Mathematics Success Stories

Benz Suanmali – Pure Mathematics

I am an assistant professor at Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT), Thammasat University, Thailand. SIIT is a leading institution in Thailand that offers international program in various fields of Engineering for both undergraduate and graduate students. I also work as a consultant for Transportation Research Center (TREC), where I utilize mathematical and statistical concepts to solve today’s transportation related issues in Thailand. When I look back in time, I find that my experience in college at Methodist University (MU) has enriched my life in many ways. It has provided me with the necessary tools to enhance my skills and has taught me valuable knowledge about this diverse world through diverse international students and activities. All these aspects of MU have also made me to become more well-rounded as a person. As a mathematics student, I had the pleasure of learning linear algebra and proof-based mathematics from expert math professors who are truly passionate about their subject matter. The education I received at MU’s Mathematics Department prepared me well for graduate school in Mathematics at North Carolina State University.

Alex Combs – Pure Mathematics

I graduated from Methodist University in May 2011 and I’m now a third year Ph.D. candidate at North Carolina State University. Currently, I’m doing research in pure math – something I never would have been able to do without the faculty in the math department of Methodist University. The professors are very knowledgeable, and the learning environment is extremely personal. Many students struggle with transitioning to a more abstract setting of mathematics, something I see in many students here at N.C. State. They do not have the same personal attention from the faculty that I had at Methodist and have a lot more trouble seeking assistance.

The Methodist University Mathematics department would be an excellent choice for any student considering graduate school. The faculty will instill in you not only the knowledge required for graduate school, but also a strong sense of how to learn mathematics, which is far more important. Thanks to my instructors, Dr. Peggy Batten and Dr. Shivappa Palled, I find myself extremely well-prepared for graduate school, even compared to the graduates of other, larger institutions.

Tyler Ursuy – Pure Mathematics

I graduated from Methodist University in 2018. While at MU, I studied mathematics, played soccer, and was part of many on-campus groups such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). In my last year at MU, I realized and fully appreciated how well the professors and advisors prepared me to take my next steps. I believe the challenges and experiences I had at MU gave me the tools to push myself further and shape my future. After graduating from MU, I used my mathematics background to continue my education at the University of San Francisco where I earned a master’s degree in data science. I am now back in North Carolina in Greensboro working at Cone Health as a Data Scientist in the Enterprise Analytics department.

I am very grateful for the leadership and expertise, especially in the mathematics department, at Methodist for giving me a foundation that allowed me to find my passion and pursue it to the best of my ability. One of the most valuable foundational blocks for me was the support and encouragement from my professors to learn to understand rather than learn to pass an exam. I was able to carry this mentality forward into my graduate studies and now my career. I would encourage any student considering mathematics at Methodist University to take full advantage of the resources available to you and learn from the examples put forward by the exceptional professors.

Moses Chandiga – Pure Mathematics

In the four years that I studied at Methodist University, I had nothing short of a great experience. I attribute this experience to the class size and the extra assistance professors were able to provide. The class sizes and education activities also allowed me to appreciate and pursue my interests in computer science and mathematics.

Methodist University also taught me a culture of determination and hard work which has been vital ever since I graduated. The professors often inspired us to strive for greater achievements. All these lessons prepared me for a career in the technology industry.

I am currently working at Lenovo / Blueocean Marketing Intelligence as an Analytics developer with responsibilities such as analytics implementation, data anomalies troubleshooting, web analytics migration and many more.

Thanks to everyone in or outside the computer science and mathematics that has contributed to my success.

Dawn Sanderson – Pure Mathematics

I completed my studies in the Methodist University Mathematics Department in 2011. I went into college without a definite goal of the academic avenue I wanted to pursue. I knew math was something that I enjoyed studying and so I began the degree plan for Mathematics through Methodist’s Mathematics Department. I have forever been so thankful that this was the path I chose. Having smaller class sizes with professors who knew my name and face was critical to my success then and now. The professors always had time to answer questions and give clarification. They encouraged different thought processes and higher degrees of analysis. And, I honestly probably would not have survived college at all had it not been for Dr. Batten’s support and encouragement as a mentor.

I can sincerely say that if I had not chosen Mathematics as my field of study at MU, I would not be where I am today. I currently work as an Operations Research Analysis Officer at the Head Quarters for Air Combat Command in the United States Air Force. The prime reason I was chosen for this career field was for my lucrative degree in Mathematics. My background from MU gives me the necessary knowledge to take and solve any problem with practically any toolset. The studying I did through MU’s Mathematics Department encouraged me to broaden my academic education; and, after obtaining one MS in Criminal Justice Administration, I am presently completing course work for my second MS in Applied Mathematics through the University of Washington.

