Partial profile · Book Profile — full narrative profile planned
A Mind For Numbers
A neuroscience-grounded guide showing that anyone can excel at math and science by learning how the brain actually learns, thinks, and remembers.
A profile of this book is on the way.
What it’s about
A Mind for Numbers takes the mystery out of learning math and science by translating cutting-edge cognitive science into practical, immediately usable techniques. Written by an engineering professor who once flunked her way through high school math and only started remedial trigonometry at age twenty-six, the book proves that mathematical and scientific ability is something you become, not something you are. It explains how the brain toggles between two complementary modes of thinking (focused and diffuse), how to build robust conceptual 'chunks' that make problem solving automatic, how to defeat procrastination by managing your habitual 'zombie' routines, and how to harness memory, sleep, exercise, and teamwork to learn more deeply in less time. Filled with counterintuitive tips, vivid metaphors, student stories, and expert insights, it empowers readers of any background to reshape their brains, overcome illusions of competence, and unlock their potential.
The through-line
- Who it’s for
- A student or lifelong learner who wants to excel at math and science but doubts their own ability.
- The problem
- They struggle to understand, retain, and apply mathematical and scientific concepts and to prepare effectively for tests. They feel incapable, anxious, and convinced they simply lack a 'mind for numbers.'
- The plan
- Understand and deliberately alternate between focused and diffuse modes of thinking.
- Build conceptual chunks through focused attention, understanding, and varied practice.
- Use recall and self-testing instead of passive rereading to avoid illusions of competence.
- Defeat procrastination by managing habit cues, routines, and rewards and using the Pomodoro technique.
- Strengthen memory with spaced repetition, metaphors, memory techniques, sleep, and exercise.
- The payoff
- You learn math and science more deeply, efficiently, and with less frustration. · You gain confidence and even develop passion for subjects you once feared. · You perform better on tests and unlock new career and life opportunities.