Past Department Spotlights
This is an archive of all of the past Math Department Spotlights. Come check out our past spotlights!
September 2025 Spotlight
Gracie Crooks
We’re proud to shine this month’s Math Department Spotlight on Gracie Crooks, a second-year undergraduate student whose passion for math and interdisciplinary excellence makes her a standout in every way.
Born and raised in Chattanooga, Gracie is a hometown scholar with a world of talent. She shares her home with two cats, Zuka and Mabel, and her days are filled with innovation, collaboration, and curiosity.
On campus, Gracie is deeply involved and participates in the SMILE Fund, Society of Women Engineers, AWM, and Girls Who Code. She’s also active in UTC’s Honors College, contributing to both the Innovations in Honors and Grand Challenges Scholars programs. As a researcher, she works with Dr. Ayça Çetinkaya on Inverse Problems and is a member of the Quantum Theory research group through the UTC Quantum Center. Off campus, she serves as a Strategic Research Fellow at EPB, exploring how emerging technologies impact connectivity, energy, and community.
Gracie began her UTC journey as a Computer Science major but quickly fell in love with mathematics during her first calculus course. Inspired by her mom and sister which are both engineers. She was guided by supportive faculty like Professor Villanueva and Dr. Çetinkaya, Gracie has embraced math as a universal language full of creativity and connection.
Her advice to future math majors? “Embrace creativity. Don’t just accept formulas. Ask what they mean.” She believes the beauty of math lies in viewing problems from new angles and not being afraid to ask questions.
Among her many achievements, Gracie has received the UTC SEARCH Award for her project on ill-conditioned linear systems and was an invited speaker at the AWM Research Symposium in Madison, WI. Her recent work on inverse problems is currently under journal review.
Outside of academics, Gracie has a rich creative side, she’s been playing piano for 16 years and cello for 7 years, and she loves learning languages. She’s most fluent in German and American Sign Language and is currently exploring Mandarin Chinese.
Her favorite song? “Dreamer” by Laufey. Her favorite movie? Hidden Figures—of course! Her favorite way to unwind? Walking in the art district or spending time with friends.
When asked why she loves math, she says, “There’s always something new to learn. I love that anyone, anywhere in the world, can use math. It’s a language that connects us all.”
And her favorite quote inspired by a proverb emphasizing the importance of quality and efficiency “Do it right, do it light. Do it wrong, do it long.”
"Gracie is a dedicated and passionate student whose hard work and curiosity promise a bright future in mathematical research." - Ayça Çetinkaya
October 2025 Spotlight
Maheshi Walawwe
Maheshi G. Walawwe, a PhD student in our department, is originally from Kandy, Sri Lanka. She grew up in a close-knit family as the middle child with two sisters, two nieces, and a lively home full of cats including three playful kittens.
Maheshi earned her B.Sc. in Mathematics (First Class Honours) from the University of Ruhuna and an M.Sc. in Industrial Mathematics from the University of Peradeniya. Since joining UTC in January 2025, she has already made her mark by volunteering for Operation Move 2025 and serving as Vice President of the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM Student Chapter). Her involvement has also extended to school societies, the dance team, and the debate team, and she looks forward to contributing even more on campus.
Maheshi’s love for mathematics began with her schoolteacher, Mr. Karunarathne, whose engaging teaching style inspired her to pursue the subject. She was further guided by her university supervisors, Dr. M.K. Aberathne, Prof. A.A.I. Perera, and Dr. P.G.R.S. Ranasinghe, who encouraged her to take on advanced research.
Maheshi has published more than 15 research papers and has participated in programs at INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services), including the UNESCO/IOC Ocean Training Internship in Hyderabad, India.
Maheshi has also faced challenges since coming to the U.S., such as adjusting to the accent and managing the time difference with her family back home. By practicing with native speakers and making the most of family moments, she continues to adapt and grow.
Maheshi enjoys writing poems and short stories, listening to music in different languages, and relaxing with movies or storybooks. She values the Math Department’s supportive and international community and looks forward to continuing her dream of becoming both a researcher and an educator.
“Don’t be discouraged by wrong answers or pages of rough work. Every error is part of the learning process and finding the correct answer after many attempts makes you a stronger mathematician.”
Her journey reflects her guiding motto: “We need dreams to live. Dreams guide us toward a better life."
