Why stick to learning about just one? 

When Rodell Andrews transferred to Missouri State, he already had credit hours in three primary disciplines: computer science, mathematics and business. 

Having a degree that combined all his interests was essential for securing the skills and experience needed for his future career. 

Not willing to stick to a traditional degree plan, Andrews pursued a Bachelor of General Studies (BGS), where he could take courses in three department areas to earn a versatile degree tailored to his career choice. 

Andrews is glad he chose to pursue a BGS degree, because to him, it means “not putting yourself in a box.” 

“I think general studies is the perfect major for intuitive thinkers who want to browse different categories, be a jack-of-all-trades and have more knowledge in different areas.”

“I feel like a lot of times when you go to school and you try to get the traditional majors, you’re boxing yourself into one category,” Andrews said.

Building his network on campus

Born and raised in O’Fallon, Illinois, Andrews made his way to Springfield to start college and play baseball at Evangel University.  

After two years there, he decided to transfer schools and turn his focus on academics.  

For the next two years of his college journey, Missouri State gave him the community he longed for when he joined Bears in Technology (BIT), a student chapter of the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM). 

“I made some very valuable connections with people who I’m still friends with today,” he said. “I didn’t really want to leave Springfield. I wanted to stay there and just be close to my friends. It was a plus having Missouri State be a Division I school, because I always wanted to go to a Division I school.” 

Some of Andrews’ favorite moments at Mo State were attending football games. He recalls one home game during his senior year when he was interviewed on the local news. 

He remembers being astonished by “the atmosphere, how many people were there and how many people who were excited for football.” 

Three areas of study, one degree

In his studies, Andrews’s BGS degree path allowed him to refine his interests and choose courses that matched what he enjoyed. 

“For the future students coming in, really focus on not boxing yourself in but looking at things that really interest you. Everything isn’t just about money; it’s about what you’re going to be doing and if you’re happy doing it.” 

His computer science classes helped him realize that he enjoyed the cybersecurity side of the field, including learning about databases and the inner workings of the computer. 

Within the College of Business, he is currently taking a marketing class about “branding yourself,” which has been valuable to his career field. 

In the mathematics realm, Andrews really enjoyed the classes taught by Dr. Roger Bunn. One thing that Andrews appreciated about Bunn’s teaching style was that Bunn made sure his students were answering questions and learning the concepts instead of just making sure they finished their classwork. 

“(Dr. Bunn’s) class really pushed me as an individual for school but also made me think about how I want to live the rest of my life and making sure that I’m putting forth effort in whatever I’m doing, regardless of if it’s pre-calculus or the potential job I’ll be working in the future,” Andrews said. 

His instructors taught him how to take initiative, ask questions and apply his learning outside the classroom. 

“I really like classes that teach you step outside of being in school,” Andrews said. “I think the concepts that you learn in school are very valuable, but I think the things that you learn to be an adult and to push you professionally are my favorite type of classes.” 

By exploring more than one discipline in the BGS program, Andrews was able to keep and transfer many of his course credits from Evangel to Missouri State. 

His academic advisor, Gates Breedlove-Koepke, served as a valuable resource while he acclimated to Mo State as a transfer student. 

“Breedlove was a great advisor and made sure that I was moving in the right direction for the classes I was supposed to be taking,” he said. 

Being gritty to become great

By majoring in general studies, Andrews created a pathway that allowed him to graduate sooner. 

After participating in the Spring 2026 commencement ceremony, he will be finishing his final two courses this summer to officially earn his degree. 

Andrews is also currently participating in his second internship with The Resource Group, a company that, he says, offers cost-saving initiatives for quality products to hospitals, clinics and other clients. 

At The Resource Group, his work is centered on data analytics. Because of his classes at Missouri State, he now knows which questions to ask and the steps he needs to take to efficiently reach a solution for his work. 

He is hoping his experience with The Resource Group will help him secure a full-time position there. 

Andrews said his time at Missouri State has “taught him to be gritty” and motivated him to do more than just attend class and do homework.  

“Missouri State taught me a lot about my character and not giving up when things get hard,” he said.  “It taught me to keep striving to be successful and keep striving to accomplish your goal.”

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Christopher Housholder, double major in mathematics and data science, and Layna Mangiapanello, double major in mathematics and secondary math education, are two seniors putting their skills to work to address issues with tangible impact.

