| Abstract: A degree in mathematics can lead to unimaginable opportunities. I came to OSU for a BS in
Math to have a career teaching high-school math. Instead, the path led to a Masters in
Biostatistics, and fulfilling roles in higher education in computing, management, and
administration in Oklahoma and the Washington DC area. And, I had the privilege of an
assignment to the National Science Foundation developing cybersecurity policy for national
research facilities. Work and professional opportunities enabled meeting and interacting with colleagues throughout
the United States, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, Australia and China. I'll talk about how math
aided and influenced my career, even when I was not ‘practicing’ math per se. I will discuss the
importance of mentoring and family support, and share some recent data from the National
Science Board, the US Department of Education, and other sources on addressing the demand for
workers educated in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). |