Featured Alumni
1. What are you doing now?
I am currently an assistant professor at George Mason University. I teach courses ranging from calculus to numerical analysis. I am also working on a research project that combines the Navier-Stokes Equations and Optimization.
2. What are two to three ways your experience at Pitt prepared you for this position?
The years I spent at Pitt built a base for my career. I received a good teaching training through TA assignments, especially the ones where I was the instructor. I also learned how to approach research problems, go to the depth of a certain idea, and keep trying despite the many dead ends that a research problem might have.
3. Do you have a word of wisdom for current students or students considering the Math PhD program?
I know a PhD program in mathematics might sound and look overwhelming, but it is doable. It needs hard work and good time management. Make sure you pass your prelims and comprehensive exams on time so that you get enough time for your research. Oh, and make sure you enjoy your time and make memories!
4. As you are no longer living in Pittsburgh, what do miss most about this city?
The people I met are what I miss the most about Pittsburgh. During the three years I spent at Pitt, I made useful connections and good friendships. I also miss the walks at the Riverside on a sunny day. I definitely do not miss the snowy days!
1. What are you doing now?
I am currently a postdoctoral research scholar at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Right now, I work at the interface of analysis, number theory and special functions. Basically, I study these objects called L-functions and multiple zeta functions and their special values. They play an important role in analysis, number theory, geometry and even physics with applications ranging from periods of some "easy varieties" to Feynman integrals in quantum field theory. Aside from research, I also enjoy teaching upper level undergraduate courses (this fall) at TTU. Moreover, I had the chance to design a special course such as MATH 4000: Problem Solving which is basically preparing the most talented undergraduate students for the Putnam competition.
2. What are two to three ways your experience at Pitt prepared you for this position?
Pitt offered me the opportunity to explore different variety of topics and to interact with outstanding mathematicians from which I learned a great deal of mathematics. I also believe that the personality of many professors I met here impacted me heavily for my future career. Last but not least, the experience at Pitt prepared me to work on collaborative projects with other graduate students, but also to become more independent in doing research.
3. Do you have a word of wisdom for current students or students considering the Math PhD program?
I believe that to be successful in a PhD program and in math in particular, you need a combination of certain elements such as talent, passion, tenacity, and luck. For the current math PhD students, I would encourage them to pursue their research path no matter how hard or crazy it can be. Moreover, it is very important to travel for conferences, research seminar talks, etc.
4. As you are no longer living in Pittsburgh, what do miss most about this city?
Frankly, I miss some things about Pittsburgh. For example, my long walks at night around the Squirrel Hill area or going skiing with friends in the winter to Seven Springs. Surprisingly, I miss the Thackeray building! I have many great memories there and have made some new friends. I spent a good deal of time in the math department. No wonder some of my colleagues called me The Wolf of Thackeray! :)
1. What are you doing now?
At the moment I am a Peter O'Donnell Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute for Computational Engineering & Sciences, the University of Texas in Austin. As a part of the Center for Computational Geosciences and Optimization, I work on developing techniques for quantifying uncertainty in large-scale statistical inverse problems and PDE-constrained optimization.
2. What are two to three ways your experience at Pitt prepared you for this position?
For me, being a PhD student at Pitt was both exciting and challenging. Being exposed to a variety of math topics (both studying and teaching) gave me a solid base needed for every young researcher. But most importantly, I learned to work hard and to not be afraid of challenges.
3. Do you have a word of wisdom for current students or students considering the Math PhD program?
I believe that the most important thing to do for a PhD student is to find a balance between setting a clear goal in your research and at the same time being open to explore different topics that other people work on. Also, participating in various seminars, where you have an opportunity to discuss your research progress with others can be very helpful.
4. As you are no longer living in Pittsburgh, what do miss most about this city?
Pittsburgh was the first city I visited in the U.S., so it will always be very special to me. What I probably miss the most about it is the diverse community and the chance to meet so many great people from different parts of the world who came to study and do research at Pitt and CMU just as I did. And the bridges, of course!
Women in Mathematics
According to data from the National Science Foundation, women represent under 30 percent of doctoral students in mathematics nationwide. This proportion holds at Pitt as well: just 27 percent of math grad students at Pitt are women! Hence it is of great interest to the Pitt community to support and nurture the success of this underrepresented population.
We are excited to announce a renewed partnership with the Association for Women in Mathematics. The Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) is a non-profit organization with the goal of encouraging women and girls to study and have active careers in mathematics.
With the help of our association with AWM, we want to give current students access to AWM conferences, research opportunities, grants, and awards, as well as allow for a more active presence in the community. For example, members can present at the AWM Research Symposium at Rice University in 2019 or apply for travel grants to present at other conferences such as the Joint Math Meetings or MathFest.
If you are interested in joining the chapter or becoming involved, please email Astrid Berge at aib27@pitt.edu or Abby Pekoske at alp179@pitt.edu.