Testimonials

Neil J. Jørgensen (WVU Alum, PhD in Math)

I am an alumnus of West Virginia University, having embarked on both my undergraduate and graduate journeys within its esteemed walls. As a proud graduate of the MS program and a student who had the privilege of experiencing the rigorous PhD curriculum, I am writing to express my deep concern and

disappointment upon learning of the proposal to discontinue the MS and PhD math programs at WVU.

From the bustling streets of Silicon Valley to the thriving ecosystem of startups in San Francisco, the knowledge I acquired from WVU's math program has been my guiding light. Today, as a Data Scientist and Machine Learning Engineer at Handshake, a platform that WVU ardently embraces for its students, I can trace back every successful algorithm, every critical decision, and every innovative solution to the foundational learning I received at WVU.

The mathematical landscape is vast - from graph theory to combinatorics, from real analysis to topology, and from group theory to other advanced topics. The lessons I learned in these subjects have not just remained confined to textbooks; they have permeated every aspect of my professional endeavors. WVU's math program did more than just impart knowledge; it equipped me with the analytical mindset and problem-solving skills that have been instrumental in shaping my career.

I understand that decisions regarding academic programs are complex and multifaceted. However, the value of a robust math program cannot be understated, especially in today's data-driven world. The professors and mentors at WVU, through their unwavering dedication and passion, have not just created mathematicians; they have molded thinkers, innovators, and leaders.

As a proud alumnus who continues to collaborate and engage with WVU, particularly with the emerging data science program, I earnestly urge the decision-makers to reconsider the proposed discontinuation. It would be an immeasurable loss to future students, the academic community, and industries that rely on the rigorous training that only programs like WVU's can provide.

Marjorie Darrah (WVU Alum, PhD in Math, and Professor of Mathematics at WVU) 

I received both my Master's and PhD in Mathematics from WVU and oh the places it has taken me!!! I was the first woman to receive a Ph.D. in Mathematics from a West Virginia academic agency in 1995. I went on to teach at a small college in West Virginia for 10 years. After that, I worked for the West Virginia High Technology Consortium for five years where I became the Director of the Computer Sciences Group. During my time there I was able to work for many government agencies (NASA, Air Force Research Labs, Army Research Labs, etc.) and become the PI on multiple projects, including three National Science Foundation awards bringing millions of dollars into the state of WV. I went on to take a job at WVU and later became the first woman chair of the Mathematics Department. I was also able to help start two small businesses in West Virginia and do consulting work for several others to help them secure government contracts from NASA, the Department of Homeland Security, Army Research Labs, US Department of Education, and more. For one of my businesses, I do educational evaluations and have completed more than 25 evaluations for projects at the local, state, and national levels.  I do research in the areas of artificial intelligence and STEM education. I have written dozens of papers, several books, and book chapters, and presented my research in places around the world. There is much more that I could discuss, but the bottom line is that none of this would have been possible without my wonderful start in the WVU Mathematics Graduate program. 

Tyler Knowles (WVU Math Alum, PhD in Math)

I graduated with my PhD in mathematics from WVU in 2020. It is no exaggeration to say that the program exceeded my expectations on every account: the faculty were not only knowledgeable but extremely attentive and supportive; the size of the program meant that I knew my colleagues well; and I will be forever grateful that I was part of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration while in the program! Working with LIGO was something I would not have ever imagined in my wildest dreams. As an R1 institution, WVU will lose invaluable faculty and student opportunities (including at the undergraduate level) to explore the beautiful world of mathematics if the graduate program is discontinued. This will be especially detrimental to WV students with an interest in higher-level mathematics, who will have to move out of the state to pursue their education. Furthermore, all STEM fields will suffer the consequences of a weakened mathematics department on which they rely as foundational to their work. Do not deprive West Virginia of this valuable asset!

Ye Chen (WVU Math Alum, PhD in Math)

I am writing to express my strong support for the mathematics PhD program at WVU. Having completed my PhD in mathematics from WVU in 2014, I can attest to the profound impact the program has had on my academic and professional journey.

