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 Ellie Sleightholm about her YouTube channel, on which she posts roughly once a week to share the beauty in mathematics.
Channel title: Ellie Sleightholm
Link: youtube.com/elliesleightholm (YouTube) or instagram.com/ellieinstem (Instagram)
Topics covered: Mainly mathematics but also cover videos on space and technology
Average video length: 15 minutes on YouTube; 60 seconds on Instagram
Recommended videos: Derivatives Aren’t What You Think They Are, Mathematician Visits Artemis II – Here’s What I Learned, and The Mathematics in Machine Learning
What is your channel about, and why did it start?
My channel is about uncovering the beauty of mathematics! Mathematics is everywhere, even in places you’d least expect, and through my channel I aim to showcase that. A lot of people might have negative experiences with maths at school and I want to show them that it is so much deeper and more beautiful than how you may have been taught at school. I’m basically one big maths nerd and I love sharing that with the world! My channel started when I was studying mathematics at university. It was initially to film day in the life content and after I graduated, I transitioned into making more fun, educational style content.
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
My name is Ellie Sleightholm. I’m a Mathematics Graduate with a BSc from the University of Leeds and a MASt (Masters) in Part III Mathematics at the University of Cambridge. After my degree, I worked in the space industry for 2 years as a Space Systems Optimisation Engineer and then an Astrodynamics Software Engineer. I got to incorporate my love for mathematics and coding in these roles. I then worked in the AI/Machine Learning industry for 2 years developing innovative technologies and also creating educational content which I loved too! I am currently working for Veritasium, the science YouTube channel, and will be pursuing a PhD in Applied Mathematics at the University of Cambridge in October 2026.
Who is the intended audience for your channel?
Anyone who wants to appreciate the beauty of mathematics! I try to make all my content accessible so people above GCSE level can engage and learn something from it.
What is a typical video like?
A typical video usually includes a specific topic that I discuss the mathematics around. So for example, I picked Machine Learning for my latest video and explained some mathematics used there. For my non-mathematics videos, these are more documentary style in format including interviews with experts. An example of this is my video of my visit to Germany for Artemis II.
Why should people watch your videos?
If you love watching other people nerd out about mathematics then my content is for you :) I’m a firm believer that while we can claim ‘mathematics is everywhere’, people don’t really understand how much so until they are exposed to it. That’s the aim of my channel. I want you to go and make your morning cup of coffee, look at the mixing and remember a video from my channel talking about the mathematics in that cup. Or if you’re on your daily walk and you stop by a Fern bush, I want you to remember the video I did on the transformations involved in making such a beautiful piece of nature. If you want to connect with the world around you from a mathematical perspective, that’s what I aim to do on my channel!
What are some highlights of the channel so far?
I’ve genuinely enjoyed making every piece of content on my channel but I have really loved making more documentary/real-world explainer content. I was fortunate enough to be invited by NASA to watch the launch of Artemis II in Florida as well as invited to Germany to see firsthand Europe’s involvement in the mission. I loved being able to speak to the people involved in the mission and share that with my audience.
The full videos are here:
NASA Invites Mathematician to Watch the Launch of Artemis II
Mathematician Visits Artemis II… Here’s What I Learned
For my more mathematical content, I love looking at things around me and finding the hidden, beautiful mathematical structures. I did a video on the mathematics behind the Barnsley Fern which I loved putting together.
What exciting plans do you have for the future?
Much more content! I’ve really enjoyed doing both mathematical deep dives as well as documentary style content so both of those will continue to be released on my channel. I’m also excited about filming on location with other mathematicians! Of course, as I embark on my PhD journey, I’d also love to share a glimpse into what I get up to and the mathematics that I learn there too.