Housholder

Housholder’s path to research was anything but linear. Originally from Marshfield, Missouri, he started at Missouri State as a computer science major in fall 2024, but soon discovered a stronger interest in math.

“After a semester without a math class, I realized I loved math far too much to give it up,” he said.

His current research focuses on traffic prediction using nonlocal mathematics methods. The project aims to develop models capable of accurately forecasting traffic behavior even when limited information is available.

“My goal is to see how pure mathematical ideas can be applied to practical problems,” Housholder said. “It’s exciting to take methods that were originally developed for one purpose and adapt them to something entirely different.”

He credits Dr. Animesh Biswas, assistant professor of mathematics, for his mentorship throughout the project.

“He keeps me moving forward without giving me the answers, which has strengthened my problem-solving and modeling skills,” Housholder said.

He has also honed technical skills through tools like MATLAB, a high-level programming language and environment designed primarily for numerical computing, data analysis and visualization. This has helped him gain experience in translating abstract mathematics into applied research.

While he has not presented this project yet, his previous work, “VC-dimension of subsets of Hamming graphs” was showcased at the Missouri-Arkansas-Kansas-Oklahoma Undergraduate Mathematics Research Conference in 2025. VC (Vapnik-Chervonenkis) is a way to measure how powerful a model or system is at separating data into different groups. In simple terms, it tells you how complex something is based on how many different patterns it can correctly handle.

His most recent project will be featured at the 23rd International Conference on Information Technology: New Generations in Las Vegas, Nevada, this month.

After he graduates either this fall or spring 2027, Housholder plans to pursue a PhD in pure mathematics with a focus on analysis. He hopes to become a math professor, using his research experience to both teach and solve real-world problems.

Mangiapanello

Mangiapanello’s research journey began as a way to explore the possibilities of mathematical inquiry beyond the classroom. Originally from O’Fallon, Missouri, she is balancing her student teaching at Glendale High School with ongoing research.

Working with Dr. Steven Senger, professor of mathematics, Mangiapanello studies VC-dimension of subsets in Hamming graphs, investigating the smallest subset size needed to guarantee shattering in an n x n graph. This work has potential implications for fields like artificial intelligence and data analysis.

“This research gave me a deeper understanding of how abstract mathematical concepts can be applied to practical problems,” she said. “VC-dimensions might seem purely theoretical, but they provide insights into how systems behave and how to model complexity in real-world scenarios.”

Collaboration has been a key part of her experience. Much of the project involved working closely with other students to brainstorm ideas, create visual models and refine proofs.

“The back-and-forth with my peers was one of the most exciting aspects,” Mangiapanello said. “When one person comes up with an idea, another builds on it or challenges it, and that dynamic really drives the research forward.”

She has also developed strong communication and project management skills, especially because Senger was often out of the country during critical phases of the project.

“Learning to coordinate and communicate effectively without traditional meetings pushed me to be more independent and proactive,” she said.

Mangiapanello and her team have presented their research at the CNAS Undergraduate Research Symposium and the 2025 Combinatorial and Additive Number Theory Conference in New York.

“Presenting our work was an incredible experience. It’s rewarding to see how the research resonates with other mathematicians, and to get feedback that strengthens the project.”

After graduating this spring, Mangiapanello plans to pursue a master’s or PhD. She is eager to return to research after completing her student teaching.

“This experience has reinforced my interest in exploring both teaching and research,” she said. “It has shown me that mathematics can be both intellectually challenging and deeply connected to solving real-world problems.”

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Their drive to deepen that understanding led both students to Missouri State University in spring 2024. In December 2025, they received their master’s degrees.

Growing as researchers

A native of Abuja, Nigeria, Engworo, completed his master’s degree in mathematics and a Data Science Graduate Certificate. He has an undergraduate degree in industrial mathematics and computer science from Covenant University in Nigeria.

His thesis used deep learning models to predict real estate prices, blending math and data science into work he hopes to publish soon.

Despite starting later than planned, finishing his project was a turning point for him.

“It showed that there’s nothing I can’t do,” Engworo said.

Born and raised in Sousse, Tunisia, Bouraoui earned her bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from Paris Dauphine University – PSL in France. She graduated with a master’s degree in computer science and a Data Science Graduate Certificate.

