakota, and Washington.
This year, PMP organized seven Math Circles in correctional facilities in Canada, Florida, Illinois, North Dakota, and Washington.
2025 was a year filled with new projects and growth for PMP. We are honored to continue this beautiful work in 2026! But first, let’s do a countdown to Christmas and recap what made our year special with our very own PMP Wrapped.
December 18, 2025 at 12:30 AM
2025 was a year filled with new projects and growth for PMP. We are honored to continue this beautiful work in 2026! But first, let’s do a countdown to Christmas and recap what made our year special with our very own PMP Wrapped.
Want to make an impact AND possibly win a Christmas gift?
Enter the PMP raffle with your donation receipt!
Since the PMP will start a book club next year, the raffle prize is: a brand new Kobo Clara Color eReader!
Enter the PMP raffle with your donation receipt!
Since the PMP will start a book club next year, the raffle prize is: a brand new Kobo Clara Color eReader!
December 16, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Want to make an impact AND possibly win a Christmas gift?
Enter the PMP raffle with your donation receipt!
Since the PMP will start a book club next year, the raffle prize is: a brand new Kobo Clara Color eReader!
Enter the PMP raffle with your donation receipt!
Since the PMP will start a book club next year, the raffle prize is: a brand new Kobo Clara Color eReader!
We have a matching gift!
With your help, we can #UnlockPotential and change the trajectory of a person's life. A $20 donation buys the first geometry set an incarcerated learner has ever had.
Today, your gift is worth DOUBLE.
prisonmathproject.org/donate
With your help, we can #UnlockPotential and change the trajectory of a person's life. A $20 donation buys the first geometry set an incarcerated learner has ever had.
Today, your gift is worth DOUBLE.
prisonmathproject.org/donate
December 2, 2025 at 3:51 PM
We have a matching gift!
With your help, we can #UnlockPotential and change the trajectory of a person's life. A $20 donation buys the first geometry set an incarcerated learner has ever had.
Today, your gift is worth DOUBLE.
prisonmathproject.org/donate
With your help, we can #UnlockPotential and change the trajectory of a person's life. A $20 donation buys the first geometry set an incarcerated learner has ever had.
Today, your gift is worth DOUBLE.
prisonmathproject.org/donate
Mathematics can free minds in the tightest of constraints.
"Every time I opened a textbook or read a research paper, every day I stayed clean, every time I showed compassion to the people around me, I was fighting a system that wanted me to fail."
Read: www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/the-pri...
"Every time I opened a textbook or read a research paper, every day I stayed clean, every time I showed compassion to the people around me, I was fighting a system that wanted me to fail."
Read: www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/the-pri...
November 18, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Mathematics can free minds in the tightest of constraints.
"Every time I opened a textbook or read a research paper, every day I stayed clean, every time I showed compassion to the people around me, I was fighting a system that wanted me to fail."
Read: www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/the-pri...
"Every time I opened a textbook or read a research paper, every day I stayed clean, every time I showed compassion to the people around me, I was fighting a system that wanted me to fail."
Read: www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/the-pri...
"Prison sucks that out of you, if you let it. You'll give up on yourself and the world too."
Math can be a liberatory force, transform lives and enrichen the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Read more about Nathan and Smoke's journeys here:
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/calcula...
Math can be a liberatory force, transform lives and enrichen the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Read more about Nathan and Smoke's journeys here:
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/calcula...
November 14, 2025 at 11:06 PM
"Prison sucks that out of you, if you let it. You'll give up on yourself and the world too."
Math can be a liberatory force, transform lives and enrichen the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Read more about Nathan and Smoke's journeys here:
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/calcula...
Math can be a liberatory force, transform lives and enrichen the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Read more about Nathan and Smoke's journeys here:
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/calcula...
How do you learn to code from a prison cell with no computer?
For one student, it started with sending JavaScript snippets via email. That simple hack led to PMP's CodePraxis.
Now, the mission is to bring this project to prisons across the country.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/trials-...
For one student, it started with sending JavaScript snippets via email. That simple hack led to PMP's CodePraxis.
Now, the mission is to bring this project to prisons across the country.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/trials-...
November 13, 2025 at 8:18 PM
How do you learn to code from a prison cell with no computer?
For one student, it started with sending JavaScript snippets via email. That simple hack led to PMP's CodePraxis.
Now, the mission is to bring this project to prisons across the country.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/trials-...
For one student, it started with sending JavaScript snippets via email. That simple hack led to PMP's CodePraxis.
Now, the mission is to bring this project to prisons across the country.
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/trials-...
In "A Spark in the Dark", the second installment of our "Prison to PhD Pipeline" series, Travis Cunningham recounts his first steps towards becoming a math researcher:
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/the-pri...
