In this series of posts, we’ll be featuring mathematical video and streaming channels from all over the internet, by speaking to the creators of the channel and asking them about what they do.
We spoke to Stanley, who runs the StanDoesMath Instagram channel.
Channel title: StanDoesMath
Link: instagram.com/standoesmath
Topics covered: Equity/Inclusion and belonging in mathematics, humanizing mathematics, navigating math(s) graduate school and the unwritten rules of academia
Average video length: 1-2 minutes
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Hi Stanley! Tell us about yourself and your Instagram page.
I’m a mathematician and educator based in North Carolina, United States. I stumbled into mathematics by accident– taking math(s) courses in college out of spite because I couldn’t stand being “bad at math(s)”. I thought I’d follow the usual academic trajectory, but found it incredibly isolating; as a queer person in the American South, raised by a single, immigrant mother… I didn’t really encounter mathematicians whose life experiences looked like mine, or faculty who knew how to best support me.
I started my Instagram page in December 2025. I’ve had a non-linear career path that included leaving a well-regarded mathematics PhD program, working restaurant jobs for a while, and eventually finding my way back to graduate school in a much smaller program. I wanted to share my experiences and show students in similar situations that there’s not one “correct” way to exist as a mathematician.
People are multi-dimensional, and math(s) academia often doesn’t make space for that. So, I talk a lot on my channel about humanizing mathematics– whether that’s accessible pedagogy, existing as a minority in math spaces, finding happiness/fulfillment in your math(s) career, or just openly discussing the good, bad, and ugly sides of being a mathematician.
Who is the intended audience for the channel?
Most of my audience is current or prospective students in mathematics (and related fields). But, it also includes faculty, K-12 students, math(s)-adjacent people, and a diverse set of people who are wondering… “could I be a mathematician one day?” Anyone and everyone is welcome here.
What is a typical video on your channel like?
This is a personal account, so I release videos when I’m feeling inspired and tend to release fewer during busy seasons of life. My videos are 1-2 minutes long and cover a wide range of topics. Some are personal anecdotes or advice, while others are more well-researched primers on current events and topics of interest in the math(s) world. I occasionally make videos on viewer-suggested topics or talk about my research through short, accessible explainers.
Why should people watch your videos?
The internet is saturated with well-made mathematics content that I simply couldn’t compete with; if I posted lecture videos or lessons, I don’t think they’d do so well. My channel is unique in that I mostly talk about mathematics as a field, not mathematics concepts themselves.
I don’t shy away from difficult topics. I’ve made videos about military and surveillance work in mathematics, academic burnout, the two-body problem, the exploitation of graduate students in math(s) academia, the obstacles underrepresented minorities in mathematics face… The list goes on. I provide resources and advice on navigating math(s) academia that I wish I had when I was younger.
I often get messages from students like “This is the first time I’ve heard someone talk about this, and I feel seen” or “You answered a question I was too afraid to ask”. I’ve gotten kind notes from folks who said I inspired them to pursue mathematics. As a smaller channel, I’m really grateful for these messages. I get questions and suggestions from viewers via DM, and I actually try to respond to them!
What are some highlights of the page so far?
My magnum opus has probably been this text post I wrote. I put a lot of effort into it. Men don’t often talk about sexism in mathematics, but I think it’s something everyone should care about; I try to use my platform for this kind of allyship.
I had this video blow up a few months ago, which was really surreal. At the time of writing, it has 425,000 views and 45,000+ likes, shares, and reposts. I had a physics graduate student in Indiana reach out to me to say that her entire cohort follows me. Apparently, the video was a topic of discussion in her department!
What exciting plans do you have for the future?
I’ve got a few exciting collaborations coming up. I’m also finishing graduate school soon and entering the job market. Lots of things are changing in my life! I’m excited for what’s coming next, and excited to keep making videos about all of it.