Currently, I serve as an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Northern Arizona University. In this capacity, I have had the privilege of teaching a range of mathematics courses, from the undergraduate to the graduate level. I have supervised student research, and actively participated in numerous interdisciplinary research projects across campus.

A significant part of my success in these roles can be attributed to the foundational education I received at WVU. It’s imperative to underscore the importance of maintaining a PhD program, especially in an R1 university. Given the evolving research paradigms, mathematics is increasingly becoming central to understanding fundamental theories across various disciplines, including data science, computer science, bioinformatics, physics, and many others. A deeper understanding of mathematics not only elevates research in these areas but also enables the integration of theory and application, fostering innovation and progress.

With the education I acquired from WVU, I've been equipped to provide unique perspectives during multidisciplinary research collaborations. Furthermore, I've been able to illustrate to my students how mathematical theories, which may seem abstract in the classroom, have real-world applications. This has, in turn, ignited a passion for mathematical research in many of my students.

A robust foundation in theoretical understanding enhances the research environment at WVU and offers immense benefits to students across all disciplines. I hope the university's administration will consider the long-term ramifications of their decisions.

Martin Storm (WVU Alum, PhD in Math)

I have a Doctorate in Mathematics from WVU. This degree was a long-time goal of mine and forms the foundation of my career (I am full-time faculty at Saint Petersburg College in Florida). 

In my opinion the loss of the WVU graduate math program would weaken the engineering programs (which *should* be something WVU prides itself on).

On a more personal level I feel that I would lose an institution that I could recommend to students to and one that I could rely on graduates from.

Carol Tsui (WVU Alum, PhD in Math)

I graduated from WVU with a doctoral degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in statistics in 2018. Now I work as an assistant professor at an liberal arts school in northeastern Pennsylvania. The five years studying experience at the math department well prepared me for my academic career. The math professors are very knowledgeable, kind and helpful. I continued to work with some of them after graduation. I appreciate the support I got from the department and do wish all the math programs would be continued so that more people like me could receive such a high-quality education.

Zachary Hammersla (WVU Graduate Teaching Assistant, Math PhD Student, WVU Alum, BS in Math)

I completed my B.S. in Mathematics at WVU in Spring 2022. I was born and raised in the West Virginia, and was the salutatorian of my high school class. When I was applying to college, I had no idea what I wanted to major in, aside from the fact that I wanted the program to be in a STEM field. What I did know, however, was that I had no desire to leave the state I call home for my education.

Because I knew WVU is the largest and best school in the state, I decided to attend WVU before I’d decided my major. I knew the university had good programs in engineering and math, and hence I would surely find something I’d like at WVU. 

I had started to develop an interest in theoretical math before I was out of high school, and the thought of not having the option to take classes in higher-level mathematics would not have been appealing to me. Furthermore, even as a high schooler, I was very aware that you need teachers with thorough and deep understandings of material to teach lower-level courses, like, college algebra and calculus effectively. In short, if WVU did not have a math degree program, I don’t know that I would have pursued any degree in STEM at WVU, and neither would students like me.

YJ Arciaga (WVU Alum - BS in Math)

Research Assistant, MS of Math Education Student at Western Michigan University

As a Mathematics Alumni of West Virginia University, I reflect on the amazing experience as a mathematics major, where the degree opened doors of opportunities for me in my professional and graduate career, as well as feeling being part of welcoming community. For my professional career, the mathematics degree trained me with critical-thinking skills and technical applications, in which got me hired me to civilian work for the United States Navy. For my graduate career, the mathematics degree prepared me to further expand on my mathematical knowledge to apply within my field and studies. Additionally, my experience in mathematics education research in WVU prepared me to be an inclusive, versatile, knowledgeable, and effective teacher. None would be possible without the guidance and mentorship of my mathematics professors of WVU. They were all so encouraging, inspiring, and motivating that every day I always looked forward to going to class to learn, to network, and to challenge myself to be an best individual that I can be.

