Satyam Mishra | Teacher Spotlight

Congratulations, Satyam!

During his Fulbright Scholarship, Global Teacher Prize 2021 Finalist Satyam Mishra developed the research paper Mathematics of Peace.  Satyam's paper has been officially published in the Ohio Journal of School Mathematics!

The research paper Mathematics of Peace explores the ethical dilemmas of nuclear energy by using mathematical reasoning to highlight the stark contrast between the destructive power of nuclear weapons and their potential for development. Published in the Ohio Journal of School Mathematics, the paper uses compelling calculations to make the consequences of nuclear conflict more relatable and tangible for students. For instance, it shows that the energy from a single nuclear weapon, like the Tsar Bomba, could power Afghanistan's electricity needs for 1,470.8 years or provide for rural Indian villages—whose population is over 21 times that of Afghanistan—for 8 years. These calculations emphasise how the misuse of such energy for destruction could instead be redirected toward development.

This approach engages students—future voters, policymakers, and leaders—by presenting real- world data and encouraging them to make informed decisions based on logic and evidence, rather than simply being told what to think. Teenagers, in particular, are drawn to this method because it empowers them to critically evaluate the ethics of nuclear weapons and global conflict.

By developing ideas like Mathematics of Peace, we aim to foster critical thinking and create a more compassionate, safer world. The paper also highlights the alarming power of modern nuclear arsenals, with Russian weapons today estimated to be 51 times more powerful than the nuclear weapons used in 1945.

In a world beset by conflicts, the research is more relevant than ever. It advocates for a shift in how we educate students about the responsible use of science, urging them to prioritise development over destruction. This message is further reinforced by global disarmament movements, such as Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organisation that was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024 for its advocacy against nuclear weapons, and ICAN (International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons), a Swiss-based organisation that received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017. These efforts highlight the urgent need to use scientific advancements for peace, making the world a kinder and a safer place for everyone.

Read Mathematics of Peace by Satyam Mishra here

Mishra, S., & Walker, J. (2024). Mathematics of Peace.
Ohio Journal of School Mathematics, 98(1). 9-20.
Retrieved from
https://ohiomathjournal.org/index.php/OJSM/article/vie
W/9942

Learn more about Global Teacher Prize Ambassador Satyam Mishra