“Coming from an applied math foundation, earning these two qualifications reflects both an expansion of my technical background and a true commitment to the field I want to build my career in,” she said.

“Through roles as a lab instructor, grader and tutor, I found my place in the research community I’ve long admired and aspired to join.”

She calls her thesis her most defining academic achievement.

“I developed an AI-driven method to detect malware that maintains high performance in terms of detection while using far fewer resources than traditional approaches,” she said. “By focusing on the patterns of how programs behave, my system can identify even new or unusual malware efficiently.”

The long hours of reading, experimenting and refining helped her develop intuition, something she believes separates strong researchers from great ones.

Finding community and confidence

Engworo found a home at Missouri State through the welcoming support of the mathematics faculty. Besides working as a graduate teaching assistant for mathematics, he took the opportunity to get involved on campus — leading Impact Fellowship as president and mentoring young learners through the Young Mathematics Teacher Academy. These experiences strengthened his leadership skills.

“The community aspect of Missouri State has been one of my highlights. All organizations made me feel so welcomed,” he said.

Bouraoui built her sense of belonging through participating in campus life. She joined the MSU Pickleball Club and Tennis Club, cheered at Bears athletics events and connected with peers through the Association of International Students. Representing Tunisia on campus motivated her to bring her best to every class, project and activity.

“What stood out to me the most was living on an American campus,” she said. “I enjoyed immersing myself in a setting that felt very different from the academic environments I had known before.”

Applying their skills beyond the classroom

Both students took the initiative to put their knowledge into practice and expand their impact. Engworo judged campus math competitions and taught local students. He also completed internships in Nigeria and the U.S., where he applied data analytics to real-world challenges. These experiences strengthened his drive to pursue a PhD and continue doing research.

Like Engworo, Bouraoui broadened her skills through internships in research labs, consulting, industry and banking, tackling projects from forecasting to financial technology. Her most recent internship at Cognira, a fast-growing AI company, was her favorite one.

“During my time there, I worked on improving sales forecasts, detecting unusual patterns and testing tools to make predictions more accurate,” she said.

In addition, her graduate assistant role in the computer science department allowed her to mentor others and grow as a researcher and leader.

Ready for the next chapter

According to Engworo and Bouraoui, Missouri State taught them two key lessons: trust your abilities and ask for help when you need it.

As they move on to the next phase of their lives, Engworo plans to publish more research and pursue advanced studies. Bouraoui looks forward to new professional challenges, continued learning and exploring more of the country she now calls a second home. In the end, she hopes to honor her family’s trust.

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From Vietnam to Portugal, Scotland and Mexico, Senger’s sabbatical mixed math, language and culture, all while sharing Missouri State with the world.

“What stood out the most was how eager people were to explore ideas and collaborate, no matter where I went,” Senger said.

Traveling across the globe

His sabbatical began in August 2024 and lasted through spring 2025. He taught courses, gave presentations, mentored students, conducted research and engaged in cultural experiences.

In Hanoi, Vietnam, Senger met researchers working on additive combinatorics at the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Studies in Mathematics. While there, he also delivered a seminar on algebra and number theory at the Vietnam National Space Center.

At the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, Senger met mathematician Prof. Kenneth Falconer, the researcher who inspired the “geometric measure theory” or “study of fractals” part of his thesis. Shortly after meeting him, he solved a major part of his planar functions project.

“When I met Falconer, he was incredibly kind,” Senger said. “Getting to stroll the Old Course (the world’s oldest golf course) made the visit even more memorable.”

His planar functions project focuses on mathematical mappings that create balance and symmetry, concepts useful in areas like cryptography and design theory.

Later stops on his trip included Austria and Portugal. He also spent time in Mexico with his wife’s family. There, he taught English and arithmetic in Spanish for a day at a one-room schoolhouse in San Isidro El Viejo, a small community in the state of Querétaro.

“I’ve always wanted to lecture in another language. It’s such a powerful way to connect with people,” he said.

The school serves grades one through six with 33 students. It is run by one man who handles everything – teaching, administration, cleaning, maintenance and security.

Bringing it all back home

Now back on campus, Senger is expanding undergraduate research through projects involving the VC-dimension of Hamming graphs and distinct triangles determined in abstract algebraic settings.

The former explores how data points can be separated and classified within mathematical networks. The latter examines geometric patterns formed by points in space, helping students investigate how structure, symmetry and randomness interact in interesting ways.

