Overcoming Hardships with the Beauty and Logic of Numbers

Some individuals assume that the right path in life is to always go in a straight line, but I disagree. To have a positive ending, you do not need to start with a positive beginning. I am passionate about math, and this passion can be used to illustrate my belief. Take the mathematical equation P(x) = 5x2 + 9x ? 1, where x is equal to -3. While the function input is negative, the result will be positive [5(-3)2 + 9(-3) ? 1 = 17]. When referring to my life, this negative number is equivalent to the events that I experienced in some parts of my path. For some time, I was that negative number searching for a positive destiny.

I was born in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic, and raised in the Bronx in New York City, with my mother since the age of four. At a young age, I developed my confidence, was outspoken, and became a leader in mi mundo de números (my world of numbers).

My mother and I were aware of the challenges that we both faced living in the United States. With encouragement, I was able to transform negative situations into positive ones. I wanted to be part of a world of art, philosophy, and exploration, and going to school was the only entrance into this world.

In elementary school, I was placed in a Bilingual class. When I was struggling, my mother was the one who taught me Math. This became another language that I understood better than English. It made me realize my passion for mathematics from an early point; especially because of the beauty it expressed with its geometric figures. The overlapping of the figures and its symmetry created a three-dimensional world. The laws of mathematics created a hidden place for me; my best friend. When it came to mathematics, nothing stopped me from being in mi mundo de números. I was not ashamed of my living conditions as a child, but I wanted to know what other opportunities this new life had to offer me. I worked hard in school; this taught me self-reliance, and I wanted to use my education to help others.

In May 2010, I graduated from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in New York City. I graduated top of my class with honors, and was awarded the Medal for Mathematics. It was a moment that I will always value as a young Latina woman, who struggled with math at an early age, and overcame barriers in a foreign country where I am now an American citizen, and I know that I belong.

My name is Yafreisy Carrero. I am the first Landscape Mathematician, who creates original landscape architectural systems using the beauty and logic of numbers. I recognize and understand mathematical systems in nature. One of my passions is introducing people to mi mundo de números. I am Multilingual in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and consider Mathematics to be my first language.

I am the Founder and Creator of Landscape Mathematics: a new STEM field that combines knowledge of landscape architecture, mathematics, and engineering. I hold a Bachelor’s of Arts in Mathematics and a Minor in Fine Arts from the College of Mount Saint Vincent. I was an Architecture Student at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Career Discovery Program. My background is also in Landscape Architecture, and I am currently a candidate for a Master’s of Science in Civil Engineering at George Mason University. I take on all challenges, and provide solutions to both environmental and educational issues worldwide.

Landscape Mathematics is the combination of engineering, landscape architecture, and mathematics used to design, build, and perceive this world of numbers. Landscape Mathematicians are designers, inventors, and can easily recognize systems in nature. To name a few examples: fractals on trees, network systems in favela communities, or the orthogonal projections expressed on the historic landscapes of Washington, D.C. and all over the world. Landscape Mathematicians possess the understanding that drives the seen and unseen world around us.

Nature already uses the language of mathematics, so why not work with the environment instead of against it. We need to start mimicking the mathematical logic that occurs in the landscape, identify existing systems, and out of those concepts create new ones.

My first Landscape Mathematics global Project is a unique, complex design consisting of a sequence of Systems’ within a larger Roof-Wall-Landscape Matrix Network that mimics the mathematical landscapes. It improves green infrastructure, stormwater management, water quality, and reduces flood hazards for communities globally. One of its components is Carrero 3x3, the Roof based mathematical natural filtration system that gives access to potable water, maximizes food production, collects water, and reduces stormwater runoff. It creates a self-sustaining cycle, using concepts found in mathematics, physics, geography, biology, landscape architecture, and engineering.

My inexpensive, recycled-material, and sustainable project gives communities a sense of pride and belonging. Local residents save water as well as their homes and way of life. 

My focus is to apply this solution globally, and extend a hand to those who need help the same way others have given to me. To name three countries in particular: the Dominican Republic, the United States, and Brazil. I champion myself and others to solve environmental issues based on knowledge and personal expertise within a community. The innovation of underserved communities prepares new generations to advance the logic of mathematics and design, and gives rise to new leaders for their own STEM focused movement.

The Roof-Wall-Landscape Matrix Network will mimic the mathematical landscapes, and the goals and objectives will be adapted globally.

My ultimate goal is to own a globally renowned university focusing on the mathematical language of nature and other STEM fields. My future institution Carrero University will lead the next generation of Landscape Mathematicians and other new STEM leaders. It will welcome students from around the world to receive an education, professional preparation, and further their fields with innovative discoveries.

We need to design with numbers and innovate the future to prepare new generations to advance mathematics and design. 

It is time to acknowledge the beauty and logic of mathematics!