North Carolina State University

Assistant Professor of Statistics

What is your educational background?

I earned a B.S. in mathematics with a minor in Spanish from Spelman College and an M.A. and Ph.D. in applied mathematics with a statistics concentration from the University of Maryland, College Park.

What is the best part of what you do?

Working in an academic environment is very rewarding.  I enjoy interacting with students, particularly in the summer biostatistics program (SIBS) and the SAMSI undergraduate research workshop, and watching their interest in statistics grow.  I also enjoy collaborating with my colleagues on exciting research problems.

Why do you like mathematics and/or statistics?

Mathematics and statistics are involved in practically every aspect of life--financial, environmental, medical, etc. The endless number of applications fascinates me.

What resources have helped you?

My mentors have been a tremendous source of support for me from college until now.  I strongly encourage everyone to seek mentors and stay in contact with them.  Throughout graduate school, I was a National Physical Science Consortium fellow, sponsored by the National Security Agency.  I began my career at NC State as an NSF-VIGRE postdoctoral fellow.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love to travel, and I am an avid listener of jazz music. I also enjoy rollerblading, indoor cycling classes, and weight lifting.  

What was the best piece of advice you received?

Upon entering the doctoral program, one of my college professors told me to "work hard and play hard."  My interpretation of this advice is to maintain balance and to constantly strive for fulfillment and excellence in all aspects of one's life.

What do most people not know about mathematics/mathematicians?

Mathematicians and statisticians are very diverse, creative and well-rounded individuals.