Mete Han Karakas (WVU Graduate Teaching Assistant, Math PhD Student) 

I am writing to share my journey as a Ph.D. student in mathematics, which started in August 2021. As the upcoming fall semester approaches, I am eagerly looking forward to my fifth semester in the program. 

When deciding on a graduate school, I carefully considered various options across the United States. Ultimately, I chose WVU over three other prestigious institutions, and now, having spent considerable time in Morgantown, I can confidently say that I made the best choice. The mathematics department here has proven to be an inspiring and vibrant environment for both research and learning.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this experience has been the unwavering support and guidance from our esteemed professors. Their dedication extends beyond mathematics, as they have shown great care and empathy during moments of personal struggle as an international student. I am incredibly grateful for the positive impact they have had on every aspect of my life, fostering a sense of attachment to the Mountaineer Family.

Being part of the Ph.D. program has provided me with incredible opportunities to engage with high-profile math researchers and work with fellow Ph.D. students. These experiences have been essential to my academic and personal growth. I hope that the university will continue to maintain and nurture its Ph.D. program, as it plays a vital role in developing a thriving community of research faculty and students not only at WVU but also on a global scale.

Lora Hammersla (WVU Alum, BA in Math, Mother of Two WVU Math Alumni)

I am a proud graduate of WVU, clasi of 1990. I earned my B.A. in mathematics while working in the Math Learning Center. I again graduated from WVU in 1996, earning my master’s degree. I had the privilege of teaching algebra and trigonometry to freshmen back in the days when the math department was in Eiesland Hall. 

My math professors had a profound and lasting impact on me. I still hear Dr. Dowdy’s voice challenging me to think logically.  Dr. Mike Mays had a more gentle approach, and his appreciation of the beauty of math was contagious. Dr. Goodykoonz was unfailingly kind and patient as I tried to grasp Topology.

All of these amazing teachers have informed my work as a mainframe programmer. Writing proofs trained me how to debug programs logically.  I have been able to train journeyman programmers using many of the skills I learned in the math learning center.

Both my daughter and son have graduated with B.S. of Mathematics degrees from WVU. My son recently passed his exams to be admitted to the Ph.D. program. He sees the beauty and elegance of pure mathematics.  I sincerely hope he can continue to study at his home, WVU.

Uyen Le (WVU Graduate Teaching Assistant, Math PhD Student, WVU Alum, BS in Math) 

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Uyen Le, an international PhD student in Mathematics. I am writing to urgently address the current review of the Department of Mathematics at West Virginia University. I feel compelled to express the profound importance of preserving and supporting our program.

As an international student, moving to a new country and embarking on my academic journey at WVU was both exhilarating and challenging. However, from the moment I stepped into the Department of Mathematics, I felt a sense of belonging and support that has shaped my entired experience as a student and an aspiring mathematician.

In 2012, I took my first steps into this department, and since then, it has become more than just a place of education; it has become my second home. The faculty, staff, and fellow students have created an environment that is nurturing, inclusive, and conductive to personal and academic growth. 

Upon graduation in 2016, I had the privilege of receiving the prestigious recognition as the Outstanding Senior for the Bachelor of Art in Mathematics degree. This achievement was not solely a testament to my academic performance but also a reflection on the dedication and mentorship provided by the exceptional faculty members in the department. Their encouragement and guidance have inspired me to pursue research and academic excellence continuously. 

Despite having received a bachelor’s degree in World Languages, Literature, and Linguistics, and also received offers from other universities, I made the deliberate choice to remain at WVU and pursue my graduate study in Mathematics. The reason was simple yet profound – the support, care, and sense of community I found here were unparalleled. This department became a place where my dreads could take flights, and my aspirations were fueled by the knowledge that I was part of a family that genuinely cared for my success and well-being.