“I want our students to see that research here reaches across the world,” he said. “When I travel, I’m often the only Missourian people meet, and I’m proud to show them what Missouri State stands for.”

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Yet both faculty members have a shared purpose to make challenging concepts approachable, relevant and fun for their students.

The duo brings fresh perspectives, strong research backgrounds and a genuine love for teaching to the classroom.

Fleece

Originally from New Baltimore, Michigan, Fleece’s path to the College of Natural and Applied Sciences started at Evangel University as an undergraduate in 2016.

He then completed his master’s degree in mathematics at Missouri State in 2021 and later in 2025, earned his PhD in Group Theory from Missouri S&T.

“I had such a great experience as a graduate assistant at Missouri State. When the opportunity came up to come back to teach, it felt like coming home,” Fleece said.

Wymore

A Kansas City, Missouri, native, Wymore earned his bachelor’s and PhD degrees in chemistry at the University of Missouri. He spent over a decade conducting research at institutions, such as Carnegie Mellon, Oak Ridge National Lab, University of Michigan and Stony Brook University.

He joined Missouri State as faculty member when his wife accepted a leadership role on campus.

“The timing with an open chemistry faculty position aligned perfectly,” Wymore said.

Innovating in the classroom and lab

Fleece focuses on group theory and encourages students to model their thinking after his own as he works through problems in class.

“I want students to see how I’m approaching a problem, not just the solution, but the process,” he said.

His courses often include collaborative review sessions and game-based learning, with a focus on creating an open, comfortable space for students to engage and make mistakes.

Wymore’s research dives into enzyme mechanisms, especially how they evolve and interact with light. His lab brings together quantum chemistry and evolutionary biology, two fields rarely combined.

“The quantum-level view of enzymes and their evolutionary pathways is something you don’t see very often,” Wymore said. “It helps us tell deeper stories about how nature works.”

Advice for learners and educators

Fleece believes passion is key: “If it feels like work, it’s going to be harder to succeed. You’ve got to love what you do, teaching, researching, all of it.”

Wymore emphasizes patience and empathy.

“Many students aren’t struggling with the material itself but with everything else happening outside the classroom,” he said.

He encourages using historical context and storytelling to help students connect with scientific ideas.

Both faculty members, beyond teaching, dedicate themselves to mentoring, research and guiding the next generation of mathematicians and scientists. Their combined expertise and enthusiasm strengthen the college’s mission to advance discovery and inspire learning.

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Whether you wear glasses, have an MRI, connect to fiber-optic internet or use a security system, chances are you’ve experienced the benefits of optics.

Through his studies at Missouri State University, Heath Gemar found his calling in optics while combining his plethora of scientific interests.

“Growing up, I was always pretty good at math, and so I was always interested in harder and harder problems,” he said.

Taking his talents a step further, Gemar decided to dual major in applied mathematics and physics at Missouri State.

“You find out that the language of math can describe how things are operating and how [math and physics] interact with one another, then that becomes more intriguing,” Gemar said. “So then, you just start digging more and more into both math and physics, because they kind of coalesce with one another.”

Gemar chose to pursue his undergraduate degrees at Missouri State because he could easily commute from his classes in Springfield to his job in Branson.

Building his research experience, Gemar would often assist graduate students while working in pulsed laser deposition, a method that uses a laser to produce a fluid which is then deposited on another substrate (or substance).

He extends his gratitude to his undergraduate advisor, Dr. Kartik Ghosh, for providing these hands-on learning opportunities.

Amping up his scientific mastery

Upon graduating with his two majors in 2013, Gemar decided to continue his education at Missouri State by getting his master’s degree in materials science.

“Seeing the utility of materials science and how it’s so multidisciplinary and can be applied to a multitude of problems really made it intriguing.”

Diving into graduate research, Gemar studied exoplanets and how their atmospheres would evolve due to certain content or temperature constraints.

He also explored how light scatters through an atmosphere (or material) and what that looks like spectrally.

“So, if we were to examine spectra from an actual exoplanet, we might be able to correlate the two and say, ‘Oh, it’s maybe in this kind of temperature range or it’s in this step of evolution,’” he said.

Gemar’s graduate advisor, Dr. David Cornelison (or Dr. C, as he is known to students), was a big influence on Gemar’s decision to stay at Missouri State. Because of Cornelison’s mentorship, Gemar felt supported in his academics and had a clearer vision of his career path.

