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Math Department Spotlight
December 2023 - Israel Adikah & Collin Kilmer
Israel Adikah
We shine the spotlight on Israel Adikah, a young man hailing from the beautiful country of Ghana in West Africa. He is currently a graduate student at UTC, pursuing an M.S. in Applied Statistics. He secured a Graduate Assistantship position, requiring him to balance a rigorous academic load, maintain a commendable GPA, and contribute 20 hours per week to the mathematics department.
With a robust educational background, encompassing a master's degree in economics from Zhejiang University of Science and Technology and a B.S. in Actuarial Science from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Israel is propelled by a mission to bridge the gap between academia and industry. He has also earned a B.S. from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana.
Inspired by his parents and fueled by a personal drive for excellence, Israel emphasizes the significance of prioritizing God and being intentional in the pursuit of one's dreams. Despite the challenges faced as an international student, Israel remains unwavering, achieving remarkable success at each stage of his academic journey.
Israel's scholarly impact is evident through three noteworthy publications:
- DOI: 10.21275/SR20306131610 Title: Investigating the Dependency between Stock Movements Using the Clayton Copula Method (Ghana Stock Exchange)
- DOI: 10.7176/isde/11-3-05 Title: Proposing an Alternative to the MVU Estimator for Estimating the Level of DC in AWGN
- DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269200 Title: Assessing the Relevance of COVID-19 Vaccines on the Tourism Industry: Evidence from China
Beyond academia, 2023 has proven to be a monumental year for Israel. From marrying his adoring wife, a source of constant inspiration, to acquiring a car and securing a teaching position, he attributes these achievements to divine guidance and the unwavering support of his cherished loved ones.
Israel showcases his technological expertise, displaying musical talents by playing the piano and drums at church, and contributing to the media department's endeavors in sound and video. When asked about unwinding after a challenging day, Israel keeps it simple – a good night's sleep does the trick. Additionally, he extends guidance, motivation, emotional support, and serves as a role model not only to fellow international students from Ghana but to everyone he encounters.
Israel enjoys working with data, extracting meaningful insights and deductions from extensive datasets. With a strong foundation in mathematics, economics, statistics, and analytics, he navigates the complexities of data analysis with skill and enthusiasm. In a field often perceived as intimidating, Israel's choice to pursue a career in mathematics reflects his genuine enjoyment of working with numbers and his fearless approach to challenges. His journey embodies resilience, faith, and a continuous commitment to personal growth.
Congratulations, Israel, on your remarkable achievements, and best wishes for the exciting journey that lies ahead!
Israel Adikah
Collin Kilmer
We cast a spotlight on Collin Kilmer, our graduate student who successfully obtained a Graduate Assistantship in April 2023. Collin's academic journey began at Southern Adventist University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude, donning the Silver Cord with an impressive GPA between 3.75-3.89. He earned his B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in History. Notably, Collin proudly boasts an eight-year residency in Chattanooga, contributing to his unique journey here.
Since August 2023, Collin has been navigating his inaugural semester at UTC. His inspiration stems from a Calculus II professor who introduced him to the captivating realm of pure mathematics and ongoing research.
Collin's mantra is, "Now is the time to change things up if that's what you think is best. If you want to switch your degree, getting a bit behind in college is way better than ending up in a career you don't enjoy." He advocates for flexibility in academic paths, urging students to pursue degrees aligned with their passions, even if adjustments are necessary. Collin exemplifies this philosophy by successfully transitioning from chemistry to mathematics.
The challenges Collin faced include conquering his first analysis class and adjusting from undergraduate to graduate-level studies. In terms of achievements, Collin takes immense pride in the continuous progress he's made, from completing his bachelor's degree to advancing to graduate school.
Beyond academia, Collin showcases an undisclosed skill his proficiency in operating skid steers and other heavy equipment loaders. His favorites, coupled with his love for mathematics, include the movie "No Country for Old Men," the color green, the sports team Scuderia Ferrari in F1, and the album "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd. Sushi stands out as his favored culinary choice.
To relax, Collin takes comfort in lifting weights, appreciating the balance of simplicity and complexity in resistance training, which helps him sleep better.
Choosing math as a career, Collin is driven by a passion for helping others learn and a commitment to personal growth and education. If you come across Collin Kilmer, let him know you've delved into his journey, advice, and passions in this exclusive spotlight feature!
Collin Kilmer
