ROSE LOPEZ
Charles Wexler Mathematics Prize
Endowed by Helen and Jonathan D. Wexler
BS Mathematics
Minors: Physics,
Music Performace (Piano)
Certificate in Cryptology
Born and raised in Mesa, AZ
What’s something you learned while at ASU, that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
During my time at ASU I learned that you should study what you like more that what you think will be the most useful or lead to the best job. One of my friends said that she has no idea what the job market will be like when she is looking for a job, so that is why she just studies what she likes. This surprised me because it is not the common thing for people to say, and it changed my perspective because many people say that "pure" math is not as useful and applicable as "applied" math, but I realized after hearing her advice that it doesn't really matter which one is more useful.
Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
Dr. Katie Kolossa was my MAT 300 professor. I think she taught me the most important lessons because she taught me how to think critically about math problems and how to write clear proofs. She really emphasized the importance of memorizing definitions to really understand them, breaking problems down to the basic logic, and learning and imitating strategies from other proofs. She also emphasized the importance of struggling and getting stuck and frustrated with a problem and working through it. Learning MAT 300 with Dr. Kolossa opened me up to taking all the other courses that I have loved.
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ALYSSA BURGUENO
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean's Medal
BS Mathematics
BS Physics
Certificate in Cryptology
Born in Cottonwood, Arizona and raised in Phoenix, Arizona
What was your “aha moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
I originally enrolled in ASU with the intent to receive a major in physics. I knew physics required a deep understanding of mathematics; thus, I enrolled in a double major with math. However, I had an “aha” moment in MAT 300 when I learned the proof that the square root of 2 was not a rational number. I found it so simple, elegant, clever, and honestly beautiful. Once I got a taste of logical beauty, I was hooked and have since shifted my focus to number theory. Though I am still pursuing a degree in physics, I am mainly interested in number theory and ways to apply number theory to modern physics.
Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
Dr. Nancy Childress has been one of the most influential people throughout my academic career. She has shown me the beauty of mathematics and the thrill of math research. The most valuable lessons she taught me are to persevere in the face of challenges, to always give the your best effort, and failure is a part of learning.
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SWARNALAKSHMI JANANI LASKHMANAN
Ioana Elise Hociota!!! Memorial Mathematics Scholarship
Endowed by Andrew T. Holycross, family and friends
BS Mathematics
Born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, and grew up in Houston, Texas, as well as Chennai and Phoenix, Arizona
What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
Receiving the IEH!!!MMS means so much to me: not only for its celebrated purpose of helping students from an international background pursue this universal field, but also because Ioana Hociota’s story is one that should be remembered. I consider her a source of inspiration, one in a hallowed line of intrepid women mathematicians. This award speaks to the spirit of adventure and enthusiasm and courage required to scale mountains, pursue higher education, and seek truth in the way only a mathematician can.
Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
Dr. Matthias Kawski has been more than invaluable as a mentor, but the lesson of his that I believe to be the most important is that I must choose my words carefully. In academia, flowery language and complexity of jargon is both celebrated and disparaged. Clear communication, whether within my discipline or between fields, is highly prized.
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GORDON
TURNER
Boggess Family Foundation Scholarship in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
Endowed by the Boggess Family Foundation
BS Mathematics
Born and raised in Peoria, AZ
What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
Originally, I chose to major in mathematics simply because it was one of the things that I was good at and I knew that I would have a future that I would enjoy, because even though I had no idea where I wanted to go in life, I knew I would find joy in math. Now that I’ve been given so many opportunities to expand my point of view at ASU, I’ve realized just how many jobs I’d love to do in the future, and it feels great to now have to narrow down what I’m truly passionate about rather than struggle to find passion in the first place, and it’s all thanks to the many wonders of math.
What do you like to do in your spare time for fun?
I’ve recently fallen in love with arranging music for my a cappella group, the ASU Devil Clefs. I often listen to music and think about what twists I would put on it, and it’s really fun to be able to try out so many things with the group and finally get those ideas out of my head and into the real world.
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ALEXANDER (A.J.) BRITTINGHAM
André Levard Mackey Scholarship
Endowed by Dorothy and Harold Mackey Jr.