With the help of Cornelison and a fellow student, Gemar enjoyed growing and promoting the Society of Physics Students at MSU.

“I think we started to build a really good community of people, always going to the library together to study on things and doing the community outreach through Dr. C,” Gemar said.

Lighting the way into a bright future

In 2016, Gemar earned his master’s degree from Missouri State.

Afterward, he graduated from the University of Central Florida with his PhD in optics and photonics.

Gemar currently works as an optical physicist at a naval research lab in Washington D.C., where he develops novel imaging techniques for the U.S. Navy.

“Imaging is seeing with your eyes, but you can also see a thermal signature, which is like the infrared kind of cameras that you may see, where you have really bright spots and then dark spots based off somebody’s body heat or something,” Gemar said.

In his work, he also uses sensing to explore spectral signatures, the reflection from an object seen through many wavelengths.

Gemar hopes to continue advancing his research and making important discoveries for his field.

“I’d probably say my current goal is to continue to get more programs funded that we’re working on here at the lab and just to continue to push the boundary forward in everything that we’re doing,” he said.

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They study and explain the workings of the universe.

For Yashasvi Moon, all three of these sciences are the fuel for her undergraduate research.

Double majoring in physics and mathematics, Moon proves to be a hard-working problem solver.

In spring 2021, she began her first semester at Missouri State as an international student from Napur, India.

“MSU has been very welcoming of international students, which I really, really appreciate,” Moon said.

She chose to attend Missouri State after receiving one of MSU’s international student scholarships, which she said was “very financially good for me and my family.”

Gravitating toward multiple sciences

During her time at Missouri State, Moon has been developing a passion for physics that she’s had since she was very young.

“I just really liked physics as a kid,” Moon said. “My mom is a biochemist, so she would take me to her lab when I was little and show me her experiments and everything. That was really cool. I think that, initially, got me into science.”

She’s also had a long-time interest in geometry, which led her to also pursue a mathematics degree.

In her first year at MSU, Moon chose to take the career prep physics track, a general physics degree option designed to prepare students for the workplace.

“I really liked [physics], because it explained stuff like the natural phenomena around me…It can help us test theories, and it can explain stuff around us.”

However, within the last three years, Moon’s interests began to evolve, so she added an astronomy track to her physics degree.

Igniting a spark for physics in young minds

As an active student in the physics department, Moon participated in community outreach events, where she and other physics students would explain and demonstrate physics phenomena to local school children.

Because of these opportunities, Moon became interested in teaching.

“I feel like we don’t really see women scientists a lot, so I feel like it helps to have a role model – or not even a role model, but just a woman, like a physicist or a scientist who is there for inspiration to younger girls who would want to pursue STEM,” she said.

Moon is also the vice president of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) on campus.

“I recently initiated or started a collaboration – which I hope is going to continue – with the newly-established Women in STEM club of MSU,” Moon said.

Recently, she united the two groups for an outreach science demonstration at Greenwood Laboratory School.

Orbiting around research opportunities

Moon knows that the road to graduate school means reaching out to external universities to secure an REU (i.e. Research Experiences for Undergraduates).

“Just getting those opportunities has been really difficult because of funding restrictions and everything,” Moon said.

After a lot of persistence, she secured an REU at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in summer 2023. It was during this experience that she uncovered her fascination for astronomy and took the initiative to learn more about it.

“I picked out a book. I just started reading it, and it turned out astronomy really interested me,” Moon said.

In summer 2024, Moon secured another REU, where she identified 9,000 new galaxies that host tidal disruption events, a phenomenon that occurs when a star is torn apart after approaching a black hole.

Moon also earned second place at the 2024 CNAS Undergraduate Research Symposium for her research on transient events observed by the South Pole telescope.

“Words of advice for physics students, specifically, is to get into research. The sooner you get into research, the better,” Moon said. “Also, again, the path is not linear. My path was all over the place. I first liked physics, then I liked math, and now I’m into astronomy. I never thought I would do astronomy.”

Her future’s written in the stars

Along with research, Moon was supported by constructive courses and knowledgeable faculty.

“I think the classes that I’ve taken and everything, they’ve been very, very helpful. Like the physics classes. Like quantum mechanics with Dr. Mitra. That was one of the best classes I’ve ever taken, and I just got so much out of it,” she said.

