| Post Bacs | Visiting Juniors |
Post-Bacs, Fall 2008
Sasha Berkoff
Hometown: Bethesda, MD
Undergrad: Smith College, BA Computer Science 2006
Program Goals:To learn more math and prepare for graduate school in Mathematics or Computer Science.
Random Fact:
My favorite activities are baking bread and swimming.
Thoughts on the Program
I love how collaborative this department is. Students often work in groups, and instead of being competitive about grades, the students are genuinely interested in learning the material and teaching each other.
Amanda Cangelosi
Hometown: Logan, UT
Undergrad: Utah State University, BS Math Education 2001; MS Statistics 2008
Program Goals: To become better prepared for studying Algebraic Geometry in grad school.
Bio:
I taught high school mathematics from 2001-2006 in Utah and Northern California. While I enjoyed teaching, I missed learning. Since I enjoyed probability as a undergraduate, I decided to pursue a master's degree in Statistics, during which I realized that my heart was really in pure mathematics. However, by the time I came to this realization, it had been years since my last pure math class (other than analysis). So, I thought that Smith's post-baccalaureate program would provide the perfect opportunity to both fill-in my mathematical gaps as well as feel-out my mathematical potential with regard to graduate school. The Center for Women in Mathematics has met my expectations. Faculty members are encouraging, and the community is supportive.
Emily Gunawan
Undergrad: Wells College, BA Mathematics 2005
Program Goals: To strengthen my mathematical background in preparation for graduate school.
Random Fact: Emily loves to swing dance. She is currently completing a semester of Math in Moscow.
Thoughts on the Program:
The other students are very friendly.
Yoshi Merrybird
Hometown: Northampton, MA
Undergrad: Kalamazoo College, BA Sociology, Women's Studies; University of Michigan, JD
Program Goals: To eventually study the mathematics of social networks, specifically as it applies to human trafficking.
Random Fact:
Yoshi has a rabbit named Punxsutawney. He's blind.
Thoughts on the Program:
The professors are very approachable and extremely helpful during office hours.
Shannon McDonough
Hometown: Port Clinton, OH
Undergrad: Ohio University, BS Math-Actuarial Science; Business, Environmental Studies Minors 2005
Program Goals:
I'm doing this program to determine whether I will continue with math at a graduate level, and if so, prepare myself for that next step.
Random Facts:
I like to hike, dance, and travel.
Thoughts on the Program:
The math department at Smith is very supportive.
Jette Petersen
Hometown: Austin, TX
Undergrad: Colorado College, BA Mathematics 2008
Program Goals: Keep doing mathematics and learn more about computer science.
Random Facts:
Creator of Twisted Pencil
I really like the Muppets and puns.
Thoughts on the Program:
The Center for Women in Math has given me a chance to explore subjects I didn't get a chance to explore at my undergraduate institution and has helped me prepare for graduate school.
Sarah Rathnam
Hometown: Hingham, MA
Undergrad: Dartmouth College, AB French Literature 2008
Program Goals: To learn more mathematics, particularly the intersection of math and biology. Also, to decide whether to pursue graduate study in the subject.
Random Fact:
My favorite song is Mmmbop.
Thoughts on the Program:The professors are incredibly supportive. Also, Northampton has the best ice cream in the world.
Agnieszka Rec
Hometown: Newhall, CA
Undergrad: Yale University, BS Mathematics, Humanities 2008
Program Goals: To learn more mathematics, particularly in areas such as Topology and Complex Analysis that she considers "capstone achievements" of an undergraduate major.
Random Fact:
Agnes's favorite game is Pictionary.
Thoughts on the Program:
The department is flexible enough to accommodate an independent study if a class you want to take is not being offered.
Maria Terres
Hometown: Franconia, NH
Undergrad: Bard College at Simon's Rock, BA Mathematics, Biology 2008
Program Goals: I'm hoping to gain more mathematical experience and then enter a statistics master's and/or statistics PhD program.
Random Fact:
I enjoy studying/identifying plants (Botany) and love playing Mario Kart (N64, Gamecube, Wii).
Thoughts on the Program:
There is a very friendly atmosphere within the center and between the students and faculty.
Nicole Vitale
Hometown: Cliffside Park, NJ
Undergrad: Felician College, BA Mathematics 2009
Program Goals: To prepare for graduate school, network, and get involved in a mathematical community.
Random Fact:
I spent last summer volunteering in an orphanage in South America.
Thoughts on the Program:
In addition to taking advantage of the classes Smith has to offer, I'm excited to take advantage of opportunities at the other 5 colleges. This semester I'm taking a Real Analysis course at Amherst College.
Visiting Juniors
Visiting Juniors, Fall 2008
Caroline Ewing
Hometown: Lewistown, Illinois
Undergrad: Colorado College, Mathematics
Program Goals:
My goals for the program are to learn a lot of math and become more comfortable writing proofs!
Random Fact:
I'm a novice drummer.
Thoughts on the Program:
This program is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in math and learn about applying to graduate school and what it's like once you get there.
Rui Li
Undergrad: Denison University, Mathematics and Economics
Program Goals:
To meet other women who are serious about mathematics.
Random Fact:
Rui loves to swim.
Thoughts on the Program:
The other students in the program are very friendly.
Cordelia McGeehee
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Undergrad: University of Minnesota, Mathematics and Neuroscience
Program Goals:
To experience life at a small liberal arts college.
Random Fact:
Cordelia won the Parsons house game of Assassins this year.
Thoughts on the Program:
Cordelia enjoyed her experience at a small liberal arts school. She was happy to have the opportunity to live on campus with other students, join the swimming team, and get to know her professors in smaller classes.
Marissa Neal
Hometown: Essex, MA
Undergrad: Salem State College, Mathematics with Spanish Minor
Random Facts:
My favorite color is pink and Spring is my favorite season.
Program Goals:
My goals upon entering at Smith College were to learn more and have more opportunities involving mathematics, since I was coming from a state school with limited resources.
Thoughts on the Program:
Being given the chance to take more rigorous math courses and be involved in original research has given me a better grasp on mathematics. Through further exploration of math I have found areas that I am more fond than others, which has been helpful in the elimination of career and future possibilities. The Center has given me the opportunity to work with other women who share the same passion for learning mathematics.
Amy Wesolowski
Hometown: Runnemede, NJ
Undergrad: College of the Atlantic, Human Ecology
Program Goals:
To be exposed to more advanced mathematics through coursework and research in order to prepare myself for graduate school in mathematics.
Random Fact:
My first year in college I wanted to become a professional puppeteer.
Thoughts on the Program
The mathematics department at Smith College is very open, friendly, and interesting.