As a woman in today’s society I am determined not to let anything stand in the way of my goals and aspirations. My name is Brandi R. Brehon and I am a sophomore mathematics major at Elizabeth City State University, located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. As I pursue my dreams of becoming a scientist and researcher, I am aware of the many challenges that lie ahead. However, with the intestinal fortitude that I possess, I am confident that I will be able to not only accept the challenges that lie ahead, but conquer each one of them to become nothing less than successful in all of my endeavors.

I have always had a profound interest in math and computers which leaned me toward the field of mathematics. Every since I was a student in high school, I have always been very interested in mathematics and science. As a student here at ECSU, I plan to partake in many research projects and internship programs. After receiving my baccalaureate degree from the superior institution of higher education, Elizabeth City State University, I will attend graduate school to pursue my master's and then later pursue a Ph.D. degree. With my degrees I would like to be an educator at an institution of higher learning. In addition to being an instructor at a college or university, conducting of research in mathematics is also an endeavor of mines.

During my time here at ECSU, I have participated in many training activities that has contributed to my professional development. In addition to my training activities, I have been an attendee at various conferences. In September 2003, I attended the Women of Colors Awards and conference in Nashville, Tennessee. I also the attended the LS-Lamps conference in New Orleans, Louisiana and the Marine Mammals Conference in Greensboro, North Carolina. I am a research student with the Office of Naval Research program. By being a student in this program I receive hands-on experience with computer systems such as UNIX and Linux, internship opportunities, and networking opportunities. I also participated in the ECSU Homecoming Celebration, as a member of the Math Club. In the summer of 2004 I participated in the Fishery Stock Assessment Internship Program. I completed a four-week course at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi and then completed four weeks of research with the Population Dynamics Team at the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association) Lab in Beaufort, North Carolina. While being an intern in Beaufort, North Carolina, I was introduced to a computer programming language named R. Being that this particular language is very rarely taught in undergraduate universities, I was very appreciative for the opportunity to learn and apply this to my research project.

In addition to my involvement in school and academic activities, I also demonstrate excellence in community service. I volunteered at the Celebration of Women in Mathematics in October 2003 and October 2004. The Celebration of Women in Mathematics is a workshop for high school girls. During the workshops, the students are given information on the different women in the field of mathematics and are able to participate in activities to strengthen their mathematical skills. In the summer of 2003, I volunteered as a counselor’s aid for children age 5-7 at Norfolk State University’s “Summer Fun Camp.”

The goals and expectations that I have for myself are extremely high, yet they are still accomplishable in my eyes. These goals include graduating in May 2007 in the top percentage of my class, to get accepted in a top institution for graduate studies, and to acquire all the knowledge and skills necessary to be competitive in the work force.