Our Math Instructors

Name: Doli Bambhania (MPS Math 10 - Statistics)

What was your undergraduate major? Mathematics

What helped you succeed in college? Like-minded study partners with whom hours would melt away figuring out problems and understanding concepts; Studying a subject that I really enjoyed (even though I struggled a lot with it); Supportive family; Financial assistance; Tutoring (which helped me improve my own study habits)

What advice would you give students? Maintain a growth mindset - success comes from determination and persistence, and it's normal to encounter lots of failures along the way; When you feel frustrated, focus on your goals and work towards them; Seek help when you need it, and use it in a way that empowers you and helps your growth; Be mindful about how you spend your time to ensure it's consistent with your priorities; Develop good study and communication habits

Name: Gregory Stachnick (MPS Math 10 - Statistics)

What was your undergraduate major? Mathematics (Minor in Physics)

What helped you succeed in college? Changing my attitude from studying for a grade to studying to learn the material, no matter what the class. Deciding that asking questions in class was ok, even at the risk of having lassmates think I was dumb. 

What advice would you give students? Don't be afraid to ask for help. This is a sign of maturity not weakness. Be persistent, don't ever give up. Be open,. expose yourself to new ideas and concepts. Evaluate them without pre-judging. Don't be afraid of change.

Name: Kelly Lundstrom (MPS Math 10 - Statistics)

What was your undergraduate major? Mathematics

What helped you succeed in college? I rarely missed class, since I knew even missing a single class would cause me to fall behind. Also, I used a planner to keep track of due dates and deadline so I could best manage my time. I was a student athlete and worked two part time jobs in addition to going to school full time, so I had to be very on top of my schedule.

What advice would you give students? Find a major that you are passiontate about. Then, keep your goals and future vision in mind as you work through your degree, as this will keep you motivated. 

Name: Rani Fischer (MPS Math 10 - Statistics)

What was your undergraduate major? Mathematics

What helped you succeed in college? Reaching out for help

What advice would you give students? Don't trust anyone who tells you how to feel

Name: Mo Geraghty (MPS Math 10 - Statistics)

What was your undergraduate major? Mathematics and Statistics

What helped you succeed in college? I was struggling because of personal and financial issues happening in my family. I had to work and go to school. There was a professor I had who encouraged me not to quit and who helped me get some additional funding so I could finish. When I was lost and thought I was all alone, I found out there were many people rooting for me to succeed.

What advice would you give students? If you feel like quitting, talk to your instructors. Honestly, we have all been there and we want to help. You are not alone.

 

Name: Cheryl Balm (MPS Math 41 - Precalculus 1)

What was your undergraduate major? Journalism and Advertising

What helped you succeed in college? My amazing, supportive parents

What advice would you give students? Focus on good time management. If you're balancing classes, work and family obligations, make sure you also carve out time to tudy and get your homework done, and time for yourself. Don't be afraid to ask questions and get help. It's not a sign of weakness, it's what the teachers, counselors and tutors are there for!

 

Name: Usha Ganeshalingam (MPS Math 114 - Intermediate Algebra)

What was your undergraduate major? Mathematics

What helped you succeed in college? Making a daily to-do list; Not procrastinating; Being realistic about my course load. 

What advice would you give students? Don't be afraid to challenge yourself and do something you love and are good at.

Name: Fatemeh Yarahmadi (MPS Math 10 - Statistics)

What was your undergraduate major? Pure Mathematics

What helped you succeed in college? Studying very hard, and getting help from my instructors

What advice would you give students? Do not hesitate to get help from the instructor, tutoring center, and review your progress in class on regular basis

 

Name: Salvador Guerrero (MPS Math 41 - Precalculus 1)

What was your undergraduate major? Mathematics

What helped you succeed in college? Was good in math so it came easy to me. It's important to choose a major that is interesting to you so you can do well.

What advice would you give students? Make sure to enjoy what you are doing. I worked a lot in college and I wish I had more time to be a part of the campus community. If you have the ability to get invovled do it!

 

Name: Zack Judson (MPS Math 41 - Precalculus 1)

What was your undergraduate major? Mathematics

What helped you succeed in college? Being part of a community of people who cared about me. 

What advice would you give students? It's okay to make a mistake. The act of practice is how we learn.

 

Name: Nahrin Rashid (MPS Math 41 - Precalculus 1)

What was your undergraduate major? Mathematics

What helped you succeed in college? Asking for help when I needed and attending class regularly. 

What advice would you give students? Don't be afraid to ask for help and take advantage of all the resources that are offered to you as students.

Name: Danny Tran (MPS Math 43 - Precalculus 3)

What was your undergraduate major? Mathematics, Economics, and Statistics

What helped you succeed in college? Scheduling every activity I had really helped me organize my life and manage my time wisely. I tried my best to be realisitics with how much time I needed to study and fit fun activities around my work and study schedule. This strategy really helped me to minimize procerastination, which had been the source of so much of my anxiety early in college. 

What advice would you give students? Focus on learning, not just on grades. If you are able to focus on gaining a deep understanding of the material, retaining what you learn, and being able to communicate those concepts and ideas to classmates, the good grades will follow. Having that unrelenting desire to master everything you do will give you the knowedge and skills to truly be successful.