ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

• Hometown: Amelia, OH
• Class: 2025
• Majors: Mathematics
• Minors: Computer Science, Japanese
• Other Activities, Honors, and Awards:
  • First Generation Student
  • ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University Anime Club
  • Pi Mu Epsilon
  • Zoltan Balogh Memorial Award in Mathematics
  • Undergraduate Research Awards Grant
  • Outstanding Second Year Student in Japanese
  • Outstanding Graduating Senior Excellence in Graduate Studies
  • ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University Graduate, Magna Cum Laude Phi
  • Beta Kappa Membership

Why ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú?

When looking at colleges, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú stood out as a college with a heavy emphasis on undergraduate research. Not only this, but the campus is beautiful and well-maintained. I also participated in ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's Bridges program, where I saw how ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú places great importance on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Because of this, I believed ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú was not only a good place for me to begin my career journey, but also a place that is welcoming and comforting.

How did you choose your major?

I started out at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú as a bachelor in chemistry hoping to do research in Stem. However, during the covid-19 pandemic I realized I enjoyed my math classes more. Following that, I switched my major to Mathematics. ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's math department made the transition incredibly easy, and because I made that switch I was able to join ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's combined mathematics program. Through this, I was able to work on my bachelor's and master's simultaneously. Because of this opportunity, I will graduate from ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú after 5 years with a Master's degree in Mathematics and begin my journey as a research mathematician and professor, which is my ultimate goal.

Key Moment at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

I think one of the most important experiences for me at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú is my involvement in undergraduate research. I began my freshman year in the first year research experience LLC which gave me a first step into research at the college level. Following that, I wanted to get involved in math research, and my professors played a tremendous role in helping me on the way. They showed me the requisite knowledge to start research, and when I was ready to start, the process was very straightforward; I needed only ask a professor who does research in a field I am interested in, and then I was on my way.

From there, the math department played a pivotal role in my path towards research. They provided ample support by directing me towards grants, venues to present research, and the combined math program to begin my education after my bachelors. Because of the role they played in my research, I've made major steps in my career journey. All of this would not have been possible without their help, and because that I see this as a formative experience in my career as a mathematician, thanks in no small part to the faculty to lead me through the process.

Other Notable Experience

Other than working on math research, I tried my best to be involved in campus. I acted as a CAS ambassador and a resident assistant for two years. On top of this, I was given the opportunity to study abroad in Japan following my junior year, an experience that was not only eye opening but world view changing. Additionally, I volunteered as a co-facilitator for the Voices Intergroup Dialogue courses offered at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, which aimed to promote sustained dialogue between students of differing identities. Finally, I joined clubs at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, even becoming an officer for ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's Anime club.

For me, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú offered a wealth of different and enlightening experiences.

Advice for Prospective Students

Finding your path in life is difficult, but I believe ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú makes it easier. The faculty wants nothing but to help you, undergraduate research and study abroad experiences are very accessible to students, and the campus life is dynamic and inviting. Not only this, but the resources ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú provides, such as its Career Center or activity programming, aid your further transition into adulthood. Because of these things, I would say ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú is an excellent choice to further your education and find your future path.

What are your career goals?  

After graduating with my Master's from ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, I aim to enter a PhD program in Mathematics, most likely in Applied Mathematics. I hope to then find a position as a professor, whether that is after a post-doc position or not. I am passionate about math, and I hope I can share that passion with others while making the world easier to live in.