BS Mathematics
Born in Chandler, Arizona but grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
What would you like to say to the Mackey family who endowed this scholarship?
I would like to say thank you for supporting people of color in their endeavors in the field of math. I think that representation in all things matter, and I hope that one day I can set as much of an example as Mr. Mackey has.
What do you like most about mathematics (and your area of concentration)?
The thing I like most about mathematic is that it is literally everywhere. Some might argue that math doesn’t apply to subjects like the social sciences, but you would be surprised what things are applicable. Regarding my area of concentration, I really like how simple equations can accurately model the world. For example, the Ross-McDonald model is two equation system that accurately models Malaria and was eventually used to develop techniques to combat it.
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SUZANNA DeFUSCO
John Olson Scholarship
Endowed by June Olson and John's family and friends
BS Mathematics (Statistics)
Minor in Sustainability
Born and raised in Mesa, Arizona
What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
I would have to say the moment I knew I wanted to study mathematics was when I finished my last required math class as a Finance, BS major. I was so disappointed at being done with math courses and I knew it was what I loved. The next semester I switched to the math school and never looked back.
Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
Dr. Don Jones has been essential to my education at ASU. He has taught me that despite the difficulty and extreme circumstances I am surrounded by, I can always overcome and come out stronger by staying focused and dedicated to my work. Further, he has never given up on his students or shown frustration to any of us. He is the epitome of a great teacher and I am so honored to have him as my professor!
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ISAMAR NAVARRO
Compassion and Empowerment Award
Sponsored by President's Professor Matthias Kawski
BS Mathematics
Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona
What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
I was going to community college when a counselor asked, "What would you do if money was not an issue?” and without hesitation, I said, “I would teach.” She said, “What would you teach?” and again without even thinking about it, I said, "Math." Finally, she said, “Okay, well, that’s what you need to do.”
What is something you learned while at ASU, that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
I learned that being a student in mathematics is not a solo activity. It is being a part of a broad community.
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JUSTIN
BENNETT
Jack H. Hawes Memorial Mathematics Research Scholarship
Endowed by Sandra Baldwin
BS Mathematics
Born and raised in Bryan, Texas
What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
I was always more interested in statistics, but the exposure to mathematical research under Dr. Yang Kuang was the moment I realized I wanted to study mathematics. The work didn’t seem like work – I found myself frequently enjoying myself while analyzing data and performing simulations.
What is something you learned while at ASU, that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
I regularly attend the colloquiums at Wexler. Many of the presentations are difficult to interpret, almost like drinking water from a fire hose. But I learned to love attending these- they may take days to break down and understand, but they provide very valuable information.
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MAOSHENG
GUO
Jack H. Hawes Memorial Mathematics Research Scholarship
Endowed by Sandra Baldwin
BS Mathematics
Minor in Physics
Born and raised in Shanghai, China
Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
Professor Rodrigo Platte taught me that in Applied Mathematics, there are no perfect processes for approximations, only the one with the minimal downsides and as much practical accuracy as possible.
What is something you learned while at ASU, that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
At the beginning of the school year, I attended several math colloquiums. Seeing those lectures up close really opened up my perspective on what math could achieve at a higher level.
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KIARA PELESTOR
Joaquin Bustoz Memorial Mathematics Scholarship
Endowed by Kathleen K. Church, family and friends
BS Mathematics (Secondary Education)
Minor in Spanish
Born and raised in Mesa, Arizona
What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
My original major coming into ASU was mechanical engineering and my goal was to become an OBGYN. But by October I realized that – while I truly admire the work doctors and engineers do and while I would love to learn everything they learn – I was unhappy with what I was doing and the environment I was in. Also, the prospect of doing this for the rest of my life didn’t excite me: it stressed me out. When I talked to Cindy, she encouraged me to think about what I enjoy and am passionate about. Two things I’m passionate about are math and education. Cindy encouraged me to talk to my friend Jessica Campos since she was majoring in math education, and I realized that’s what I wanted to do.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to those still in school?