Indeed, my decision to stay here was absolutely right.  In January of this year, I had the privilege and honor of winning the Outstanding Graduate Research Poster award at the AWM Graduate Poster Competition at the recent 2023 Joint Mathematics Meetings, which is known as the largest annual meeting of mathematicians in the US and in the world. None of this would have been possible without the invaluable guidance and support I received from my advisor, Professor Olgur Celikbas. His mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my research endeavors and encouraging me to reach new heights in my academic pursuits. Moreover, I must acknowledge the indispensable support provided by Professor Ela Celikbas and Jesse Cook. Their assistance and encouragement have been crucial in navigating the challenges and intricacies of my research journey. 

Throughout my journey, I have witnessed numerous instances where the department has gone above and beyond to ensure the success of welfare of its students. The sense of community is not only among the faculty but also extends to the staff and fellow students, creating an atmosphere of collaboration, understanding, and camaraderie.

As the university reviews the future of the department, I am writing to emphasize the profound impact our program and its dedicated faculty have on the academic growth of success of its students. This is not only a place to learn but also a hub of inspiration and support that nutures the potential of aspiring mathematicians like me.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope this sheds light on the invaluable role our department plays in the lives of its students and the broader academic community.

Elliot Dotson (WVU Alum, BS in Math) 

Math is foundational. I recently graduated from WVU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics and Math with minors in Political Science and Philosophy. Throughout my experience at WVU, my math courses have grounded all of my other academic pursuits. My math education has not just taught me about particular calculation techniques but has taught me a new way of critical thinking. The math classes I’ve taken at WVU and the interactions I have had with professors here have shocked me time and time again with new and innovative approaches to solving problems in incredibly clever ways. It is this skill that I apply to math-related questions, physics problems, and even my understanding of political and philosophical problems in my life every day. It is the generosity of professors and graduate students who would stay after class, in hallways, and during office hours to carefully walk me through mathematical reasoning and allow me space to work through problems myself that prepared me so well for my experiences post-bachelor’s-degree. I am grateful to have majored in math not just for the potent career skills, but also for the powerful analytical techniques and skeptical perspectives that I use to navigate through life every day. This wouldn’t have been possible without the care from those in the math department to the education of their students and the commitment from the university to give the math department the resources and latitude to do so.

Now that I am an alum, I look back on the department with a pensive affection. I hope that others continue to have the opportunity to experience the wonder of studying and majoring in math. I hope that this growing field remains to be embraced by WVU and that students and professors alike are provided with the resources to continue to foster a welcoming environment for all students studying math and data science. I hope to look back at the math department of WVU and see a space that I want to give back to from the privileged career that my math education has permitted me.

The following are some questions I would have for anyone proposing limitations on the math department of any university. If a university chooses to limit their math department, they will have to answer at least the following questions to prospective students, faculty, policy-makers, and grant foundations alike.

• How many universities don’t have math PhD programs? How many universities don’t have math BS and BA degrees? I attempted to find answers to these questions and couldn’t because no major institution, like the National Center for Education Statistics or U.S. News and World Report, even list this information. These are the statistics such institutions report: https://datausa.io/profile/cip/mathematics

• What kind of school does one think of when one hears that its math department is weak or limited? Certainly not a university that is committed to STEM education, career skills, or one that guarantees its students the traditional university experience of personal development in critical and independent thinking. The study of math is foundational to those skills and the mathematicians in the department need continued support from the university to provide such a service to math majors and the WVU community more broadly.

• Who will teach engineering, physics, chemistry, business, biology, political science, and economics majors the mathematical skills necessary for their classes if the graduate students in the math department won’t? Currently these students take math classes, many of which are instructed by graduate students and instructors in the math department who are intimately familiar with these subjects. They are knowledgeable enough to answer almost any question that non-math majors might have while still providing a strong foundation for those attempting a BS or BA within the math department. They are able to do this because we have so many competent and generous graduate students studying math and data science who have the skills and the job security to spend time and effort on undergraduate courses.

