Meet some of our mathematics majors.

Carly Venenciano

Carly Venenciano

Hometown: Honolulu, Hawai'i
Major: Mathematics, Minor: Computer Science

What was your motivation to major in math?

I decided to major in math because I love problem-solving and collaboration. Coming to Oxy, I never planned to study math. In my first semester I enrolled in Calculus I simply to fulfill my core requirement. However, when Spring semester course registration began, I found myself signing up for Calculus II with Professor Treena Basu. To say the least, that course had been the most challenging class I’d ever taken, and yet, it cultivated my interest in math. Through that course, I realized that I enjoyed solving difficult problems and from there I continued to enroll in more math courses.

Have you taken part in any student research opportunities at Oxy or elsewhere?

Last summer I was an intern through Carnegie Mellon University’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Software Engineering program. My project, WebAssembly Benchmarking, required a lot of programming and problem-solving. Although not directly related to math, I used many of the same skills, an important one being collaboration. In all my math courses, I’ve had to work with my peers on lab work or finishing assignments. As I’ve progressed to upper-level math classes, the teamwork has only increased. My research experience helped me to expand these skills into the realm of computer science as I improved my communication and became a team-oriented problem-solver.

What are your ambitions post-Oxy and how has the liberal arts approach helped to shape these ambitions?

After Oxy, I plan to pursue a career in software engineering. Through my courses and research experience, I have developed a passion for creating software with a keen interest in the ethics of technology. My ambitions stem from learning about various technological systems that oppress marginalized groups of people. Software engineering is the perfect career to work at the intersection between problem-solving and developing technology that helps others. Furthermore, this career path will allow me to collaborate with diverse thinkers.

Do you have any advice for a student considering a major in math?

My advice for students considering a major in math is to reflect on the aspects of math that they love. Studying math does not mean one must become a mathematician; math is a great basis for anyone who loves problem-solving and collaboration. As a math major, I consider the ways in which my studies have provided me with skills that will be useful in any academic or professional field.

Studying math does not mean one must become a mathematician; math is a great basis for anyone who loves problem-solving and collaboration.

What is the “vibe” of the math department?

The math department is a fun group of nerds and it’s wonderful. Our community is tight-knit and lighthearted. We love tackling difficult problems, discussing mathematical concepts, and cracking math-related jokes. Problem-solving, especially in upper-level math courses, is not an easy task. However, we bond over this challenge and find ways to make it fun. I’m currently enrolled in Real Analysis with Professor Timothy Rainone and it is the most difficult class I’ve ever taken. Nonetheless, it’s also the class I laugh the most in.


Jamie Perez-Schere

Jamie Perez-Schere

Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Major: Mathematics, Minor: Sociology

What was your motivation to major in math? 

Going into college, math was my best idea for what to major in, but I didn't make the decision until the fall of my sophomore year. I've enjoyed taking classes in several other departments, particularly studying sociology, but I continued to be most comfortable and ambitious in math over other interests. I've loved math more and more as I've taken more classes, gotten to know more professors, and learned new material. In my first semester here, I took Discrete Math with Professor Jeffrey Miller and it was a lot of fun—his sense of humor made lectures more interesting and engaging and made me more excited and curious about the major. Learning from Professor Tim Rainone in Linear Algebra the next semester further motivated me to keep studying math—the subject on its own made me very interested in finding out what else I could learn, and Professor Rainone told me about some of the research opportunities one can find in undergrad math. 

What are your ambitions post-Oxy and how has the liberal arts approach helped to shape these ambitions?

I'm not quite sure what I want to do after college, but I plan to stay involved in some way with social justice and activism. I love that with the liberal arts approach, I have been able to take many other classes outside math which I feel has expanded my horizons for potential careers and in general. I hope to do things that combine math with sociology, my minor. I feel the liberal arts environment has shaped my ambitions by giving me many opportunities for cross-disciplinary interests, especially between STEM and non-STEM fields, as well as the diversity of academic interests among people in many classes I've taken here.

I love that with the liberal arts approach, I have been able to take many other classes outside math which I feel has expanded my horizons for potential careers.