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/the-pri...
The Prison to PhD Pipeline: A Spark in the Dark
a spark in the dark, travis cunningham, learning math, math solver, math project
www.prisonmathproject.org
November 11, 2025 at 8:54 PM
In "A Spark in the Dark", the second installment of our "Prison to PhD Pipeline" series, Travis Cunningham recounts his first steps towards becoming a math researcher:
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/the-pri...
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/the-pri...
"Things begin to change because you change the way you look at them."
Nathan Kimbrell, PMP participant, reflects upon the ways in which math and mentorship can rewire your thinking in "Phantasmagoria"
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/phantas...
Nathan Kimbrell, PMP participant, reflects upon the ways in which math and mentorship can rewire your thinking in "Phantasmagoria"
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/phantas...
November 4, 2025 at 8:49 PM
"Things begin to change because you change the way you look at them."
Nathan Kimbrell, PMP participant, reflects upon the ways in which math and mentorship can rewire your thinking in "Phantasmagoria"
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/phantas...
Nathan Kimbrell, PMP participant, reflects upon the ways in which math and mentorship can rewire your thinking in "Phantasmagoria"
www.prisonmathproject.org/blog/phantas...
Do you know an incarcerated person with a keen interest in math? You can help them feel a part of the math community while they're inside prison.
Contact us with their mailing info and we'll send them a physical copy of our quarterly newsletter.
Contact us with their mailing info and we'll send them a physical copy of our quarterly newsletter.
October 29, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Do you know an incarcerated person with a keen interest in math? You can help them feel a part of the math community while they're inside prison.
Contact us with their mailing info and we'll send them a physical copy of our quarterly newsletter.
Contact us with their mailing info and we'll send them a physical copy of our quarterly newsletter.
We asked Christopher what is his favorite number and this is what he told us.
Read more on continued fractions and the "Zopf" number here: bit.ly/3La0rs0
Read more on continued fractions and the "Zopf" number here: bit.ly/3La0rs0
October 28, 2025 at 10:59 PM
We asked Christopher what is his favorite number and this is what he told us.
Read more on continued fractions and the "Zopf" number here: bit.ly/3La0rs0
Read more on continued fractions and the "Zopf" number here: bit.ly/3La0rs0
Big news: we are expanding our digital space with a new blog!
Expect to see insights on math education, stories from our participants, and reflections on justice and the carceral system.
For our first post, Christopher Havens joined us for an interview exploring his journey.
bit.ly/3La0rs0
Expect to see insights on math education, stories from our participants, and reflections on justice and the carceral system.
For our first post, Christopher Havens joined us for an interview exploring his journey.
bit.ly/3La0rs0
October 27, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Big news: we are expanding our digital space with a new blog!
Expect to see insights on math education, stories from our participants, and reflections on justice and the carceral system.
For our first post, Christopher Havens joined us for an interview exploring his journey.
bit.ly/3La0rs0
Expect to see insights on math education, stories from our participants, and reflections on justice and the carceral system.
For our first post, Christopher Havens joined us for an interview exploring his journey.
bit.ly/3La0rs0
Have you had the chance to read our Fall '25 Newsletter yet?
Delve into it and explore powerful insights on math, being and justice, as well as thought-provoking problems designed to challenge your intellect.
prisonmathproject.org/newsletter
Delve into it and explore powerful insights on math, being and justice, as well as thought-provoking problems designed to challenge your intellect.
prisonmathproject.org/newsletter
Newsletter
prisonmathproject.org
October 22, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Have you had the chance to read our Fall '25 Newsletter yet?
Delve into it and explore powerful insights on math, being and justice, as well as thought-provoking problems designed to challenge your intellect.
prisonmathproject.org/newsletter
Delve into it and explore powerful insights on math, being and justice, as well as thought-provoking problems designed to challenge your intellect.
prisonmathproject.org/newsletter
Any amount helps - $3 can help support our mission to bring math and computer science inside prisons. :) Please considering giving today! If you share and repost, that helps too. :)
Our biggest and more important holiday fundraiser yet!🎄❄️🕯️We have developed an app to allow incarcerated people to program on their tablets. This is part of our mission to allow incarcerated people everywhere to learn math and computer science.
www.every.org/pmp/f/help-b...
www.every.org/pmp/f/help-b...
Help Bring Computer Science inside Prisons | Every.org
Join us in advancing tech education for incarcerated individuals with the PMP Console! This unique coding app provides a text editor, compiler, and interactive courses with explanations and exercises,...
www.every.org
December 5, 2024 at 5:50 PM
Any amount helps - $3 can help support our mission to bring math and computer science inside prisons. :) Please considering giving today! If you share and repost, that helps too. :)