November 2025 Spotlight
Silvia Rist
Silvia Rist is a second-year UTC math major with who has lived in Chattanooga since she was a toddler. She has loving parents, an older sister, and two adorable cats, Peppermint and Hazelnut. When you meet Silvia, you’re sure to notice her infectious smile and upbeat spirit.
Silvia’s love for math began early, encouraged by her parents, who work in math-related fields. That early inspiration continues to guide her as she pursues her studies in the Department of Mathematics. Her dedication to academics has earned her a place on the UTC Dean’s List every semester since 2024.
Silvia is involved in Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma, both freshman honor societies recognizing academic excellence, as well as Pi Mu Epsilon, the national mathematics honor society. Outside the classroom, Silvia sings in Clarion Chorale, a vibrant and inclusive vocal ensemble at UTC that welcomes students from all majors and performs a wide range of music each semester. She also participates in the piano studio on campus. Next semester, Silvia will join the SMILE Fund (Student Managed Investment Learning Experience), a competitive program where students manage a real investment portfolio and gain valuable hands-on experience in finance; an opportunity she’s especially excited about.
One of her proudest accomplishments is graduating high school early with an associate degree, giving her a head start on her career in actuarial science, a field that combines mathematics, statistics, and business to assess risk and help organizations make informed financial decisions. Silvia loves it for its ability to “predict the future” and, in many ways, help keep people safe.
When Silvia’s not studying, she enjoys playing the pipe organ for her church, watching detective shows like Monk and Psych; she loves how their logic and problem-solving mirror the analytical thinking used in math and unwinding with her cats.
Her advice to fellow students is to “connect with others in your classes—it’s a great support system."
Her personal motto: "Don't be afraid to ask for help."
January 2026 Spotlight
Chathuri Aththanayake
Chathuri is originally from the culturally rich and scenic city of Kandy, Sri Lanka, and moved to the United States in 2022 to pursue her doctoral studies. She is the youngest of three siblings, with one brother and one sister, and married in 2021. She and her family now reside in Chattanooga, where they are raising their son.
Chathuri earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Peradeniya and her Master of Science degree from the University of Moratuwa, both in Sri Lanka. She recently completed her PhD in Computational and Applied Mathematics at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Dr. Aththanayake developed her passion for mathematics through a strong academic foundation and a commitment to self-learning, inspired in large part by her father. His encouragement and example played a significant role in motivating her to pursue advanced studies in mathematics.
Dr. Aththanayake took time away from her doctoral studies to welcome her son, and returning to academia proved to be a positive and rewarding experience. This time strengthened her commitment to both her family and her professional goals.
Dr. Aththanayake faced significant personal challenges during her PhD journey, including the loss of her father just six weeks after arriving in the United States. Balancing grief, motherhood, and the demands of doctoral studies required resilience, focus, and determination, which she achieved by setting clear short-term goals and using her time intentionally.
Dr. Aththanayake served as President of the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) for two years and continues to participate actively as a member. She has presented her research at conferences held in multiple states, further contributing to the broader mathematics community.
Dr. Aththanayake is widely regarded as a role model within the Mathematics Department. Graduate students frequently look to her when they have questions, valuing her thoughtful guidance, strong mentorship, and reliable advice.
Dr. Aththanayake has been recognized for her dedication and excellence with two Outstanding PhD Student Awards which one was from the UTC Graduate School and one from the Mathematics Department. She has also published three peer-reviewed journal articles.
Dr. Aththanayake is guided by the belief, “You are the designer of your own destiny.” She extends her sincere gratitude to everyone who supported her throughout her academic and professional journey. Dr. Aththanayake enjoys unwinding through creative hobbies such as canvas painting and sewing.
February 2026 Spotlight
Dr. Mohammad Khan
Background
Originally from Pakistan, Dr. Mohammad Khan immigrated to the United States with his family in 2009 shortly after graduating from high school. He began his college education in California and later relocated to Tennessee in 2020. In addition to teaching at UTC, he also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Chattanooga State Community College.
Educational Journey
Dr. Khan earned his Ph.D. in Computational Science, with a concentration in Computational and Applied Mathematics, from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2023. He received his M.S. in Applied Mathematics from California State University, Long Beach, in 2019, and his B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2016. After three years as a Ph.D. student at UTC, he returned in Fall 2024 as an Adjunct Professor.