If anyone were to ever ask me about my time at MU and my experience in the Mathematics Department there, I would say that it was an amazing four years and if you are even remotely contemplating the study of Mathematics, Methodist University is an awesome choice and will lead you on to great opportunities!

Xiangming Wu – Pure Mathematics

My name is Xiangming Wu, and I am a current Ph.D. student in the Department of Mathematics at West Virginia University. I am pursuing my Ph.D program in Mathematics Education. I was an undergraduate student in the Department of Mathematics at Methodist University. I enjoyed my math study very much there. I loved the department, and the people in the department, especially my advisor, Dr. Shivappa Palled, and my math professor, Dr. Peggy Batten. They are very knowledgeable and helpful professors. With the strength of department, they facilitated and cheered my study in mathematics. Eventually, my fruitful experiences in the department and with professors fascinated my interest in studying math. My suggestion to the future students at the department: Open your mind and listen to them, you will learn a lot of things that you would never be able to learn from a textbook.

Amar Idrizovic – Pure Mathematics

I graduated from Methodist University in May 2014. I went to Methodist to study Computer Science. Mathematics has always been my secret love as I was pursuing the more adapted and practical forms of it – and it probably would’ve stayed like that if it wasn’t for Methodist University and the wonderful faculty in the Math Department. They allowed, helped and engaged me to develop and widen that passion to new extents. The comfortable atmosphere and the close student to professor relationships are the only reasons I was successful in pursuing my love of Mathematics. I was encouraged to discover and further my readings, attend conferences and be involved in open Math discussions on daily basis. Whenever I had a question or a doubt I would just drop by one my professors’ office and ask, without having to schedule an appointment. Now I have a Bachelor’s Degree in both Computer Science and Mathematics. I work as a developer in one of the most successful IT companies in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, but I cannot wait to go back to school and continue to study Mathematics.

Eugene Grant – Mathematics Education

Eugene Grant ’06, who teaches Math and coaches football and basketball at Southeast Guilford High School, was named the 2013 Teacher of the Year for Guilford County (N.C.) Schools.

Michael Molter – Pure Mathematics

As Webmaster for Methodist University, I am promoting the University to prospective students and other constituents on a 24/7 basis. This position requires diverse skills, ones that I’ve picked up through my educational history. I practically apply the marketing and IT management skills from my master’s degree in administration, focusing in information resource management, from Central Michigan. I can credit my first MU bachelor’s degree in English and history for my copyediting and proofreading skills. But it is my experience with my bachelor’s degree in mathematics that has improved my analytic and critical thinking abilities (essential for Web analysis and design) and has given me the logic and programming experience that I use to analyze code, diagnose problems, and get things working. The faculty you’ll work with in the mathematics department will help you embrace challenges as you transition to abstract and proof-based mathematics. You really get to know your professors and classmates in the small classes in the math department. After nine classes with Dr. Batten and Dr. Palled, I can tell you that they know their stuff and they care about your success.

Nolan Outlaw – Pure Mathematics

I graduated from Methodist University in May 2012 with a BS in chemistry and minors in mathematics and biology. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Methodist, and it was the faculty in the department of mathematics who really showed me how wonderful studying math could be. Through the superior educational experience I had at Methodist, I can honestly say that after graduating, I felt prepared for anything!

After graduation, I decided to attend graduate school at East Carolina University. I graduated in May 2016 with a MA in mathematics and a MS in economics. While working towards these degrees, there were, of course, some difficult classes, and guess who offered encouragement and support: Dr. Peggy Batten! If you are ever a student in MU’s math department, you will forever remain part of the family. The faculty will never stop pushing you to work towards higher goals (whether you are a current student or an alumni), and they go beyond simply offering encouragement – they will dedicate their time and resources to help you reach your goals.

I am now a mathematics instructor at Wake Technical Community College, and I will rely on my experiences at MU as I begin my career as an educator. I will attempt to enjoy teaching math as much as Professor Daniel Bennett. I will try to employ the superior teaching techniques that Dr. Shivappa Palled used as he taught me. I will always strive to show the same compassion for my students that I experienced as one of Dr. Batten’s students. Above all, I will maintain the image of a knowledgeable, effective instructor, which are qualities maintained by every faculty member in MU’s department of mathematics. It always amazed me what my professors knew, and I felt honored to sit in their classes and take advantage of their intelligence to further my own.

Jeremy York – Pure Mathematics

Jeremy York is currently working as a Regional Manager with Mathnasium, a tutoring center focused on building a strong foundation for students taking math. He currently manages both the Mathnasium of Brier Creek and Mathnasium of Cary while acting as the Center Director for the Cary center. During his time at MU, he was able to hone his math skills and achieve a strong understanding of many topics. With this understanding, and working through the Mathematics department’s tutoring program, he has developed many techniques to help others achieve similar success in their math courses.