Explain your Career Path

My career path has centered on applying quantitative methods to address public health challenges, particularly those related to substance use and health systems. As a graduate research assistant at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, my work focuses on analyzing opioid and polysubstance use patterns through data-driven approaches to understand community-level trends and health system responses.

What was your Major at Southeast and how would you characterize the quality of that program to prospective students?

At Southeast, I double-majored in Applied Mathematics & Statistics and Psychology with a minor in data science. I really appreciated the interdisciplinary structure of the programs, which allowed me to connect analytical and behavioral perspectives. Both programs had dedicated and supportive faculty who encouraged curiosity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. Their mentorship helped me build a strong foundation that continues to guide my work in research today.

 Why did you choose to attend Southeast?

I chose to attend Southeast because of its strong scholarship support and the variety of academic programs that allowed me to customize my studies around my interests. Southeast also provided a welcoming and supportive environment for international students like myself, which made my college experience more meaningful.

Who influenced you most during your time at Southeast?

Dr. Shawn Guiling from the Psychology Department and Dr. Emmanuel Thompson from the Mathematics Department were both instrumental in my academic journey and helped me build the foundation for the career I’m pursuing today. I had the opportunity to work with both of them on research projects, and they were incredibly kind, patient, and genuinely invested in helping me learn and grow. Their mentorship not only deepened my interest in pursuing graduate school but also made a strong impact on my academic and personal development. I also have to say Dr. Thompson’s statistical leaning class was among my favorites. His teaching made complex concepts engaging and truly enjoyable to learn!

Share your best college memory

I have so many great memories from my time at Southeast. One of my favorites was participating in a data analytics competition, where my team and I were recognized with an award. It was one of the proudest and most exciting moments for me, especially because it allowed us to apply what we had learned in the classroom to a real-world challenge.

If you were involved in Greek Life, the Honors Program, or any other student organization, please share your experience and describe how it impacted you.

I was actively involved in several student organizations, including the International Honor Society in Psychology (Psi Chi), the Psychology Club, and the Math Club. I had the opportunity to serve as an executive officer in each organization. These groups helped me connect with students who shared similar interests, and many of the friendships I made through these organizations have continued beyond graduation. One of the most meaningful aspects of my involvement was being able to assist or help fellow students, especially those who were starting to explore research opportunities, just as I once had. Being part of these communities gave me confidence, a sense of belonging, and valuable experience collaborating with students toward shared goals.

What is the most important thing you learned while you were at Southeast?

The most important thing I learned at Southeast was patience and resilience. As an international student, adjusting to a new environment and academic system came with challenges, but those experiences taught me how to stay persistent and keep believing in myself.

Describe Southeast in three words

Inclusive, Supportive, Welcoming

What advice would you give current students or recent graduates interested in pursuing a career in your professional field?

For students interested in pursuing academia, my advice is to embrace curiosity and persistence. Research can be challenging and sometimes slow, but staying passionate about your topic makes all the difference. Don’t hesitate to seek mentorship. Having supportive professors and peers can truly shape your growth and confidence as a researcher.

If you’re still exploring your field, take every opportunity you can while you’re an undergraduate! There are so many ways to get involved at Southeast, from research projects to student organizations. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people. You never know where a simple conversation or opportunity might lead.