Moon also acknowledges Dr. David Cornelison for his efforts in organizing the physics outreach events and fostering her passion for physics.

Inspired by Cornelison’s guidance, Moon and her physics classmates nominated him for the 2024 Excellence in Public Affairs Award. Cornelison was one of three faculty to win the award.

“One last thing about the physics department, they’ve just been extremely, extremely supportive in whatever our students want, not just me.”

In the math department, Dr. Les Reid has been instrumental in her academic growth.

“He is extremely smart. I really like geometry, as I said, and he’s very into geometry,” she said.

Moon expects to graduate in May 2025.

She is in the process of submitting applications to graduate school. Moon hopes to get her PhD in either astronomy or astrophysics.

“After that, I do want to be a professor and teach and simultaneously do research, because I really like to teach or just explain stuff to students,” Moon said.

Major in math at Missouri State Dive into physics at MSU

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Having a good teacher can make all the difference.

No one knows this better than Joseeduardo Granados Rodriguez, a mathematics education major at Missouri State.

After graduating from Central High School in May 2020, Rodriguez enrolled as an engineering major at North Carolina State University.

When COVID forced the campus to shut down, Rodriguez finished the semester online and returned to Springfield.

“I reevaluated my values, where I stood, and I found myself more interested in, I don’t know, feeling like part of a community,” Rodriguez said.

Determining his values

Upon his return to Springfield, Rodriguez’s mentors suggested that he consider a teaching career.

While this sounded good, he remained unsure of his future.  

In the spring semester of 2021, he decided transfer to Missouri State, knowing he could save money on his tuition and complete his general education courses while he searched for a career path.

As a first-generation student, Rodriguez knew the value of a quality education. 

“My mom really wanted me to be able to pursue that education, and so Missouri State was always an option from the beginning even before I knew what I really wanted to do, just because it was in my hometown,” he said. 

Pattern recognition is a key component of math

Rodriguez was immersed into the world of numbers through many of his family members’ careers in engineering, STEM and math-related fields.

When he was in 6th grade, his teacher encouraged him to participate in a math competition, sparking a newfound passion for mathematics.

Since then, Rodriguez found new ways to make sense of math problems.

“I’ve got ADHD, and so part of ADHD is a lot of pattern-recognizing. And so, when I was younger, my mom always gave me puzzles – the little metal links that would connect and you’re supposed to unlink them. And so, anything that had to do with puzzles or with patterns was a little bit of fun to me,” he said.

“Math is just a series of pattern-recognizing and just relating it to the real world.”

Rodriguez was able to retrain his brain to use math in real-world scenarios.

“Instead of thinking of math as like, ‘Okay here’s the equation; do it,’ I started kind of seeing the parts of the equation, how everything was working and relating it back to something I’d learned before,” Rodriguez said. “Having good teachers to guide me along the way really made it that connection.”

Seeking success in the “ah-ha!” moments

Determined to become a teacher, Rodriguez realized that math was an area of struggle for many students.

“I want for math class to be a place where you feel you belong there and it’s accessible to you.”

While in high school, he tutored his brother and other students. As a tutor, he listened to his peers and used things that interested them, like video games, to make a connection to their math work.

“Whenever I started getting some of those ‘flashbulb’ moments where the student normally does not like math and just doesn’t even like being in the classroom, (they) had a second where it clicked and it made sense,” he said. “They just had that breath of relief, like, ‘I get it!’…That was such a cool moment to see.”

The satisfaction of seeing his students understand the material was a success that fit into his personal life as well.

“It was nice to see relief in somebody who had been so stressed, and that was just kind of a common theme in my life being the translator for my mom and my grandma, helping them out, bring them a sense of relief,” Rodriguez said. “Kind of being someone helping them get to that point felt very validating.”

His future is in the numbers

Along with his other mentors, Rodriguez owed his gratitude to several MSU professors in the mathematics department.

He appreciated Dr. Patrick Sullivan‘s commitment to his personal goals.

“Dr. Sullivan was for sure a huge inspiration and a mentor in life in general,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez also “felt seen” by Dr. Mark Rogers, who would often go out of his way to make sure his students were succeeding in their studies.