Do you have any advice for a student considering a major in math?

Follow your curiosities and try to take any classes you're interested in. Talk to math professors! Professors in the department have an interesting variety of expertise and have a lot of knowledge and guidance to share. It's also worthwhile to look at which classes are offered in which semesters so that you can better plan ahead and get the most out of math at Oxy. Take advantage of opportunities like SSAP tutoring, where you can get help from other math students about what you're learning in class and get a different sort of teaching than in the classroom.

What do you find most compelling about studying math?

I find the process of working and working on a problem and finally figuring it out to be fun and satisfying. Getting to explore so much more of the subject in college is a lot of fun, and being in an environment of experts in the field and many other students who like math has made the subject more rewarding and interesting, and makes me love math even more. I also love that there are so many different applications and math can be combined with a lot of other interests that may not seem related at first.


Anqi Wu

Anqi Wu

Hometown: San Marino, CA and Guangdong, China
Majors: Mathematics, Computer Science

What was your motivation to major in Math?

When I took the discrete math class in my first year, I was amazed by how even a basic math problem could have multiple solutions. It was fascinating to delve into the logic behind the concepts I've known since kindergarten, such as 1+1=2, and then prove them using mathematical tools. Professor Rainone has a unique approach to teaching math, introducing me to a bunch of math symbols I had never encountered in high school. After attending several of his office hours, I could see he's passionate about his field. This inspired me to choose math as my major because he truly prepared me for advanced math courses. I'm thrilled to continue attending his classes and further my understanding of this subject.

Can you describe your working relationships with the Math department professors?

I feel fortunate to be part of such a close-knit department where all the professors know their students and offer plenty of office hours throughout the academic year. I still remember popping into Professor Lengyel's office hours and spending just a few minutes asking a minor question about the assignment, then spending the rest of the time discussing recent world events. Professor Lengyel always has unique insights on everything, seeing the world through the eyes of a mathematician. It's been fascinating to learn how to view things in a different and intriguing way. All the professors in the Math department are intelligent, and having conversations with people who are more advanced and experienced in life truly helps me avoid detours on my future path. One course that really stands out is “Numerical Analysis,” taught by Professor Basu. She has incredibly elegant handwriting and presents all the material in a logical and organized manner. I especially enjoyed how she integrated coding and math in this course, giving me my first hands-on experience in solving mathematical problems using computer algorithms. This course is truly worth taking, and by the end of it, you'll have learned a new programming language like MATLAB.

What are your ambitions post-Oxy and how has the liberal arts approach helped to shape these ambitions?

During my first couple of years at Oxy, I was uncertain about what I wanted to do after graduation. So, I talked to multiple professors to get a sense of the popular career trends for the future. I truly appreciated the time I spent in Professor Rainone's office hours, where he sincerely offered suggestions on potential career paths and discussed the pros and cons of each option. In particular, he encouraged me to take challenging courses like probability and mathematical statistics, which I found really beneficial during my master's application process as graduate schools highly value the courses taken during undergrad. After taking “Numerical Analysis” and “Linear Algebra” with Professor Miller, and “Matrix Method in Data Analysis” as an independent study with Professor Rainone, I discovered my interest in the field of data science. These courses greatly shaped my way of thinking and provided me with essential knowledge for the field. As a result, I'll be pursuing a master's degree in a Data Science-related field after graduating from Oxy to further prepare myself for entering my dream industry.

During my first couple of years at Oxy, I was uncertain about what I wanted to do after graduation. So, I talked to multiple professors to get a sense of the popular career trends for the future.

What is the “vibe” of the Math department?

I would say the vibe in our Math department is collaborative and engaging. The students genuinely help each other and selflessly assist their peers in solving problems they're struggling with, especially in upper-level courses where problem sets become more challenging and lectures aren't as easily digestible. I particularly enjoy attending office hours with classmates and listening to their questions. It's highly likely that they'll approach problems differently than I do and raise questions I've never considered. Due to Oxy's small class sizes, we have around 25 students in a class, with even fewer in higher-level courses. This allows professors to ensure everyone is on the same page and engage with students during class to confirm their understanding of the concepts. One thing I truly value and appreciate is that every professor in the Math department is accessible, which they all respond to emails promptly, which greatly aids my learning process as they address my questions while I'm working on homework or reviewing concepts.

