Agnes Scott College

I graduated summa cum laude as a part of Phi Beta Kappa from Agnes Scott College in May 2019 with a B.A. in mathematics and minors in music (clarinet performance) and Spanish. From the welcoming and supportive faculty and staff to my close knit group of friends, Agnes was an amazing environment in which to study and grow as a person. 

Major, Minors

I knew from the start of my journey at Agnes that I wanted to major in math, and am so thankful to the Department of Mathematics at Agnes, my advisor and research mentor Dr. Rachel Rossetti, and my research mentor Dr. Alan Koch for all the support they have given me. This support included awarding me the Wilson Asbury Higgs Scholarship for 2018-2019, an award established in 1975 by Kate Higgs Vaughn, class of 1924, through her bequest in memory of her father which is awarded to one senior math major each year by the mathematics department based on merit.

Relevant coursework: Real Analysis, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Introduction to Topology (BSM), Quantum Information/Computation (BSM), Theory of Computing (BSM), Number Theory, Math Stats & Probability, Multivariable Calculus, Abstract Algebra, Abstract Algebra II (taken at Emory University through the cross enrollment program ARCHE), The Math of Computer Graphics, Directed Reading in Category Theory, and Senior Seminar.

*Courses marked BSM were taken through Budapest Semesters in Mathematics

I’ve loved music since I was a little kid, and started playing clarinet when I was in 5th grade. Although I’ve taken private lessons and been in ensembles since then, I came to Agnes with a patchwork knowledge of the theory underpinning musical artistry. Thus, one of my favorite parts of my music minor was having the chance to highlight and learn about the math in music with Agnes’ wonderful Department of Music. The music department also supported me for all four years that I was at Agnes by awarding me the Nannette Hopkins Music Scholarship.

Relevant coursework: Ensemble: Orchestra (7 semesters), Applied Music — Clarinet private lessons (4 semesters), Jazz Ensemble, Music Theory I: Fundamentals, Musical Elements — Global Perspective, Music theory II: Diatonic Harmony, Arranging and Orchestration.

I love learning languages because I love the “aha” moment when symbols shift to meaning, whether that language is mathematical, musical, computer based, or between people. Spanish in particular is a fascinating language, showing its history and evolution through Latin roots and Arabic influence, and the way it has been adapted to liberate or oppress people around the globe. The Department of Spanish at Agnes has given me the wonderful opportunity to explore these relationships and deepen my understanding of Spanish speaking people.

Relevant coursework: Intermediate Spanish I and II, Reading & Writing about the Hispanic World, Latin American & Caribbean Civilization & Culture, Approaches to Literature, Spanish Civilization & Culture, Advanced Conversation Through Film 

Campus Involvement

Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM)

Secretary, August 2017 - May 2019
Agnes' chapter of AWM organized math events, both social and educational, to further an inclusive and exciting mathematical community. This included everything from origami crafting to talks on dynamical systems and more.

ASC Community Orchestra (ASCCO)

Clarinetist, August 2015 - May 2019
Agnes' largest ensemble, ASCCO is a mixture of students and community members (many of them alums or Agnes staff or faculty). I played clarinet in ASCCO for all four years of my Agnes career, with an exception for the semester I was abroad.

ASCEND!

Treasurer, August 2018 - May 2019
ASCEND! is Agnes' general student body LGBTQA+ group. The club organized social events to ensure that all Scotties of all genders and orientations felt welcome and celebrated. Our annual big bash was Queer Prom, a night of singing, dancing, and mini-doughnuts to celebrate the end of the school year.

Generating Excellence in Math and Science (GEMS)

Member, August 2015 - May 2019
GEMS is a living learning community for Scotties interested in STEM fields. First year GEMS members live on a floor together, go on science trips, and meet regularly to get advice from older students. In later years member roles shift to mentoring and supporting younger students.

Blackfriars

Actor, January 2016 - May 2019
Blackfriars is Agnes' student troupe, and the longest continuously running troupe in the Decatur area. As a part of Blackfriars, I acted in student and faculty directed plays for audiences of young children, college students, and adults.

Legacy Leaders

August 2019
Legacy is part of the welcome for new students at Agnes. As a part of Legacy, a co-leader and I oriented 25 new students to Agnes' SUMMIT curriculum by facilitating workshops on leadership on campus and at the Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK)

Secretary, November 2017 - May 2019
As a part of Agnes' chapter of ODK, I participated in service projects and meetings on professional development.

Her Campus

Author, January 2017 - May 2019
Her Campus is an online magazine whose content is generated mostly by college student chapters like the one at Agnes. As a part of Agnes' Her Campus, I wrote articles twice a month on a variety of topics relevant to college-aged students.

Global Awareness Program to the Dominican Republic

March 2016
As a part of Agnes' new Summit curriculum, all first years take a semester long global awareness class with a week long travel component. For my Global Awareness Program, I studied the effects of globalization on health for Haitian migrants in the Dominican Republic.