Where are you from?

Covington, GA

Please describe an experience (or 2) that helped you discover/ cultivate your interest in the mathematical sciences.

I always had great math teachers growing up. In high school my calculus teacher was always eager to answer my off the wall questions and even encouraged me to ask them. I ran out of math classes to take, so my school made up a higher level calculus class to teach myself in my senior year. Having a year of discovery made me want to learn more in college and beyond.

What is/are your most proud accomplishment(s) in regards to your career in the mathematical sciences?

The height of my math career was when I completed my doctorate. I am proud of my sticktoitiveness and didn’t quit even though I wanted to a few times.

What is/are your most proud accomplishment(s) in regards to your personal life?

I’m most proud of being a professional dancer throughout all of graduate school. The best moments of my dance career has been performing all over DC including the Kennedy Center.

Please share some words of wisdom/inspiration.

Math isn’t always about how much of a genius you are or your natural born talent and inherent ability to be good at it. It’s all about putting in the time and effort and learning in your own way. Also, don’t be afraid of the hard problems and asking difficult questions. Solving hard problems is what sparks progress.