Every professor in the Math department is accessible, which they all respond to emails promptly, which greatly aids my learning process.

Do you have any advice for a student considering a major in Math?

I would recommend all the potential math majors to chat with professors in the math department as soon as they can to sort out their future career goals and plan their courses accordingly. The sooner, the better! Also, keep an eye on how often the department offers certain courses, so you don't miss out on registering for the ones you're really into. Last but not least, don't hesitate to take those upper-level courses that might seem a bit daunting because you'll learn a ton and gain valuable knowledge from them.


Miles Smith

Miles Smith

Hometown: Corvallis, Oregon
Majors: Mathematics and Economics; Minor: Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture

What is the “vibe” of the Math department?

The Math department is full of diverse passions, a notably quirky student body, and exceptional professors. Classes are rigorous, but there’s a strong community that emphasizes learning together. Personally and academically, I have never felt unsupported, thanks to my professors and peers. The vibe is truly unbeatable.

Can you describe your working relationships with the Math department professors? Are there any standout classes you’ve taken?

The professors in this department believe in a supportive and rigorous education. As a math tutor and student, I have had the chance to get to know all of them. It might sound cliche, but some of these professors have truly changed my life for the better. And some of my classes have even defined my career path. It’s tough to choose, but some standout classes I have taken are Numerical Analysis with Prof. Basu, Partial Differential Equations with Prof. Miller, and Math Modeling with Prof. Buckmire. But if you have a specific passion, talk with a professor about doing an independent study!

It might sound cliche, but some of these professors have truly changed my life for the better. And some of my classes have even defined my career path.

Do you have any advice for a student considering a major in Math?

If you enjoy math, just keep taking classes! You might get the major/minor without even knowing it. Fundamentally, math is a major that teaches you to ask “why?” and answer it rigorously. So if you ask a lot of questions about the world, this is probably a good fit. Or, if you’re just a fan of knots and/or geometry, math is also a great place to talk about those, too. Also, math is the one subject that stands alone as a rigorous, depthful subject, but also enhances any subject with which it is paired. If you are already majoring in something else, picking up a major or minor in math will often give you a unique toolset in that field. It also allows you a more nuanced and deeper understanding of most other fields, like biology, economics, and computer science. It also really helps when on the job or grad school market.

What are your ambitions post-Oxy and how has the liberal arts approach helped to shape these ambitions?

I plan to use my mathematics education in public policy work. After Oxy, I am joining the Federal Reserve Board of Governors as an economic research assistant. I plan to return to graduate school in Economics to study models of poverty, development, and decision-making. A liberal arts education has been integral to this pursuit, allowing me to understand how math models can fit into larger conversations. Our Oxy education is naturally interdisciplinary, and that makes math mindful, and it often makes math more meaningful.

After Oxy, I am joining the Federal Reserve Board of Governors as an economic research assistant. I plan to return to graduate school in Economics to study models of poverty, development, and decision-making.

Have you taken part in any student research opportunities at Oxy or elsewhere? Or, if applicable, can you describe your senior comps project?

Within the mathematics department, I have done numerical analysis research with Prof. Basu. We studied Non-Standard Finite Difference methods to approximate solutions to the Heat Equation. I have also completed a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at Oregon State University under Prof. Hoe Woon Kim. We studied a novel solution to the Stokes Equations, popular in fluid dynamics. We later turned this into a research paper, currently a working paper. I have also done research in the economics department, studying mathematical models that describe the persistence of poverty. This required a strong grasp of differential equations, linear algebra, and multivariable calculus, as well as aspects from economics and numerical analysis. I later turned this research into my honors thesis, understanding how mathematical policy models affect and alleviate poverty.


Meghan Lee '23

Meghan Lee

Hometown: Cerritos, CA
Major: Mathematics

What was your motivation to major in Math?