Nurul Schraeder (WVU Alum, PhD in Math)

In 2014, my journey at WVU began as I embarked on my Master's Program in the Math department. After successfully completing my Master's program in 2016, I returned to Indonesia. However, it didn't take long for me to realize how much I missed the time I spent immersed in Mathematics at WVU. This realization led me to make the decision to return for a Ph.D. program. 

Over time, my research interests evolved from Combinatorics to Algebra, and eventually to Mathematics Education. What sets the Math program at WVU apart is the incredible diversity of expertise it offers. I have the opportunity to delve into any Math topic I desire, thanks to the vast range of knowledge available. Moreover, all the professors are highly approachable, creating an environment conducive to learning and growth.

My experience at WVU has been truly invaluable and holds a special place in my heart.

Marisa Porco (WVU Graduate Teaching Assistant - Math MS Student) 

I’m a second-year graduate student in the School of Mathematical and Data Sciences at WVU. I’m currently taking classes to obtain my Masters degree in Mathematics. Once I have completed the Masters program, I plan on staying at WVU to obtain my PhD in Mathematics. Not only are the ability to complete these graduate programs important to myself and my fellow students, but the opportunity to work for the university as a Teaching Assistant has deeply impacted my thoughts and opinions on math education at a collegiate level.

After I completed my Bachelor’s degree, I knew I was not finished learning about the wonderful subject areas in mathematics. WVU’s MS and PhD programs in math appealed to me because of their range of classes in Pure Mathematics. The ability to learn and grow in these programs only became more and more apparent to me every day. The professors in this program are deeply concerned with and involved in the success of their students. As the year progressed, I felt more and more confident that WVU is where I’m supposed to be, not only as a student, but as an educator as well.

During the entirety of my first year at WVU, I worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and instructed co-requisite sections of college algebra classes filled with students who were not math majors. Mathematics is an intimidating subject for a lot of these students, and that reputation was only made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. Countless times, I heard the phrase “I never had a good math teacher in school.” During my time as a Graduate Teaching Assistant that teaches mathematics, I have the unique opportunity of acting as a middle ground between the student and their mathematics professor.

GTAs generally teach to a smaller class size, making their classes more interactive as students can ask more questions in person since there aren’t so many students. If the graduate Mathematics programs are eliminated entirely, these students are once again going to feel that they are being left behind, especially if class sizes are increased.

If the program is discontinued, my (and my fellow classmates’) future potentially lies in jeopardy. When I complete my Masters degree, if the PhD program is discontinued, there will be no school in the state of West Virginia that offers a PhD program in mathematics, which is peculiar given that WVU is a land-grant institution and R1 school. This decision certainly cannot be in the best interest of the students at WVU, not only for the students enrolled in the program, but to undergraduate students of various majors that have a Quantitative Reasoning GEF requirement. I’d prefer to continue my education at WVU. Please make it possible.

Zheng Zhang (WVU Alum, PhD in Math)

My name is Zheng Zhang. I am a WVU Math department alumni. I graduated with a Ph.D degree in 2012. My advisor was Professor Hattori. 

I would like to say that the Math program is a great program for me. During my study at WVU, I was able to learn a lot from so many great professors, like Professor Harumi Hattori, Professor Dening Li, and etc. There are also many resources to use, like the Math department library, the student lounge, and etc. The admin professors and staff were very friendly and always willing to help students.

I was lucky to have the opportunity to study Math at WVU, and I value the time when I study Math and staying in Morgantown to be one of the best experiences in my life. 

Currently, I work at a community college in Indiana and serve as the Math department chair. I thank the WVU Math program for giving me the solid background to work in my current position. 

It is sad to know that the Math program might be discontinued. And I hope WVU can keep the Math program!!

Katherine A Capaldi (WVU Alumni)

I am writing to express the value of the Mathematics degree programs at West Virginia University. Without a doubt, I would not have been able take or be successful on my career path without what I learned from the WVU Mathematics programs.