“Dr. Rogers for sure deserves a shoutout. Math education people…you kind of hope and expect that they’ll be supportive, because they’re teachers and such. But Dr. Rogers…his teaching style felt really involved,” Rodriguez said. “He did care about you understanding, not just about doing a routine and getting the answer.”

Rodriguez will graduate with his bachelor’s degree in May 2025.

Coming full circle, he will begin his teaching career next year at his alma mater, Central High School.

Later in his career, he would like to pursue a master’s degree to gain the credentials to teach dual credit.

“For students that hated math before, if I can make it an accessible place, they don’t have to become a mathematician, but now they don’t have to shy away from any other career that requires math,” Rodriguez said.

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Solving complex equations, however, takes an ambitious pursuit of knowledge. 

Cue Helena Bel, a double major in mathematics and physics. 

With a zest for learning, Bel looked at universities that would allow her to explore both subjects. 

Opportunities started adding up and began directing her toward Missouri State.

Right on par

Since she was nine years old, Bel has been a dedicated golfer. 

Her proficiency on the golf course rewarded her with a scholarship from Missouri State and motivated her to join the women’s golf team. 

After high school, Bel took a chance and uprooted her big-city life in Zaragoza, Spain to get an education in the United States. 

“I knew I wanted to come to the U.S. to play golf in college,” she said. 

She enrolled as an international student at Missouri State, where her scholarships would help cover her tuition. 

Upon moving to Springfield, she was welcomed by friends who helped her transition to college life in the U.S. 

Together, Bel and her friends share household responsibilities and serve as an emotional support system for each other. 

“I know I’m going to remember all the memories that we have and everything that we’ve done in this house for the rest of my life. It’s so fun,” Bel said.

Summing up her interests 

Throughout her studies at Missouri State, Bel developed valuable personal and professional skills. 

“I really enjoy the (mathematics) major and the classes that I’m taking. I think it’s really helped me learn to think and be very analytical.” 

Recognizing her knack for numbers, she found herself drawn toward the mathematics program. 

“Growing up in school, I’ve always been really good with math,” Bel said. “I also have a good memory, so I was good in history, remembering dates and stuff.” 

Going hand-in-hand with her mathematics interests, she also decided to study physics in college. 

“My last year in high school, I took a physics class, and I really, really enjoyed it too,” she said. 

Bel’s fascination with math and physics was inspired by her aunt’s career choice: engineering. 

Ever since Bel was a child, she has been impressed by her aunt’s intelligence. Bel’s admiration for her aunt also served as an incentive, leading her to acquire the knowledge that would allow her to closely follow in her aunt’s footsteps. 

“She was so smart, probably one of the smartest people I know,” Bel said. “I was always like, ‘I want to be like her.’”

Finding strength in numbers

Bel’s educational journey was guided by supportive mentors who challenged and encouraged her to grow in her interests. 

Getting out of her comfort zone, Bel has improved her research and presentation skills under the supervision of Dr. Ridwan Sakidja, a professor in the physics, astronomy and physical sciences department. 

“Dr. Sakidja is awesome. I really like how he teaches, and he’s very helpful with me,” Bel said.  

She recalls one of her favorite classes was PHY 291: Introduction to Computational Physics taught by Dr. David Cornelison. 

“It was a fun class, and I really, really like how (Dr. Cornelison) taught the class. I also got to do a project with him. He was really understanding,” Bel said. “He was awesome. He was probably one of my favorite teachers that I’ve had so far.” 

Bel plans to graduate in fall 2024 with her mathematics degree and in spring 2025 with her physics degree. 

After graduation, she plans to pursue her master’s degree in data science. 

Dr. William Bray, the mathematics department head, has been supportive of her goals by assisting her search for graduate schools with a data science program.  

“In the math department, my advisor, William Bray, he is also really, really good,” she said. “He makes my life so much easier. He’s a really good advisor.” 

Although Bel is still figuring out her place in the professional sphere, she continues to prove that she is anything but average in her academic pursuits. 

Explore math at Missouri State

The post Calculating her career trajectory appeared first on Mathematics Blog.

But students participating in the Young Mathematics Teaching Academy are doing just that – and learning what it’s like to be a math teacher.

The camp is run by faculty in the mathematics department at Missouri State University, and has been taking place on the MSU campus.

Read the full KY3 article here

The post Students attend math summer camp on MSU campus appeared first on Mathematics Blog.