When I came to Oxy, I had several different academic interests that had almost nothing to do with math. It was only by chance that I took Professor Miller's “Calculus I” class in my first year to satisfy a Math/Science Core requirement, and it was mostly because of his (as well as other faculty members') genuine and infectious love for the subject that I found myself continuing to take math classes. The moment in which I was certain I wanted to major in Math was in "Discrete Math" with Professor Rainone in my sophomore year, which was my first experience with proof-based mathematics, and through this class I came to appreciate the creative and beautiful arguments we studied, such as Cantor's Diagonalization. The major is rigorous, but uniquely and immensely rewarding, and I have not once regretted my decision to major in math.

Can you describe your working relationships with the Math department professors? Are there any standout classes you’ve taken?

The math faculty are some of the most passionate and approachable people I've met on campus, both inspiring teachers and impactful mentors throughout my time at Oxy. They nurtured my curiosity and visits to office hours and the Math Help Room were part of my daily routine as a student. Oftentimes, what were meant to be quick questions about a topic would become entire afternoons chatting about math and much more. Every math class I took at Oxy shaped my understanding of the field, but some of the ones that impacted me most were "Real Analysis" with Professor Rainone and "Abstract Algebra" and "Topology" with Professor Naimi.

Have you taken part in any student research opportunities at Oxy or elsewhere?

Last summer, I participated in the NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at Kansas State University, where I researched an algebraic structure called quandles alongside my mentor and fellow students. This was a rigorous experience that challenged me, and from the results of this project, I got to go to conferences to present my work and also connect with like-minded math students. I also did my honors senior comprehensive project with Professor Lawrence on algebraic topology in the spring of my senior year, which required a combination of several of the topics I studied at Oxy. For the project, I wrote a 30-page paper proving and applying the Van Kampen Theorem, and shared what I learned in a department talk. By participating in independent studies and engaging with challenging open questions, I was able to explore and discover ideas for myself, which are invaluable components of a math education that every interested student should participate in!

My favorite part of studying math is the interplay of creativity and logic that I have found in every proof I study or write.

What do you find most compelling about studying Math?

My favorite part of studying math is the interplay of creativity and logic that I have found in every proof I study or write. I find that math exercises my mind and ability to think both carefully and inventively about problems, in ways that I had never experienced in other areas of study. Even the problems that initially seem simple will often require me to run through all of the facts and theorems I know, their resulting consequences, and try out several different arguments; and I find that the feeling of successfully proving a fact or theorem makes the journey immensely worthwhile.

Do you have any advice for a student considering a major in Math?

My advice to potential math majors, and anyone taking courses in the department more generally, is to take advantage of the close-knit math community at Oxy. Math can get really hard, but you have an entire community rallying behind you, from classmates to professors. Chatting with other students and professors often gave me fresh perspectives on the problems I was working on and sparked my interest in different topics. Best of all, I found support and encouragement from this community, many of whom believed in me even when I didn't quite believe in myself.


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Mathematics Alumni

 

Izzy Thomas ’21

Hometown: New York, New York
Major: mathematics; minor: physics

What was your motivation to major in math? Was there a specific inspirational experience?

I had always been interested in STEM, but I was unsure about exactly what direction I wanted to go in. The moment I decided to major in math was when I sat in my first calculus class while my professor explained the concept of the derivative. I was in awe of both the ways in which mathematics could be used to describe an instant, to truly capture properties of a moment, and by the fact that my professor could convince me that the equations on the board were beautiful. The math professors at Oxy are extremely brilliant, passionate and patient. They are eager to help students see the beauty that lies in math as they see it themselves.

Have you taken part in any student research opportunities at Oxy or elsewhere?

Last summer, I participated in the Summer Research Program at Oxy researching dwarf galaxies with Professor Sabrina Stierwalt in the Physics department. The research I worked on analyzed images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope to determine the qualities of their star cluster populations. Since math is such a versatile and essential subject, I was able to branch off and work on a project in astrophysics even though it is not my major.

What do you find most compelling about studying math?