Inspiration for Mathematics: His passion for mathematics began in high school when he discovered how mathematical methods are used to solve complex problems in physics. Learning about the construction of the Large Hadron Collider and the search for the Higgs Boson sparked his curiosity, as his fascination with astronomy and calculating distances between celestial objects interests that ultimately led him toward mathematical physics.
Advice for Students
Dr. Khan encourages students to practice extensively, develop proof-writing skills, and seek undergraduate research opportunities if they are considering graduate school. For those entering industry, he emphasizes mastering coding and building strong programming accuracy and discipline.
Overcoming Challenges: As the first person in his family to pursue a doctoral degree, Dr. Khan faced discouragement early in his academic journey. He credits perseverance and self-belief as key factors that helped him continue toward his goals, emphasizing that individuals must ultimately choose the path that is right for their future.
Research and Accomplishments
During his doctoral studies, Dr. Khan published research with his advisors and a collaborator from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville—an experience that broadened his research interests. Among his proudest accomplishments are earning his undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and completing a Ph.D. in an interdisciplinary field.
Interests and Hobbies
Outside the classroom, Dr. Khan enjoys following cricket and keeping up with international matches. He also has a passion for acting and once took an acting course at UC Berkeley, where an instructor encouraged him to audition for Broadway. While he chose mathematics as his career path, his enthusiasm for performance remains a memorable part of his college experience.
Favorites and Relaxation
He enjoys listening to country music to relax and frequently watches science-focused podcasts such as StarTalk and Mindscape.
Why Mathematics?
Dr. Khan views mathematics as the foundation of all scientific disciplines and hopes to become a tenure-track professor in the future. He particularly appreciates the welcoming environment of the UTC Math Department and its supportive community for both students and faculty.
Personal Motto
“Learning should never stop, and our thinking should continue to evolve with time.”
March 2026 Spotlight
Dr. Ziwei Ma
Background
Dr. Ziwei Ma was born in Akesu, Xinjiang, in Northwestern China. He now lives in Tennessee with his wife and two daughters. Since joining UTC in August 2020, this marks his sixth year with the university. In addition to teaching and research, he actively serves the department through the budget, undergraduate, graduate, and awards committees. He is also a member of the ASA Eastern Tennessee Chapter.
Educational Journey
Dr. Ma earned his B.S. in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics and his M.S. in Pure Mathematics from Northwest University in Xi’an, China. He later completed his M.S. and Ph.D. in Mathematics at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. In December 2019, he received the Dean’s Graduate Award for Excellence from the College of Arts and Sciences at NMSU, the highest honor given to a graduate student in the college.
Inspiration for Mathematics
Dr. Ma was inspired by exceptional mentors during his time at Northwest University, especially Professor Yangeng Wang and Professor Shutang Wang. Their guidance and teaching sparked his passion for mathematics and shaped his academic path.
Advice for Students
His advice is straightforward and meaningful: Work hard. Be confident. He believes persistence and self-confidence are key ingredients for success in mathematics and beyond.
Overcoming Challenges
When facing challenges, Dr. Ma returns to the same principle, working hard and maintaining confidence. This steady mindset has helped him grow both personally and professionally.
Research and Accomplishments
Dr. Ma takes pride in applying mathematics and statistics to interdisciplinary areas such as biomedical engineering, economics, and clinical studies. Among his honors, he is especially proud of receiving Dean’s Graduate Award for Excellence during his doctoral studies.
Interests and Hobbies
Outside the classroom, Dr. Ma enjoys playing basketball, soccer, and badminton. In high school, he dreamed of becoming a rock-and-roll singer and admired artists such as Dou Wei, Zheng Jun, and Xu Wei. Today, he enjoys worship music and sings in his church choir. He also unwinds by playing guitar and reading history books.
Favorites and Relaxation
Dr. Ma chose mathematics because he genuinely enjoys solving mathematical problems and teaching math and statistics. He finds great fulfillment in helping students grasp challenging concepts.
What He Enjoys Most About Teaching
The most rewarding part of his work is hearing students say they have learned something meaningful or found inspiration in his lectures.
