Jamol Pender

Where are you from?

I am from the Bronx, New York.  

 

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

My fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Heyward, introduced my class to the game of 24.  Each card in the game has four numbers and you may use addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division to obtain the number 24 with those four numbers.  I entered a state-wide contest to play other students in our district and won the contest at the district level.  I represented the district at the state level competition but did not win.  However, I was encouraged that with only a few weeks of playing the game I could make it that far.  

In college, I served as an undergraduate TA for two calculus courses as a senior.  This experience helped me develop my love for teaching mathematics and started me on my academic journey.

 

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

The first paper that I wrote completely on my own is one of my most important accomplishments.  It gave me the confidence that I could do independent research and succeed.  It was published in the SIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics.

 

What is/are your most proud accomplishment(s) regarding your personal life?

I am a lucky husband and the proud father of three boys.  

 

Please share some words of wisdom/inspiration.

Taken from my uncle’s sermon, “Don’t get bitter, get better”.