To me, the most compelling thing about math is its universality as both a language and an art. Once you learn the vocabulary, rules and techniques, you can really run with it and explore a variety of different careers. Everywhere you look, problem solvers are needed and math is an excellent way to practice this skill.

Do you have any advice for a student considering a math major?

Really take advantage of all of the resources Oxy has to help you along the way. Office hours are fantastic—the professors are there to help you and are excited to do so. Oxy also offers peer and faculty tutoring for math majors which can be extremely useful. Lastly, go to the career center, ask your favorite professors about research opportunities and try your best to explore what you love outside of the classroom.


 

Melissa Gutiérrez González ’21

Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico and Philadelphia, PA
Majors: mathematics, philosophy

What was your motivation to major in mathematics?

My interest in mathematics stems from my artistic background. At first glance, each subject seems to be the antithesis of the other; but on closer inspection, both share the characteristic of being realized through imaginative synthesis. The skills I learned as an artist—such as turning an abstract thought into something concrete, attention to detail and visualization—have greatly helped me in my mathematics career. I first became deeply interested in mathematics when I learned about the usage of ratios, symmetry and geometry in Renaissance art, but my interest developed into something larger when I learned about unsolved problems such as Toeplitz’s Conjecture.

Can you describe your working relationships with math professors? Are there any standout classes you’ve taken?

The great thing about going to Oxy is that you have the ability to know your professors personally due to the small size of the school. Professors at Oxy always have their doors open and are eager to help, whether it’s with homework or advice on applying to graduate school. I met my mathematics advisor, Professor [Gerald] Daigle, by walking into his office (without being enrolled in one of his classes!) and discussing research opportunities. A standout class I’ve taken has been “Discrete Mathematics” with Professor [Gregory] Tollisen. His enthusiasm for the subject can be clearly seen in every lecture, and as the mathematics expert for Oxy, he is always willing to help with any math homework you have.

Have you taken part in any math research opportunities at Oxy or elsewhere?

Here at Oxy, I’ve worked with Professor Daigle in researching non-minimal factorization in numerical semigroups. During the summer [of 2019] I will be working in the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute in Berkeley, CA, researching problems in applied discrete mathematics and combinatorics.

What do you like most about studying math?

My favorite thing about studying math is the imaginative process hidden underneath the fabric of the subject. Plenty of times, I’ve felt completely awestruck when reflecting upon the creativity that was needed to succeed in proving a theorem. Moreover, problems often demand that you think about the logical consequences of a theorem or axiom, and that in itself is an exercise for the imagination.

What are your career plans or ambitions post-Oxy?

I plan to enroll in a Mathematics Ph.D. program immediately following my undergraduate career and work in academia. As a liberal arts school, Oxy has opened my interests and allowed me to utilize my mathematical thinking in other fields of study. A unique part of the Oxy curriculum is the CSP program, in which freshmen take writing seminars on a topic of their interest. After taking CSP 57 with Professor Klausmeyer, I saw the overlap between mathematics and philosophy, which encouraged me to take more philosophy classes. Without the liberal arts approach, I would not have found my love for philosophy, and more importantly, my range of academic interests would not be as wide.

Do you have any advice for a student considering a major in math?

When first studying math, it may seem as if the subject is solely grounded on rote memorization of technical processes that result in a numerical answer. However, as the subject becomes more complex and abstract, these processes vanish. The most important advice I have for a mathematics student is to go to office hours! Meet with your professors frequently, ask plenty, plenty of questions, and make sure you understand every theorem and its proof until you have the ability to replicate it yourself. Most importantly, be curious about the material that you learn—always!


 

Mary Zhang ’21

Hometown: Diamond Bar, CA and Tianjin, China
Majors: mathematics, economics

What was your motivation to major in math?

Math was initially a difficult subject for me as a kid in elementary school. However, I wanted to prove to myself that I am capable of overcoming this challenge. I discovered my true passion in math when taking calculus classes in high school. They motivated me to explore additional subjects in mathematics. My coursework at Oxy has shown me the endless applications of math. I would feel wrong not taking a math course during a semester.

