Kevin Harris Jr.

Where are you from?

I was born in Houston, Texas. I got my Bachelor’s degree at Texas Southern University, Master’s degree at Sam Houston State University, and my Ph.D. at The University of Texas at Arlington. I moved out to Tacoma, Washington in 2022 for my job. I love the scenery, although I could do without the rain once in a while. At the same time, I don’t miss the Texas heat.

 

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

One experience that helped me discover my interest in math was participating in a summer undergraduate research program at TSU. Getting the chance to experience math research opened a new door to mathematics that I never knew existed, and it made the idea of math so much more interesting. 

 

What added to this interest was all the math conferences I’ve been fortunate enough to attend over the years. Seeing different mathematical topics, meeting new people with similar interests as well as different but fascinating interests, and learning about all the opportunities that exist just from being interested in math really opened my eyes to the possibilities from earning a math degree. Getting to travel around didn’t hurt either.

 

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

In a little over a year, I’m hoping I’ll be able to say getting tenure at my current institution (fingers crossed). Until then, I would say finishing graduate school both times. There were many instances where I wanted to quit and find something else to do. I managed to stick it out and make it through. That realization of knowing I had done it was the best feeling I had in a long time.

 

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

Honestly, I would say my most proud accomplishment in regard to my personal life would be coming out of my shell more over the years. Most people would probably consider me to be pretty shy or someone who likes to keep to themselves, which is absolutely true. However, my close friends wouldn’t most likely consider me that way. In fact, some of them might even use the word “annoying” or “goofy.” I prefer funny and lovable, but what can I say, everyone’s a critic. Seeing the Cowboys and Eagles lose in the Wild Card round of the playoffs this year was pretty nice too. I’d like to think I had something to do with that.  

 

Please share some words of wisdom/inspiration.

Please, please, please (in my best James Brown voice) take care of yourself. Whether you’re an undergraduate student, a graduate student, a postdoc, or anything really, it is important to find time to do the things that make you happy outside of school and/or work.  All that work you need to do won’t matter if you are not here to do it. Create that balance in your life and set your boundaries, so you are not overworking yourself. I know this is easier said than done. It’s certainly something I’ve struggled with for years, and I’m not perfect at it by any means. This and finding enjoyment in a lot of the little things in life is what got me through graduate school and is currently helping me enjoy life a lot more. Having time to myself is important to me, and that is something I had to prioritize over the years. Find what is important to you and prioritize finding time for it. Be intentional about finding your peace and don’t ever give up.