Shree Whitaker Taylor, PhD
Where are you from?
I am from Decatur, Georgia, which is just outside of Atlanta. I attended elementary school and high school in DeKalb County and completed my BS and MS in applied mathematics at Clark Atlanta University. I finished my PhD in applied mathematics with a concentration in computational mathematics at North Carolina State University. I consider myself a modern-day Southern belle!
Please describe an experience (or 2) that helped you discover/cultivate your interest in the mathematical sciences.
While in high school, I noticed that I would always complete my math homework first. Although it was challenging, it was always easier for me to complete my math assignments relative to my other courses that required more writing skills. The content made sense to me, it was clear and logical, and I felt so accomplished when I completed my assignments! Math was like a puzzle to me, and I enjoyed thinking about the problems, discussing problems in study groups, and feeling confident when I was in that space.
When I got to college, there were two professors that helped to cultivate the discipline required to be a mathematician. Dr. Abdulalin Shabazz taught me calculus (all three levels) and logic. He was a devoted mathematician who commanded respect of the subject. Dr. J. Ernest Wilkins, Jr. taught me courses in applied mathematics and was my Masters’ thesis advisor. Dr. Wilkins was known for his attention to detail. Each professor had their style of teaching, of course, but they both demonstrated to their students the beauty, eloquence, and power of mathematics. They taught me the true meaning of EXCELLENCE and I continue to strive for it each day.
What is/are your most proud accomplishment(s) regarding your career in the mathematical sciences?
In 2006, I started a consulting firm named Delta Decisions of DC with two business partners, who are also mathematicians, Dr. Kim Woodson Barnette and Dr. Afi Davis Harrington. We provided consulting services to the federal government for over 12 years. During that time, we took all of our knowledge and experience and focused it on starting and growing an analytics-focused business in an environment that was not only relatively new to using mathematics to solve business problems, but also in awe of the company being started, owned and led by three mathematically-gifted and black female PhDs!
What is/are your most proud accomplishment(s) regarding your personal life?
My proudest accomplishment is being part of a beautiful family and raising two intelligent and thoughtful young ladies. There are other accomplishments I can cite, but the legacy we leave behind through our children is unmatched. My daughters are the absolute best part of me!
Please share some words of wisdom/inspiration.
It is important that we each know, and truly understand, our greatness and how we can uniquely contribute to the betterment of our community. Being part of a community is necessary and critical. It is essential to support and to be supported. One of my favorite African proverbs is “I am because we are.”