Past Department Spotlights
This is an archive of all of the past Math Department Spotlights. Come check out our past spotlights!
September 2024 Spotlight
Foster Opoku
Foster Nana Fosu Opoku hails from Kumasi, Ghana, a region in West Africa. He grew up in a strict and disciplined household where being a good person, studying hard, and maintaining discipline and determination were highly valued. Foster's father placed a strong emphasis on academic success, not just for him but also for his two brothers. His father's unwavering focus on grades, even expecting first place every time, instilled in Foster a relentless drive to excel in his studies. The pressure was significant—his father would check grades every semester and would scold them even if they were second in class. This environment fueled Foster's commitment to studying hard throughout his education. This drive carried him through his education, culminating in a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Economics (Double Major) from the University of Cape Coast.
Following his graduation, Foster contributed his expertise to the Research Department at the Ghana Revenue Authority (Headquarters), where he played a key role in several impactful projects, including PAYE frequency distribution, predictive models for revenue forecasting, and VAT invoicing—all of which significantly influenced tax reforms in Ghana. His passion for applying mathematical, statistical, and economic principles to real-world challenges became evident during this time. Foster’s interest in mathematics and statistics was sparked by his experience in the Research Department of the Ghana Revenue Authority. Witnessing the practical applications of these fields in scientific research led him to develop a strong passion for research work and data analysis. He enjoys thinking critically, and a career in mathematics allows him to use his mind every day.
Foster’s commitment to leadership has been a consistent theme throughout his academic journey. He served as the school prefect in both junior and senior high school, where he advocated for students’ rights. At the University of Cape Coast, Foster held the role of First Deputy Speaker at the Parliament House, where he presided over parliamentary sessions and championed the welfare of students. Notably, he was instrumental in drafting and reviewing the new constitution for the University’s Student Representative Council, which was enacted in 2023.
One of the toughest challenges Foster has faced as an international student has been adapting to the U.S. education system. The new environment, teaching culture, and varying accents have all been difficult to navigate. He advises other students that if there are 100 points up for grabs, they should aim for all 100.
Foster is proud of his achievements, including his presentation at the 9th Annual Conference on Biostatistics and Bioinformatics in Atlanta, Georgia. His research on the "Prevalence of PIZ and PIS alleles of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency: A Study on Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium" was well-received, providing him with the opportunity to connect with other researchers and learn from their experiences. As well as presenting his work at the 2024 UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference.
One of his proudest accomplishments is achieving a 4.0 GPA in the Spring 2024 semester. After facing setbacks in the Fall 2023 semester, Foster reorganized, remained resilient, and reworked his strategies to meet his target.
Few know that Foster is a skillful football midfielder with excellent ball control, high passing accuracy, and precise shooting skills. He played for Happy Stars Academy in Kumasi. To unwind after a stressful day or week, Foster listens to the latest trending music, which helps him relax and recharge
October 2024 Spotlight
Mark Horlu
Mark is from the town of Have, Ghana, a place where a rich diversity of languages and cultures thrive. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in applied mathematics. As an active member of the American Mathematical Society and a student at UTC for the past year, Mark is passionate about making a positive impact in his community. He aims to inspire others from similar backgrounds by proving that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible.
Mark has diverse professional experiences. He tutored students at Yierel Bracha School and served as a high school teacher for two years at Unity International College in Ghana. He also completed an apprenticeship as a Business Analytics Trainee with Azubi Africa. Additionally, Mark worked as a data collector and served as a Supervising Registration Officer, showcasing his many talents and commitment to education and analytics.
Mark teaches math recitation classes at UTC. His students enjoy his engaging teaching style just as much as he loves teaching and learning alongside them. Mark also contributes to his local community through his church, Revival International Church in Chattanooga, where he takes photos for church platforms. At an early age in Ghana, he served on the finance committee and usher board at his home church. His advice for fellow students is to maintain a healthy balance between academic and personal life while maximizing the available opportunities.
Mark’s dedication to education shines through his work with the Upward Bound program summer of 2024. As a teacher, he guided students from Brainerd and Howard High Schools, sparking their interest in mathematics. Twyler Boykin, Upward Bound Math/Science Program Director, highlighted that Mark was one of the best choices for the program due to his ability to engage and connect with students. Many of his students are now considering majoring in mathematics at UTC, inspired by Mark’s encouragement and effective teaching methods.
Mark loves to unwind by listening to music and cooking traditional Ghanaian dishes. Sharing these meals with friends allows him to celebrate his cultural heritage and pass on the values and history of his homeland.
Mark chose to pursue mathematics because it offers interdisciplinary knowledge that can be applied to solve real-world problems. His journey exemplifies the power of perseverance, passion, and the willingness to make a difference.
November 2024 Spotlight
Lucas Everham
We’re excited to welcome Lucas Everham to the math family as our November spotlight. Lucas joins us as a Visiting Lecturer, bringing a unique background and inspiring story to our department.
Lucas is originally from Virginia, grew up in Fort Myers, Florida, where his immediate family still resides. His academic journey began with an undergraduate degree from Florida Gulf Coast University, followed by graduate studies at the University of Idaho. Lucas has also spent time in Taos, New Mexico, and San Bernardino, California, adding to his diverse experiences.
Lucas has a strong dedication to education and remains a dues-paying member of the Florida Educator’s Association. He also plans to join the Southeastern Climbers Coalition, blending his academic interests with his love for outdoor activities. Lucas started at UTC in August 2024 and brings both enthusiasm and a wealth of knowledge to his teaching role.
Inspired by his parents, both college-educated, with his father involved in higher education throughout Lucas’s life, Lucas’s journey in academia hasn’t always been easy. He recalls a challenging first semester in graduate school, where he felt out of place and even considered leaving. However, teaching his own section of calculus II the following summer reignited his passion for education, solidifying his commitment to the teaching path.
Lucas believes in pushing boundaries, both personally and academically. He encourages students to embrace the discomfort of feeling “dumbstruck” as a sign of growth. “I’d like students to understand that it’s ok to feel stupid on a regular basis. If you don’t, it means you aren’t pushing yourself hard enough.” For him, success isn’t about awards or public recognition; it's about staying true to himself and giving his best in every situation.
Outside of academia, Lucas is an avid cyclist and rock climber. He started exercising regularly to manage a ruptured disc in his back, which he’s had since he was 18. This commitment led him to complete his first “century” (100-mile ride) last year—a testament to his perseverance.
Lucas’s journey into mathematics began with a love for simple number relationships and helping friends with calculus. His early classes in proof writing and discrete math felt like a natural fit, and he has been on this path ever since.
Welcome, Lucas! We’re thrilled to have you as part of our team and look forward to all you bring to our department.