Personal Motto
“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.” — Proverbs 18:15 (NIV)
April 2026 Spotlight
2026 Department Spotlights
- September 2026 Spotlight
Michael Musgrave
Background
Michael is a mathematics student who has called UTC home for about a year. Born and raised on a mountain farm in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, Michael grew up in a large family with eight siblings. His family’s farm is also home to two cows, one horse, a dog named Coffee, and “a crap ton of chickens and ducks.” With nine siblings, Michael is no stranger to a crowd, and since we seem to see his family around the Math Department so often, we may need to start thinking about naming a room after the Musgrave family!
Educational Journey
Michael’s educational journey is unique. He was homeschooled throughout his childhood before attending Chattanooga State, where he earned an Associate of Science degree with a focus in mathematics. He then continued his studies at UTC, where his appreciation for mathematics has continued to grow.
Inspiration for Mathematics
Michael’s path to mathematics was not originally part of his plan. He initially considered joining the Army to become a mechanic, but his mother encouraged him to earn an associate degree first. Since he enjoyed math and wanted to become better at it, he decided to give mathematics a try. Everything changed when Michael took his first college mathematics course. He says he “fell in love” with the subject. His journey from a homeschooled student on a mountain farm to a mathematics student at UTC is a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected paths can lead us toward the things we are meant to pursue.
Advice for Students
Michael’s advice to students pursuing a mathematics degree is simple but meaningful: “Work hard, and don’t give up.”
Overcoming Challenges
Michael admits that procrastination and maintaining focus have been some of his biggest challenges. One strategy that has helped him stay focused while studying is listening to Ghibli piano playlists on YouTube.
Honors and Accomplishments
Michael is especially proud of making it this far in his academic journey. His educational path—from homeschooling to earning an associate degree and continuing his studies in mathematics at UTC—is an accomplishment that reflects his hard work and determination.
Interests and Hobbies
Michael has several hobbies and interests outside the classroom. He enjoys playing guitar, hiking, and singing. His current favorite band is Radiohead, and his favorite song is “My Iron Lung.” He also enjoys reading books and watching restoration videos on YouTube. Michael has a few other favorites: royal blue is his favorite color, the cicada is his favorite insect, and the humpback whale is his favorite animal.
How He Unwinds
When Michael wants to unwind, he listens to music, practices guitar, reads books, or watches restoration videos on YouTube.
Why Mathematics
Michael chose mathematics because he enjoyed the subject and wanted to become better at it. What began as simply wanting to improve his math skills developed into a genuine passion for mathematics after taking his first college mathematics course.
Future Goals
Michael’s goal is to reach the cutting edge of mathematics research and explore areas of mathematics that very few people have the opportunity to understand. His curiosity and determination continue to drive his pursuit of a deeper understanding of the subject.
Personal Philosophy
Michael’s personal philosophy is inspired by a quote attributed to mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss: “If others would but reflect on mathematical truths as deeply and continuously as I have, they would make my discoveries.” This sentiment reflects Michael’s own desire to explore mathematics deeply and discover ideas at the forefront of the field.
- October 2026 Spotlight
Izzy Salazar
Background
Izzy Salazar is from Hanover Park, Illinois, about 45 minutes outside of Chicago. She is the first person in her family to attend a four-year university, making her journey to UTC an exciting and meaningful experience for both her and her family. Izzy has one older brother and four younger cousins who are basically like siblings. Moving from Illinois to Tennessee has been a big change, but she has enjoyed experiencing a new place, meeting new people, and beginning her college journey at UTC.
Educational Journey
Izzy is a high school graduate and is currently a freshman at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she is pursuing a degree in Actuarial Science. This is her first year at UTC, and she is still getting used to college life and everything that comes with attending school in a new state. So far, she is enjoying her first year and embracing the experience.
Campus Involvement
Although Izzy is still exploring which clubs and organizations are the right fit for her, there was one organization she joined as soon as she arrived at UTC: Club Softball! Softball has been a huge part of Izzy’s life for years, so continuing to play the sport and be part of a team in college was especially important to her.
Inspiration for Mathematics
Izzy’s high school math teacher of four years, Vito Anzalone, played a major role in inspiring her to pursue mathematics. Although Izzy had always been interested in math, Mr. Anzalone helped turn that interest into a genuine love for the subject. He made his classes something students could look forward to and worked to make mathematics feel less like a subject to dread and more like something to enjoy. Mr. Anzalone also took the time to notice his students’ interests and strengths. When he recognized how much Izzy enjoyed mathematics, he encouraged her to consider continuing with it in college. His encouragement helped Izzy take her interest in mathematics seriously and ultimately influenced the path she chose.
