As a young child, I was always able to excel academically. As I got older and began to take more and more advanced classes, I developed a strong interest in mathematics. I began to seek programs and activities that would allow me to interact and mingle with people that had similar interests in the field of mathematics. As a junior high student, I attended the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program, a program geared toward exposing seventh and eight grade students to mathematical concepts as well as advanced sciences that would provide insight for upcoming courses. While attending that program, I realized that I had a strong desire to work with computers as well. From that point on, my contacts with professors in the technical department grew tremendously.

Now I am working toward obtaining my bachelor’s degree in both mathematics and computer science at Mississippi Valley State University. With help from my advisors and professors, my prospective on the future changed drastically. More and more opportunities began to come my way. The opportunity to attend two conferences was granted to me during my freshman year at Mississippi Valley State University. I attended the Alliance for Graduate Education in Mississippi (AGEM) Conference at Jackson State University where I was able to see presentations from both undergraduate and graduate students. Later, I was able to attend the 2009 symposium at the Association of Computer and Information Science/Engineering Departments at Minority Institutions (ADMI) in Baltimore, Maryland. There were many scientist and researchers that gave very useful insight and advice that will always be embedded in my memory. I learned that there was a whole world outside of the classroom that was waiting to be explored. Those experiences helped to me to understand that there was more to an education than just learning what is taught. I realized that there was more to learn than what textbooks offered. I realized that there were scientists on the cutting edge of technology expanding the knowledge that was already established. I became eager to conduct my own research.

Currently, I am conducting research at Elizabeth City State University with the Undergraduate Research Experience in Ocean, Marine, and Polar Science under the direction of Dr. Linda Hayden. During my internship, I earned a Boating Safety Certificate, received my CPR Certification, as well as gained experience with new software and hardware. My interests have been peaked by the introduction to the concepts of Geographical Information Systems, Geographical Positioning Systems, and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). While working with mentors, Dr. Benjamin Branch and Dr. Malcolm LeCompte, my experiences have provided the opportunity to conduct research on the Survey and Analysis of Pst LGM Environment. The research requires the observation of soil samples taken from Carolina Bays, the use of GPR, the analyzing of GPR data in search of quality data regarding sediment layers and bay rims, and the analyzing of magnetic material, carbon material, and other substantial material found in soil samples. In addition to actually conducting the research, the research data has to be effectively written and be transferrable to K-12 level material that could serve as useful information for students in the early stages of education.

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree with a double major in mathematics and computer science, I plan to further my education by obtaining a master’s degree in computer science as well as my doctorate degree. I also plan to continue to find research opportunities in efforts to expand my knowledge. I plan to be able to use the degrees and research opportunities to build a strong career in a mathematics and computer science oriented field.