Explain your Career Path

After graduating, I was set to begin my career as a Survey Statistician with the USDA. However, the federal hiring freeze in early 2017 paused the position I’d been offered. During that unexpected gap, I pivoted to tutoring math online through Varsity Tutors while continuing my job search.

Later that year, I accepted a role as a Statistical Programming Analyst at Palmetto GBA in Columbia, South Carolina. I worked primarily with Medicare data, programming in SAS and SQL. In 2019, I transitioned to remote work and moved back to Missouri, continuing in the same role.

A colleague I met at Palmetto later joined Sante Analytics (branded as ClarisHealth) and encouraged me to apply for a Data Services Engineer position. I joined ClarisHealth in July 2021, where I worked with commercial health insurance data using MySQL. The opportunity came with a significant salary increase and broadened my experience in the healthcare analytics space.

Nine months later, that same colleague reached out again—this time with an unexpected opportunity at Optum. I interviewed for and accepted a position as a Senior Business Data Analyst, starting on March 31, 2022. The role came with another substantial salary increase and has allowed me to deepen my impact in healthcare data analytics.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with a great team and an exceptional manager in the Coordination of Benefits healthcare space within Payment Integrity at Optum. It’s been a rewarding chapter—one that continues to challenge me professionally while allowing me to contribute meaningfully to improving healthcare outcomes through data.

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

I majored in Pure and Applied Mathematics as an undergraduate at Southeast, and continued on to earn a Master of Natural Science in Mathematics. The quality of the Mathematics program—and the department as a whole—was exceptional. It stood out as the most supportive and intellectually rigorous environment I experienced during my time at SEMO.

Several professors played a pivotal role in shaping both my academic path and personal growth. Dr. Pradeep Singh and Dr. Emmanuel Thompson, my thesis advisors, became true mentors as I approached graduation. Their guidance extended beyond the classroom, offering insights into both mathematics and life. Dr. Hao Hao Wang was another key influence—her encouragement and teaching helped me break through conceptual barriers in subjects like Linear Algebra and Calculus, and gave me the confidence to pursue graduate studies.

The department didn’t just teach math—it taught resilience. I still carry lessons like Dr. Pete Oman’s quiet but powerful message: that failure isn’t final, and persistence is part of the process. The Mathematics program at Southeast prepared me not only for a career in data and analytics, but also for the challenges and growth that come with it.

 Why did you choose to attend Southeast?

I chose SEMO at a turning point in my life. After a difficult freshman year elsewhere—marked by personal struggles and a lack of supportive community—I took a semester off and seriously considered leaving college altogether. What changed everything was the encouragement of a few close high school friends who were attending SEMO at the time. With their support, I decided to give college another shot and re-enrolled in Spring 2012, starting with just 9 credit hours.

What made the difference at SEMO was the community. The friendships I rekindled and the new networks I built helped me become personally invested in my education. I found myself motivated not just to stay, but to catch up—taking classes year-round, including summer and winter sessions, to retake courses and regain momentum.

Looking back, choosing SEMO was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It wasn’t just where I earned my degree—it’s where I rebuilt my confidence, found my footing, and eventually returned as a Graduate Assistant to complete my Master’s. SEMO gave me a second chance, and I’m proud to call it my alma mater.

Who influenced you most during your time at Southeast?

My high school friend Patrick was the biggest influence on me during college. While we pursued completely different academic paths, his impact on my mental and physical health was profound. He encouraged me to prioritize fitness and helped me build healthier habits—physically and emotionally—at a time when I really needed it. More than anyone else on campus, Patrick was a steady source of support, and his friendship played a major role in helping me stay grounded and focused throughout my college journey.

Another huge academic support worth mentioning was John Fox. He was my study partner and the most important peer in helping me advance my mathematics education. John passed away peacefully in his sleep during my final year of grad school, but his influence remains. He challenged me, encouraged me, and made the long nights of studying feel less daunting. His presence was a gift, and I’m grateful for the time we shared.

Share your best college memory

With so many memories from my time at SEMO, it’s impossible to choose just one as the best—or even to remember them all. But the most pivotal moment I can recall was meeting the woman who would eventually become my wife.
After connecting through a dating app, we met in person for the first time by the river in downtown Cape Girardeau during the spring of 2016. I almost walked right past her, but managed to get her attention by offering her ice cream. The funny part? I’d forgotten my wallet in the car. Luckily, one of my close friends and roommates came to the rescue with a $20 bill.

That spontaneous riverside meeting turned into a lifelong relationship. Three and a half years later, we got married—and it all started with ice cream and a borrowed twenty.

If you were in Greek Life, the Honors Program or any other student organization, please tell us about that experience and how it impacted you.

The only student organization I participated in was the Math Club—and it turned out to be one of the most meaningful parts of my academic experience. It was a tight-knit, welcoming community that deepened my connection to the Mathematics Department and reinforced my decision to pursue math as both a major and a career path. The friendships, discussions, and shared problem-solving in that group helped me feel at home and inspired me to keep pushing forward.

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

The most important thing I learned at SEMO wasn’t just academic—it was personal. The indirect life lessons I picked up along the way, especially around failure and persistence, shaped me in lasting ways. I discovered that past setbacks didn’t have to define me; they could become the foundation for future success stories.

Through positive relationships and the high standards set by my professors and peers, I was able to redefine who I was—growing not only as a student, but as a person. SEMO taught me that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about choosing to move forward with purpose.

Describe Southeast in three words

Resilience. Growth. Connection.

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

Build positive relationships with people. In both my college experience as well as my career, the networks and personal relationships I have built. In both college and my career, the networks and personal connections I’ve built have been the most impactful drivers of growth and success. Surrounding yourself with people who challenge, support, and inspire you can make all the difference—not just academically, but in shaping who you become. SEMO gave me the space to build those relationships.