Alumni

This page can give you a glimpse of the career paths of some of our majors that were involved in industrial mathematics and statistics projects. We give them here the opportunity to express their views about their work at WPI as mathematics majors, the experience gained working on industrial projects as well as advice they would like to give to prospective students.

If you have any questions or need advice you can contact us by email.

Adam Garland, '96
Software Test Engineer, Microsoft

BS/MS, Applied Mathematics
MQP: Rod Path Geometry Study, sponsored by Morgan Construction (Provost's MQP Award 1996)

I actually applied to WPI as an EE major. I enjoyed my high school science and math classes, and I also loved working with computers. But before I even started a single WPI class I realized that it was the math behind the science and computers that I really enjoyed. That's why one of the first things I did when I got to WPI was change my major to MA.

Marcie Noyes, '96
Programmer/Analyst, Sungard Brokerage Systems

BS/MS, Applied Mathematics
MQP: Rod Path Geometry Study, sponsored by Morgan Construction (Provost's MQP Award 1996)

One thing that initially made me interested in going to WPI was their project requirements. Having the opportunity to work on an industrial MQP turned out to be one of my most valuable learning experiences at WPI. I not only learned and used math concepts above and beyond what we learned in the classroom, but it also gave me practical experience working with people (my MQP advisor, my project partners, the engineers at Morgan) and it helped increase my communication skills. These are all qualitities that will help any student after graduation when they enter the working world.

Jeffrey Perlak, '96
Software Systems Designer/Builder, Computer Sciences Corporation

BS/MS, Applied Mathematics
MQP: Rod Path Geometry Study, sponsored by Morgan Construction (Provost's MQP Award 1996)

WPI prepared me for my current career by offering the opportunity to work on a real-life project from industry. The courses at WPI are a good mixture of lectures given by world famous top-notch professors and of project oriented assignments which allow the student to apply knowledge in real world contexts. The Mathematical Sciences Department is full of dedicated, caring professors who in addition to teaching complex mathematics offer guidance and assistance and are constantly searching for ways to improve the mathematics program itself and offer more opportunities for students. The focus of the Mathematics program is on problem-solving in all the engineering displines and also in the field of computer science. All of this is done in a fun supportive environment.

Stanislav Oks, '97
Software Design Engineer, Microsoft

BS, Mathematics and Computer Science
MS, Computer Science, University of Washington
MQP: Mathematical Modeling in Metal Processing, sponsored by Morgan Construction (Provost's MQP Award 1997)

After his Project presentation Stanislav was interviewed by a Telegram & Gazette Reporter: Do you recall the breakthrough moment when you experienced the exilaration of knowing you would actually solve this project?
Stanislav: Yes all the time, then the next day I knew I didn't, then the next day I knew I did, then the next day....

Jayson D. Wilbur, '97
PhD Student, Department of Statistics, Purdue University

BS, Mathematical Sciences
MQP: Statistical Consulting, sponsored by Bose Corporation

My experience at WPI prepared me very well for grad school. Unlike most other schools, WPI has no "core curriculum." Because of this, I was able to take courses on a wide variety of mathematical topics as well as a number of graduate courses in statistics, which became my specific area of interest.
In addition to the coursework, the project based curriculum allowed me a chance to apply what I had learned in the classroom and the department's research colloquia provided me with exposure to current work being done in mathematics and statistics. I also found the math faculty to be extremely supportive and often willing to go out of their way to help their students.

Dan Atkinson, '98
Actuarial Analyst, Fidelity Investments Actuarial & Consulting Services

BS, Actuarial Mathematics
MQP: Treatment Differences Across Health Plans, sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts

The math faculty at WPI are second to none. They were extraordinarily helpful, and were always willing to go out of their way to make sure I succeeded, whether it be on exams, projects, or interviews, they were always there to guide me in the right direction. The MQP was a completely new and very rewarding experience. At every job interview, the interviewers all seemed impressed that a student was able to get such a real world experience as part of their college curriculum.

Lena Bottos, '98
Compensation Market Analyst, Salary.com

BS, Actuarial Mathematics
MQP: Treatment Differences Across Health Plans, sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts

There is no single way to better prepare for a career in Mathematics than to enroll in the Math program at WPI. The curriculum demands that the students solve real life problems by developing organizational, problem solving, and interpersonal skills. IQPs, MQPs, and the variety of courses the math department offer rely heavily on teamwork, the number one skill that companies look for when hiring which puts WPI students at an advantage over other candidates. The math department's commitment to the use of computers to solve problems gives the students technical experience that makes them an asset to the companies that hire them.

Ron Yu, '99
PhD student, Department of Applied Mathematics, Stanford University

BS, Mathematics and Electrical Engineering
MQP: Finite Element Simulations in Plasticity (CIMS award) sponsored by Morgan Construction

I started to take math classes from WPI when I was a high school junior. Since then I took at least one math course every quarter, and was never able to run out of selection of courses. The math department at WPI has a group of famous and caring professors who offer a rich curriculum that students from all disciplines can benefit from. Besides classes, the math department also provides students a wide variety of extracurricular activities, and participates actively in all kinds of national mathematical contests. WPI's project-based curriculum is unique. My MQP experience was valuable. The project gave me an opportunity to work on real-life problems in industry, to test what I have learned in the classroom in context of real applications.
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Last modified: Oct 02, 2006, 14:24 EDT
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