Majors: Applied Mathematics and Computer Science
Hometown: Middletown, RI
Q. What makes the College of Arts and Sciences at URI unique?
A. The College of Arts and Sciences is unique because of its flexibility and helpful staff. A&S allows you to explore a variety of fields and develop a curriculum that best suits your interests and abilities. The staff will help guide you along the way, encouraging you to make the most of your time at URI. I came in as a general mathematics major, and thanks to the supportive faculty members that I have had the opportunity to interact with while I’ve been here, I am graduating with a B.S. in applied mathematics and computer science with plans for graduate school through the Accelerated 5-Year B.S./M.S. Program. None of that would be possible if it weren’t for the College of Arts & Sciences at URI.
What accomplishments and/or activities at URI are you most proud of now?
I am most proud of being a first-generation college student that is able to graduate as a double major in three years and is on track to earn an M.S. one year after. I am also very proud of the fact that I have earned scholarships, maintained a 4.0 GPA and made the Dean’s List every semester so far, and hopefully, that continues as I finish my undergraduate studies.
Can you tell us about an internship you completed?
The summer after my junior year, I had a software engineering internship at Rite-Solutions in Middletown, where I worked under a team of engineers. There I was able to reinforce my studies and take what I had learned in the classroom and apply it to the real world. It was a great environment that I enjoyed being a part of, and it was so interesting being able to connect every part of the work I was doing to courses I have taken at URI.
What do you value about your liberal arts education?
I value the support I have had and the relationships I have made during my liberal arts education. There is a genuine community that I am grateful to be a part of, and it has inspired me to set goals and exceed them. The support and respect that I have felt in these relationships with everyone in this community will stay with me as I move forward with my career and my life, far beyond URI’s campus, and I cannot express how appreciative I am for that.
What have been some highlights of your time in the Mathematics department?The highlight of my time in the Mathematics department has been learning from and working with the professors. While I was taking her MTH 244: Differential Equations course, Professor Li Wu advised me to pursue applied mathematics, which was the catalyst for many other opportunities and experiences I have had in the Mathematics department. Professor Vasilije Perović helped prepare me for the Accelerated M.S. program, taking time to meet with me at least once a semester to discuss coursework. I have had the opportunity to work under Professor Lubos Thoma and Professor Juhyung Lee as a math TA, which allowed me to (hopefully) make a positive impact on others. There are numerous other professors, advisors, mentors, and peers I have had the pleasure of meeting in the Mathematics department, and I would not be where I am without them, so I am incredibly thankful for everything I have learned and experienced here at URI.
What’s next for you?
After graduating, I plan to earn my Masters in applied mathematics, finishing next spring. After that, it’s TBD. I’m not sure exactly what I want to do or where I want to go, so I am open to whatever opportunities I come across. Regardless of where I end up, my goal is to broaden my horizons and keep learning new things.