Advice for Students
Izzy may still be at the beginning of her own journey, but she has an important reminder for students pursuing mathematics: “Remember why you chose this major in the first place.” She believes that everyone who chooses mathematics has something that initially sparked their interest and made them willing to take on a challenging subject. When things become difficult, Izzy reminds herself that there was a reason she chose this path. Math can be frustrating sometimes, but remembering what originally made you excited about it can help you keep going. You do not have to understand everything immediately. Sometimes, you simply have to be willing to keep working at it.
Overcoming Challenges
In December of her senior year of high school, Izzy tore her ACL while skiing. The injury cut her final season of softball short, which was especially difficult because softball had been such an important part of her high school experience. Watching her team win without her, lose without her, and continue playing without her required tremendous discipline and heart. Being unable to participate also affected her academically and made school feel different without the after-school activity that had meant so much to her. Eventually, Izzy realized that she could not change what had happened. Instead of focusing on what she could no longer do on the field, she chose to support her teammates in every way she could. She celebrated their successes, supported them through losses, and found ways to remain part of the team even when she could not physically play. The experience taught Izzy about resilience, perspective, and finding a different way to contribute when life does not go according to plan.
Honors and Accomplishments
Izzy is most proud of being the first person in her immediate family to attend a four-year university. Moving from Illinois to Tennessee and beginning college on her own has been a major step, and she is proud of herself for taking the opportunity and stepping outside of her comfort zone. She is also proud to continue pursuing both mathematics and softball in college—two important parts of who she is.
Interests and Hobbies
Izzy is really into puzzles! And she does not mean only the logical puzzles that have a solution. She especially enjoys physical puzzles that require moving a pin, unlocking something, or discovering how to open a secret drawer. She also loves huge jigsaw puzzles—even if it is a 5,000-piece puzzle that ultimately turns out to be a picture of a cat!
Favorites and Relaxation
Izzy’s favorite song is “Jersey Giant” by Evan Honer, and her favorite color is green because she loves nature and being outside. Her favorite movie is Fatherhood, and her favorite season is winter. As someone from Chicago, Izzy is no stranger to freezing temperatures, so she has learned to love winter and all that comes with it. Christmas is her favorite holiday, and there is an extra-special reason is Izzy was born on Christmas Eve! After a busy day or week, Izzy loves going on Pinterest, finding a seasonal dessert that looks delicious, and then trying to bake it. She considers herself a pretty good baker and genuinely enjoys finding new recipes and creating desserts that fit the season. For Izzy, baking is a fun and relaxing way to unwind.
What She Enjoys Most About the Department
What Izzy enjoys most about the Math Department is how supportive the staff and faculty are. She appreciates that even if a student walked into the department saying they hated math and wanted to change their major, the professors would still support them and help them determine what is best for them. Izzy says she has never been around a group of professors who are as involved and willing to help as those at UTC. Their genuine desire to see students succeed makes a significant difference, especially when students are adjusting to college-level mathematics. For Izzy, that support helps make the Math Department feel like a place where students can ask questions, make mistakes, and continue learning without feeling like they have to figure everything out on their own.
Personal Philosophy
“Breathe in, breathe out, and move on.” This quote, from a Jimmy Buffett song Izzy love, is something she thinks about whenever she begins to feel helpless or overwhelmed. To Izzy, it is a reminder not to let things that happened in the past control what we do in the present. Sometimes things happen that we cannot change. The most we can do is learn from them, take a breath, and keep moving forward.
- November 2026 Spotlight
Journee Wright
Background
Journee Wright is from Nashville, Tennessee, and is currently a sophomore at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). She is the youngest of four siblings, with two older brothers and one older sister. Family is an important part of Journee's life, and she is also a proud aunt to two nieces and one nephew. At home, she has a six-year-old Maltipoo named Cash, who keeps life interesting.
Educational Journey
Journee graduated from high school in 2025 and is now in her second year at UTC, pursuing a degree in Actuarial Science. Her college journey began with a different major, but as she explored her interests and discovered more about herself, she realized that mathematics was where she wanted to be.