A piece of advice I would give to those still in school is to not let their background, whatever issues they may be facing, etc. prevent them from putting in their best effort or from asking for help when they need it.
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HENRY MEYERS
Tom and Zona Lorig Scholarship
Endowed by Tom and Zona Lorig
BS Actuarial Science
Born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Phoenix, Ariozna
What is something you learned while at ASU, that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
One of the first times I attended a Gamma Iota Sigma meeting we played a game where we assessed risks and tried to pick insurance policies for a company. It was during this game that I realized the potential of the job we do to impact people’s lives.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to those still in school?
Show up for class, be as present as you can, connect with those around you, and take advantage of every opportunity you are given to learn more and meet professionals in the field.
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CARSTEN ROLOFSON
Robert G. Maule Actuarial Excellence Scholarship
Endowed by Elaine Maule
BS Actuarial Science
Certificate in Risk Management
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and grew up in Greeley, Colorado, Gilbert, Arizona, and finally Normal, Illinois.
What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
I learned about actuarial science through a friend that was preparing for one of the professional exams. I had always been good at math, but I didn’t necessarily know what I wanted to do with that skillset yet. He recommended I look into the field, and I came to find that passing these aforementioned exams means that you are guaranteed more money. I was already a great exam taker, but I viewed this as a seemingly rare way to dictate my own career growth. I found this to be too good to be true, so I knew I had to give it a shot. While at ASU I still wasn’t completely sure what an actuary was, but in my second semester things began to click. I was understanding insurance concepts and I could see how my mathematics and critical thinking could be applied in a truly meaningful way. After passing my first professional exam, I knew I made the right decision as the feeling of elation was almost incomparable. After that, I was completely hooked!
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ZAYNAB ALZAHIR
SOMSS Actuarial Science Scholarship
Sponsored by Allstate Insurance
BS Actuarial Science
Born and raised in Qatif, Saudi Arabia
Why did you choose ASU?
I chose ASU because it was listed as one of the top 100 universities in the world, according to the Saudi Ministry of Education. Furthermore, I feel at home at ASU because it is similar to Saudi environment.
What is something you learned while at ASU, that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
I have learned how to be independent and this helps me to leave my comfort zone and embrace more learning.
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FERNANDO CORREA CHAVEZ
SOMSS Actuarial Science Scholarship
Sponsored by Allstate Insurance
BS Actiarial Science
Certificate in Applied Business Data Analytics
Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona
Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
Ken Levine taught me one of the most important lessons here at ASU. He once told me something along the lines of “we are interviewing every day whenever we meet someone new.”
What is the best piece of advice you would give to those still in school?
Overcome any challenge that you are faced with, no matter how large it may be. I like living by a quote by Winston Churchill: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
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SEAN KRATSCH
SOMSS Actuarial Science Scholarship
Sponsored by Allstate Insurance
MS Actuarial Science
BS Finance
Born and raised in Ham Lake, Minnesota
What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
I did not know I wanted to study actuarial science until I was about to graduate with my degree in finance from W.P. Carey. Actuarial science was a great option to expand upon the content of finance with more refined mathematical and analytical skills in a field that has excellent professional opportunity.
What is something you learned while at ASU, that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
I was surprised most by how involved the faculty is with student success. A lot goes into keeping everyone on track and working towards being successful not only at ASU but beyond.
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ALI BOUCENNA
Actuarial Strategies and Tactics Scholarship
Endowed by Bernie and Ann Erickson
BS Actuarial Science
Born and raised in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
My first calclusu professor, Hedvig Mohacsy, taught me to tackle my problems one step at a time.
What is something you learned while at ASU that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
I couldn't believe the felling of being part of a large gathering like that of a sporting event.It changed my perspective on the power of large groups of people.
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BRANDON HUEMILLER
Kenneth and Sarah Levine Family Actuarial Scholarship
Endowed by Kenneth and Sarah Levine
BS Actuarial Science
Certificate of Analysis and Management of Insurance Risk
Born and raised in Mesa, Arizona
What do you like most about mathematics (and your area of concentration)?
Math and stats can tell a story as well as any language.
What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
When I realized that chasing down a dream is about hard work, accepting a chaleenge, and looking for opportunity.