Can you describe your working relationships with math professors? Are there any standout classes you’ve taken?

I really appreciate the math faculty at Oxy. All the math professors are extremely intelligent, accessible and understanding. I like to visit them during office hours to ask questions, talk about future career plans, or simply have light and funny conversations. I firmly decided to major in math after taking “Linear Algebra” with Prof. Lal. The course “Complex Analysis” taught by Prof. Brown encouraged me to study math more rigorously in “Real Analysis” with Prof. Lawrence. I also enjoy talking to Prof. Lengyel with other math students during his office hours.

What do you find most compelling about studying math?

I originally liked math because of its ordered and systematic ways of problem solving. I rarely questioned the underlying theorems or procedures until I started taking the 300-level elective courses. Specifically, I had a tough time understanding and writing formal proofs in “Real Analysis.” However, I found it amusing and rewarding after I connected the dots and constructed a proof independently.

What are your ambitions post-Oxy and how has the liberal arts approach helped to shape these ambitions?

Oxy’s liberal arts education allowed me to explore the interconnections between different fields of study. The applications of math inspired me to major in economics. My coursework in the Math Department, such as “Multivariable Calculus,” “Linear Algebra” and “Mathematical Statistics,” enabled me to better understand economic theories and research methods. Therefore, taking advantage of my math background, I plan to study economics further either as a research assistant or as a graduate student.

Do you have any advice for a student considering a math major?

My advice for any students considering a math major is to take advantage of the small class sizes. Talk to the professors about their research. Reach out to them and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Math can be challenging sometimes, but never hesitate to ask for help. Another tip I have is to keep an eye on course counts. Some courses are only offered every other year. If you are interested in a particular course, make sure to check the prerequisites and plan your schedule accordingly.


 

Natalie Folks ’21

Hometown: Easton, Pennsylvania
Major: mathematics

How did you decide to major in math?

I originally came to Oxy thinking that I would want to be a chemistry or an economics major. After taking a few classes in those departments, I realized that the only aspects of the classes I enjoyed were the math parts. I was already planning on being a math minor, so I decided to just become a math major instead.

Did you study abroad? How did it enhance your college education in general?

I participated in two study abroad programs. One was two months in London over a summer where I studied healthcare and completed an internship, and the other was a three-week mentorship program over winter break that took place in Madagascar. Although my London program was not math-focused, I really enjoyed the experience of doing an internship in another country. In Madagascar, I mentored Malagasy high school students on SAT math topics, and it was enjoyable to be able to teach math in that context. Overall, I would recommend studying abroad, even if it doesn't necessarily fit with your major. I really enjoyed the opportunity to study something that I was not familiar with while also getting the experience of living abroad and meeting new people.

What do you find most compelling about studying math?

What I find most compelling is how the many different areas of math relate to one another. With every additional math class that I take, I realize more connections to classes that I have taken in the past. Furthermore, I think that studying math is about so much more than just solving problems. It teaches you how to think logically and how to approach difficult problems. The first 200 level math course that I took at Oxy was discrete math, and it was very different from any math courses that I had taken. It was my first class that involved proofs, and it showed me a side of math I had not been exposed to before, which compelled me to want to take more math classes and explore as many different areas of math as I could as an undergrad.

What are your ambitions post-Oxy and how has the liberal arts approach helped to shape these ambitions?

After graduation, I want to go into hotel and restaurant management. This desire comes from working in the hospitality field and becoming one of the managers at Oxy's student-run coffee shop, the Green Bean. I think that the well-rounded education you receive from a liberal arts college teaches you how to consider many different perspectives, and it opens the possibility to do many things in the future that may or may not be directly related to what you major in. Math teaches you how to approach problems in a logical fashion, and I think that is something that you can apply to pretty much anything you want to pursue.

Do you have any advice for a student considering a math major?

I would advise them to go for it! Math is a subject that gets more interesting the more you learn about it. It teaches you how to think logically and approach a problem where the solution may not be immediately evident. I would also advise students to go and talk to their professor during their office hours! Oxy's math department has great professors that are always willing to talk to and help out students.