I am a 2015 graduate from the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education and Human Services. I attended Potomac State College of WVU for one year before transferring out to WVU in Morgantown. In 5 years, I obtained three degrees – a BA in Psychology, a BA in Mathematics, and a MA in Secondary Education. After graduation, I chose to return for a year of courses through WVU's Mathematics MS program. During that year in the program, I was able to work as a graduate teaching assistant, teaching both the lab sections of Calculus I and College Algebra lecture.

While I did not finish WVU's Mathematics MS program, instead moving to take a position as a high school mathematics teacher, the year that I spent in that program was invaluable to my career path. I taught  mathematics for five years at a West Virginia high school. My courses spanned from 9th grade mathematics all the way through to AP Statistics. After my fifth year of teaching, I made a transition into data analytics, with no additional college courses taken. I now work as a highly specialized clinical data analyst for Duke CancerInstitute. None of this would have been possible without my time spent in WVU's Mathematics BA and MS programs and courses.

WVU's incredible professors such as Dr. Goldwasser, Dr. Diamond, Dr. Milans, Dr. Miller, and Dr. Schraeder (to name just a fraction) set me up for immaculate success in my nontraditional career path. The knowledge that I gained from their courses on pure and applied mathematics has been invaluable to me, both in being able to teach West Virginia's youth mathematics from a conceptual point of view and in being able to pivot and think critically in both my current and past roles. I have been able to isolate misconceptions and correct students' thinking by quickly being able to think on my feet from a theoretical perspective, and I have been extremely successful in adapting to new tools and coding languages thanks to my experience in these courses which foster invaluable critical thinking skills.

The idea of WVU removing any of their mathematics programs concerns me greatly for the future – both for the future of WVU students who can utilize pure mathematical backgrounds as a vital tool as the world moves to amore data and technology-driven world, and for the future of West Virginia's education systems, removing one of the very few remaining career paths to obtain mathematics certified teachers within the state of West Virginia.

Michael Bittle

I graduated in 2007 with as BS in Computer Science, at 28 years old. Professor CQ was nothing short of instrumental in my path to success. As an out of state, older student, I needed the department to guide, lead, and push me toward my goals. I could not have done it without the leadership at WVU at that time. Our lives and country are part of a global economy, and we need to ensure we have the resources to allow students to not only succeed academically, but help lead our country to keep contributing, finding solutions to global issues, and pushing greatness for every single person. We are a collective, and we know mathematics, physics, and science are our resources for collectiveness, globally and for our country.

Alyssa Ann Sloan

My son is a current math undergrad, pursuing a joint degree with mechanical engineering. He started in the engineering program only, but decided to add the math major after his first class with Dr. Goldwasser. Last summer he participated in a math REU at Fairmont State and will be traveling to Uzbekistan this August for two weeks with a math program at Cal State Fullerton. Both Dr. Goldwasser and Dr. Tsikkou have been incredibly supportive of him and have helped with letters of recommendation and mentoring. Adding the math major completely changed his path and he now intends to pursue a PhD in applied math after graduation. I don't know if comments from a parent will be helpful, but I wanted to share how your professors have positively influenced my son's college experience!

Kaitlyn Grooms 

My name is Kaitlyn Grooms, and I am a mathematics major here at WVU. Please don’t take the mathematics major away. It is critical to the future. Without mathematics, how would children be taught it to use it in the world? Or in further jobs? Children wouldn’t even know how to handle money! Who would analyze financial costs and risks, which is essential to businesses, clients, and insurance industries? Who would be there to solve real world problems including in the government, academics, and industries using math? Math is so crucial to the world! Without it we would be chaotic, disorganized, and unable to successfully function in a society.

Billy Hardy

Hi! I'd like to share the positive influence that the WVU Math department had on me. I graduated in 2014 with a BS in Math and a BS in CS, but wouldn't have done CS at all if not for the Math department. I currently work at Google in Pittsburgh, and so I have coworkers who went to traditionally top universities like CMU. I know a major part of why I feel comfortable and on the same level is the Math curriculum I went through.

