FUN EXTRAS

Q: Where are you from?

A: I was born and raised in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. For those who are familiar with the history of the Oregon Trail, Scottsbluff is located near iconic pioneer landmarks such as Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff National Monument. Additionally, Scottsbluff is not too far from Carhenge, which I jokingly refer to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," located near Alliance, NE.

Q: What inspired you to study mathematics?

A: From a young age, mathematics was the subject that naturally clicked for me. I remember constantly asking my parents and teachers to explain mathematical concepts, often focusing more on why something worked rather than just how. My curiosity led my parents to buy me extra workbooks to practice problem-solving and explore the subject in greater depth. Of course, there were days when I was not in the mood for math, and my mom would humorously motivate me by saying I would not get any pie for dessert. Needless to say, she was persuasive… about 99.99% of the time! In a way, my love for math and pie developed side by side. For the record, I am a fan of any flavor of pie (chocolate cream is my go-to), and I am always up for judging a pie-baking contest—especially on Pi Day!

Q: Were you ever a "Mathlete"?

A: Yes, I was an active participant in the Bearcat Math Club at Scottsbluff High School. Whenever I teach Trigonometry, I like to jokingly tell my students that they are learning from the "champ," as I placed first in Trigonometry at Chadron State College 2014 Scholastic Contest. One competition I always looked forward to in high school was UNL Math Day. In fact, it was during my senior trip to Math Day in November 2013 that I decided to pursue a mathematics major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I am always open to sharing my journey with current Mathletes and with high school or college students considering a math degree. I hope my story can inspire them, just as I was once inspired. 

Q: You say you view mathematics as a precise language. What other languages do you speak?

A: I am fluent in Spanish, as my parents are from Peru. Growing up, I spent part of my summers visiting family and friends there, while also touring various places across South America. Peruvian food is one of my absolute favorites—para mí, ¡el lomo saltado y el ceviche son los mejores platos peruanos! In addition to Spanish, I am currently learning German through Duolingo, and I am proud to say I have maintained a 950+ day learning streak. Sprechen Deutsch ist wirklich cool, und ich bin immer bereit, noch mehr zu lernen!

Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies that you enjoy doing outside of mathematics?

A: When I am not immersed in the world of mathematics, I enjoy a wide variety of hobbies, including:

• Taking hour-long walks (especially around Center City, Philadelphia)

• Spending time with friends and colleagues

• Participating in game nights

• Shooting pool

• Bowling

• Dining at restaurants and going on food tours

• Playing intramural sports like football, basketball, and soccer

• Attending sporting events (I am a big fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, GO BIG RED!)

• Traveling

• Playing guitar and singing 

• Salsa and Bachata dancing