While working to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), I have gained the knowledge of various styles of mathematics and computer programming, as well as excelled in the social aspect of college. Although mathematics has always been a favorite of mine, I realized I wanted to be a mathematician in high school. My favorite math teacher, Mrs. Massey, motivated me to major in mathematics after performing exceptionally in her Algebra II class. She noticed that I possessed a rare tolerance for mathematics and began to assist me while applying for universities. Mrs. Massey challenged me in other areas of mathematics after school during tutoring hours and strongly suggested that I major in mathematics.

Recently, I have gained acceptance into the Center of Excellence in Remote Education and Research (CERSER) Program at Elizabeth City State University under the guidance of Dr. Linda B. Hayden. In the fall semester, this program holds workshops and training sessions for undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students in multiple computer programs and programming languages like C++, Python, JavaScript/Dreamweaver, Photoshop and much more. These skills are put to use in the spring semester, which is when the team divides into different research groups to discuss and research various topics.

While attending Elizabeth City State University, I have had the pleasure of taking a list of courses including: Calculus 1, 2, and 3, Modern Programming Applications, and Physics I and II. I have also had the pleasure of taking Differential Equations, Discrete Methods, History of Mathematics, and Advanced Calculus. I am currently enrolled in College Geometry, Mathematical Modeling, Number Theory, and Real Analysis. From these classes, I have learned about the theoretical phenomena of numbers, the construction of mathematical proofs, and how mathematics is strongly needed in the sciences.

During the summer of 2012, I was given the opportunity to partake in the Viking Enhancing STEM (VE-STEM) summer bridge program. Peer groups gathered samples of water from the Pasquotank River and Nags Head beach to compare and contrast pH levels. Each team discussed and shared their results with other peer groups through presentations and group meetings. The VE-STEM program allowed me to understand the importance of teamwork and it also assisted me in realizing how much I enjoy working with and listening to others' ideas.

Earning acceptance into the Biomathematics Summer Institute sponsored by the TALENT-21 Program at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (NCA&T) was a great experience. Engaging with STEM faculty research teams to work on the computational modeling of the human sleep/wake cycle helped me to understand the reasons for sleep, wakefulness, and common sleep disorders. Members of the institute were trained in MATLAB, Mathematica, R, and XPP. After completing my research at NCA&T, I had the opportunity to present my sleep/wake cycle poster at the 2015 AGMUS Research Symposium in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

My goal is to become a mathematician. I aspire to increase my knowledge of mathematics as I share with others what I have learned; I also want to be of assistance to anyone who needs help along the way. The CERSER Program is a great opportunity that will prepare me for graduate studies in the field of mathematics.