I have started working on more AI, ML, and data science projects at work and these are very math heavy and I would be way over my head if not for courses like Abstract Algebra, Modern Algebra, Cryptography, and even Real Analysis. I also didn't take the applied side of Math, which I know would have been even more applicable.

I really hope the Math program at WVU continues as it is a vital resource for setting up WV for success in the age of things like LLMs.

Melinda Cooper

I am a 2002 graduate with a BS chemical engineering and 2006 graduate MD program.  I am quite flabbergasted that this is even a remote consideration that the department may get cut.  Without those programs, neither of my degrees would have been possible, and I can think of numerous others that holds true for as well.  without such a fundamental department so support so many other programs, the university would be left with maybe half of their degree paths at best.

Penny Pugh

I have an undergraduate degree from WVU in English. I also served as an university librarian at WVU for more than 30 years.  I cannot imagine a university without a math program.  Please think about the future.

Paul Edward Flood Jr

As a chemistry major math is major part of my education and math department at WVU laid the foundation for me both in my chemistry degree and later during medical school and now as a physician.

Andrew Woodworth

The thought of my alma mater not having a math program is sickening.  Math is foundational.  The question isn't should you have a math program, but how can it be built to move into the future.  I work full time in a STEM field. 

Math is everywhere and is part of the foundation STEM stands on.

Blake Lillard

My major was engineering, so my Math coursework was limited to mostly Calculus and a few Math courses required for my Engineering graduate degree. And I had great experiences. I personally think the calculus track (Calc 1, 2, Multivariable and Diff. Eq.) is incredibly solid and provided me with a fantastic foundation for my Engineering courses. 

However, I think one of the biggest impacts the WVU math department has is due to its integration of graduate and undergraduate students working together. During my undergrad and graduate degrees, I worked as a Lab Mentor for the 100-level math courses. I was in engineering, but most of my coworkers were Math undergrads and Math graduate students. The Lab Mentors were critical for the success for a number of students even in non-math majors. (Business, Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, and many others all have to complete a number of these 100-level courses.) And it was immensely helpful to have a healthy population of dedicated math majors (both grad and undergrad) able to serve as TA's, mentors, tutors, etc. 

I'm speaking from a non-math major myself. The Engineering school really lacked this integration. It was rare to see/interact with Engineering graduate students as an undergrad. The most interaction was that they often graded your assignments. 

Additionally, I want to mention the faculty that I worked with/under (Many of the graduate students I worked with have even gone on to become faculty at WVU or other institutions.) It was evident that the faculty truly cared about individual students and devoted full effort toward their classes. 

As a side note, being able to be around so many math faculty and graduate students almost made me consider switching to a math major myself—if I wasn't already halfway through my engineering degree.

Zoe Moore

My name is Zoe Moore. I graduated in 2020 with a BS in Biomedical Engineering and a Math minor. I had an incredibly positive time in the math classes I took while getting my minor but most importantly the linear algebra class I took. That class alone has helped me more than any other math class I have taken. These experiences shaped me and have helped make me successful in my career.

Delbert Royce 

Can’t believe the state’s premier higher learning institution is even considering dropping math programs.  

What happens to science and engineering programs?  

Jessica (Hammersla) Bewley

I wanted to share my feedback on the math majors. I am incredibly grateful for my experience with the math department. I entered WVU as an engineering major. I enjoyed the math classes I took for engineering so much that I added on a math major. The faculty were always incredibly encouraging, and they went above and beyond to help me fully understand the material. I also got to grade for the math department and work as a learning assistant. This experience helped me further master the material. I can still answer calculus questions today, which I greatly attribute to my amazing classes and experiences as a math learning assistant. Please keep the math department majors at WVU. The math majors provide a great foundation for problem-solving skills, and they are a crucial cornerstone to the continuously growing STEM employment opportunities. 

Kristy Murphy 

My mathematics degree has benefited me incredibly in my job as a software engineer. I have worked on multiple projects that require algorithm development and are mathematically intense. I am referred to these projects specifically because of my mathematics background and the experience I gained at WVU.