I’m a PhD student in Logic and Philosophy of Science (LPS) at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), working with Toby Meadows. I am primarily interested in Philosophy of Mathematics, where my approach is informed by mathematical practice and using formal tools such as reverse mathematics. Within this area, I am especially interested in questions of meaning, explanation and the boundaries (understood in terms of provability and computability) of mathematical theories.
I am passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion, which has led to serving on LPS’s Climate Committee and other past service roles. This year I am helping run Wonder Philosophy, a program to support first-gen and underrepresented students apply to graduate school in philosophy.
Before coming to UCI I completed my Masters at the Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy under the supervision of Benedict Eastaugh. I have a Bachelor of Science majoring in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Philosophy, both from the University of Queensland.
Outside of academia, I enjoy reading fiction (esp. queer fantasy and sci-fi), themed parties, and too many outdoor activities (soccer, swimming, hiking, gardening) to commit to any one in particular. Ich will auch mehr Deutsch sprechen.
I publish under the name Ainsley May which is roughly pronounced EYn-slee mey and use they/them pronouns. My email address is ainsley.may (at) uci.edu
I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and waterways on which I work, the Acjachemen and Tongva peoples, and those on which I was raised, the Gubbi Gubbi people. This acknowledgement is just a small part of an ongoing struggle to appreciate the knowledge, customs and sovereignty of Indigenous people world-wide and overcome the continuing legacies of imperialist harm.