Campus Involvement
Journee believes that getting involved on campus is an important part of the college experience. She is a member of the Littleton H. Mason (LH) Gospel Choir at UTC, serves as Treasurer of the Math Club, and is also involved with Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) and Phi Eta Sigma (PES) ALDPES Honor Society. Being involved in different organizations has given Journee opportunities to meet people, build friendships, and become more connected to the UTC community. She also credits campus involvement with helping her adjust to college life and making her experience more enjoyable.
Inspiration for Mathematics
Journee has always loved mathematics and has been interested in data and finance. Although she originally started college as a mechanical engineering major, she eventually realized that engineering was not the right fit for her. After exploring other degree options, she recognized that her interests and strengths aligned more closely with mathematics. Actuarial Science offered the opportunity to combine her love of math with her curiosity about data and finance, making it the right choice for her academic journey.
Advice for Students
Journee has some valuable advice for students considering or pursuing a mathematics degree. She reminds students that high school mathematics and university mathematics are very different experiences. The transition to college-level mathematics often involves more proof-based thinking, which can be challenging. Her advice is to study consistently and take advantage of the resources available on campus. She encourages students to attend office hours, communicate with their professors, and never feel that they have to figure everything out alone. As Journee puts it, "It's okay to ask for help."
Overcoming Challenges
One of Journee's biggest challenges when starting college was adjusting to independence. Moving somewhere completely new, especially without having a car, required her to make several adjustments. There were days when college felt lonely, and she even considered returning home, particularly when she was not enjoying some of the classes she was taking. Rather than allowing those challenges to define her college experience, Journee decided to become more involved on campus and get to know more people. Joining organizations and building friendships helped her feel more connected and gave her a greater sense of belonging. Her experience taught her that finding your community and getting involved can make a tremendous difference when adjusting to a new environment.
Honors and Accomplishments
Journee is a member of the ALDPES Honor Society and was recognized for her GPA during her first year of college. She is especially proud of being inducted into the honor society and doing well academically. Her accomplishments reflect her commitment to her education and her determination to continue growing as a student.
Interests and Hobbies
There is more to Journee than mathematics. Growing up, she played basketball, and she also considers herself a pretty good singer. Music is another important part of her life, and her involvement with the LH Gospel Choir gives her an opportunity to enjoy something she loves while connecting with others on campus.
Favorites and Relaxation
Journee's favorite musical artist is Adele, and two of her favorite albums are 21 and 25. Although Adele has retired from performing, Journee still hopes to have the opportunity to see her in concert one day. When it comes to musicals, she enjoys both Hamilton and The Greatest Showman. Her favorite animated movie is the Cars series, especially Cars 2, and her favorite television show is The Rookie. After a busy day or week, Journee enjoys relaxing by watching her favorite shows and movies. She appreciates having time to herself to unwind, recharge, and take a break from her busy schedule.
What She Enjoys Most About the Department
Journee's favorite musical artist is Adele, and two of her favorite albums are 21 and 25. Although Adele has retired from performing, Journee still hopes to have the opportunity to see her in concert one day. When it comes to musicals, she enjoys both Hamilton and The Greatest Showman. Her favorite animated movie is the Cars series, especially Cars 2, and her favorite television show is The Rookie. After a busy day or week, Journee enjoys relaxing by watching her favorite shows and movies. She appreciates having time to herself to unwind, recharge, and take a break from her busy schedule.
Why Mathematics?
Journee's decision to pursue mathematics came from recognizing what she genuinely enjoyed. After realizing mechanical engineering was not the right fit, she took the time to explore other possibilities. Her interest in mathematics, combined with her curiosity about data and finances, led her to Actuarial Science. She hopes to use her degree to pursue opportunities in data analysis and risk analysis, where she can apply mathematical concepts to real-world problems.
Best Part About the Math Department
What Journee enjoys most about the Department of Mathematics is the professors and the welcoming environment they create for students. She appreciates how involved the faculty are and how genuinely interested they are in helping students do their best. Having professors who are approachable, supportive, and committed to student success has made a positive difference in her experience at UTC.
Personal Philosophy
"If you do your best each and every day, good things are sure to come your way." This quote from Disney's The Princess and the Frog has inspired Journee since she was young and continues to guide her today. Whenever she feels overwhelmed or faces a difficult situation, she remembers this message as a reminder to keep trying and give her best effort. She believes that even when things do not go exactly as planned, knowing that she tried her hardest makes a difference. For Journee, it is a simple but meaningful reminder that good things can come when you remain determined, stay positive, and give each day your best.content.