 

Kate Grossmann ’20

Hometown: Spokane, WA
Major: mathematics

What was your motivation to major in mathematics? Was there a specific inspirational experience?

I came to Oxy with a hunch that I'd want to study math, but without really knowing what that meant at the college level. In the fall of my junior year, I studied abroad through the Budapest Semesters in Mathematics program, which is uniquely rigorous and 100% all math, all the time. More than ever before, I became certain that I'd chosen the right major. I saw what it means to seriously pursue math, and returned to Oxy with a newfound drive and appreciation for our own math community.

Can you describe your working relationships with math professors? Are there any standout classes you’ve taken?

I absolutely adore the math faculty at Oxy. What are meant to be quick trips to the math offices often turn into entire afternoons spent chatting and laughing with whatever subset of the math community happens to be around. My favorite Oxy math courses have been “Discrete Mathematics” (which everyone should take), “Abstract Algebra” and anything taught by Professor [Ramin] Naimi.

Have you taken part in any math research opportunities at Oxy or elsewhere?

I conducted research on Positional Game Theory with my adviser, Professor Eric Sundberg, and fellow math major Ben Pagano ’21. We began our research as an independent study in the spring semester of my junior year and continued on through the summer via Oxy's Undergraduate Research program. Asking new questions and conducting research in math is, I think, an invaluable experience for anyone interested in the subject. It lets you experience the aspect of discovery that is vital to the spirit of math, and is so often missing in standardized math education in the United States.

What do you like most about studying math?

Though I love going to a school where I can take a really wide range of courses, I always come back to math. I'm continually surprised by the extent to which my math courses inform my understanding, not just in STEM, but also history, religion and philosophy. On its own, besides being profoundly beautiful, math is an incredibly rewarding field of study. The moment that an intricate proof finally clicks in your mind almost feels like you've invented something all over again.

Do you have any advice for a student considering a major in math?

My advice to any new or potential math majors is to take the weird courses! Math as a field is so remarkably multifaceted, and you never know which off-the-wall course might spark a newfound interest or exercise your brain in a totally novel way. Allow yourself to enjoy learning for learning's sake, and often applications will crop up where you least expect them.


 

Junepyo Lee ’20

Hometown: Cheongju, South Korea
Major: mathematics; minors: economics, computer science

What was your motivation to major in mathematics?

I’ve always liked math since I was a kid, and I enjoyed participating in math competitions. So it was a natural decision to major in math at Oxy.

Can you describe your working relationships with math professors? Are there any standout classes you’ve taken?

I work as a TA in “Statistical Data Analysis” for Professor [Tamás] Lengyel, and I have been a grader for several professors. The class “Real Analysis” class taught by Professor [Gerald] Daigle last semester was great for learning and understanding why and how everything we learned up to calculus works.

Have you taken part in any math research opportunities at Oxy or elsewhere?

I am going to take part in summer research at Oxy with Professor [Jim] Brown. The topic is Siegel modular forms, and I am currently learning about the related material since this will be a new area of research for me.

What do you like most about studying math?

Until calculus, I liked math because there was a correct answer for each problem. But as I take more upper division courses, I realize that math is more about developing logical thinking skills. It can be stressful when you can’t determine an approach to a problem, but once I find one and finish my proof, it’s very rewarding and I like the feeling of gaining more insight.

What are your career plans or ambitions post-Oxy? How has the liberal arts approach helped to shape these ambitions?

I am planning to pursue a Ph.D. in math after graduation. At Oxy, I improved my communication skills and gained more confidence overall. A lot of professors here are caring and helpful. In my freshman year, when I felt very alone, I had a long chat with Professor Lengyel, who understood my difficulties as an international student. Since that time he has always encouraged me, especially to pursue and study math more deeply.

Do you have any advice for a student considering a major in math?

If you decide to be a math major, you will have more insights when you take courses from other departments, too. Approach your professors and ask them if you can be involved in any of their research, or ask them for help with a research topic. Take advantage of being in a small school.

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Contact Mathematics
Fowler Hall 305