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JONATHAN KIPERMAN
Optumas Actuarial Science Scholarship
Endowed by Optumas
BS Actuarial Science
Born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona
What is something you learned while at ASU that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
Something I learned, particularly in actuarial science, is that failure is okay, and even a good thing. The reaction to failure is what makes someone who they are, and most actuaries have failed at one point or another and decided to try again and again until they reached their goal. Failure was something that scared me coming into college, and even though I never plan on failing, I see it now as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
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DYLAN KETCHAM
W.R. Berkley/Nautilus Insurance Analytics Scholarship
Endowed by W.R. Berkley/Nautilus Insurance
BS Actuarial Science 4+1
Will continue with MS in Actuarial Science
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, and grew up in Phoenix, Arizona
What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
I have always been a math geek, from youth until now. As a kid on long car rides, I used to ask my parents to give me improper fractions so I could simplify them. When starting to think about careers in my junior year, my mother pointed me towards actuarial science. She was able to introduce me to a few actuaries, who showed me an amazing career opportunity. As soon as I joined the Actuarial Science program at ASU, I found a lovable and accepting group of people who soon became my close friends.
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SIMON EDWARDS
Actuarial Science Scholarship
Endowed by John Zicarelli
BS Actuarial Science
Born in Salt Lake City, Utha, and grew up in Fountain Hills, Arizona
What do you like most about mathematics (and your area of concentration)?
I really enjoy the problem-solving aspect of a tough problem; it always helps me to think in different ways.
What is something you learned while at ASU that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
My perspective of math was changed when I entered more advanced classes. I learned that there is plenty of math that doesn’t involve computation, and that it is just a continuation of logical structures.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to those still in school?
If you hate what you are doing, choose something else.
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KINSEY TURK
Actuarial Faculty Pioneers Scholarship
Endowed by Al and May Boggess, Jelena Milovanovic, Matt Hassett
BS Actuarial Science 4+1
Minor in Spanish
Will continue with MS in Actuarial Science
Born and raised in Chandler, Arizona
Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
Dr. Jelena Milovanovic has taught me to apply to every possible scholarship, participate in every case study, attend every event, and to never let a potential opportunity be passed up. Even though sometimes I am reluctant, I always end up benefiting from it thanks to her encouragement.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to those still in school?
In high school, it was easy to never learn the concepts that I disliked and instead use memorization to get through the course. In college, this is not an option. If you don’t understand a concept or a result, learn it, don’t avoid it.
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GINA GILKEY
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Actuarial Scholarship
Endowed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
BS Actuarial Science
Born in Edina, Minnesota, and grew up in Plymouth, Minnesota
What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
The “aha” moment that made me realize I wanted to study actuarial science was when I passed my first actuarial exam, Financial Mathematics, on my first attempt. I already knew I found actuarial science interesting, but it was not until I passed the first exam that I had the full confidence in my abilities to become an actuary.
What do you like most about mathematics (and your area of concentration)?
I like the sense of community amongst the actuarial science and mathematics students. I believe it is more of a tight-knit group compared to other larger majors.
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LYDIA GABRIC
Nationwide E&S/Specialty Actuarial Science Scholarship
Endowed by Nationwide Insurance
BS Actuarial Science
Born and raised in Glen Ellyn, Illinois
What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?
My favorite spot on campus is Wexler, the mathematics building. Even though it might not be the newest building, it just feels like a safe place. I love to go to the Math Community Center (MC^2) between classes. On certain days, there is always a big group of actuarial science students either just talking or helping each other in different courses. I also like to sit in the breezeway that connects the two buildings together. There are wired tables and chairs I like to sit at to get fresh air while still being able to work. There are also chalkboards that line most of the walls. You never know if you are going to find someone working on an integration proof or just see a positive message someone left.
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LIAM LAWSON
score 45
WALKER KROUBALKIAN
score 43
AAREYAN MANZOOR
score 31
William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition – Top ASU Scorers
Out of 488 schools that submitted teams, ASU placed 20th.
That put the team in the top 5%, almost 4%. An excellent result for our Sun Devils!
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