Spring 2022 Newsletter | Webb School of Engineering

T he Premier Life Skills Universit y ® Webb School of Engineering FROM

THE WEBB

I. DEAN’S INTRODUCTION

From the Dean…

Welcome to the Spring 2022 newsletter. The Department of Mathematical Sciences joining the School of Engineering in 2021 makes that department both the youngest and oldest department in the school. It is the youngest from the perspective of membership within the School of Engineering, but the oldest with respect to being the department that has existed for the longest time. Mathematics, of course, needs little historical introduction as it traces its roots back to 3000 BCE with the development of algebra and geometry for the purposes of taxation, commerce, and trade, as well as describing patterns in nature, the field of astronomy, and to record time and develop calendars. Mathematics has given the world a great deal over the centuries including number systems, trigonometry, calculus, vectors, matrices, set theory, graph theory, and so much more.

It is interesting to note that Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, George Boole, Charles Babbage, Ada Augusta Lovelace, Alan Turing, Charles Sanders Pierce, and John von Neumann were all mathematicians and yet their names are associated with being pioneers laying the foundations in disciplines such as Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Engineering. Therefore, it is fitting that the Department of Mathematical Sciences is now a member of the Webb School of Engineering since mathematics continues to provide a solid foundational basis for degree programs in these disciplines.

This newsletter has a focus on the exciting activities taking place in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, and the four programs they offer: Mathematics, Mathematical Economics, Actuarial Science, and Data Analytics and Statistics. As you peruse the newsletter, you’ll see articles about some faculty members, student profiles, and articles highlighting the activities of the faculty and students.

We always like to hear from alumni to learn what they are doing and how. They are using their degrees. If you have a story you would like to share, please contact me at moudshoo@highpoint.edu. We would like to feature some alumni in a future newsletter.

II. DEPARTMENTAL NEWS

Message from the Chair

Welcome to the Spring 2022 Newsletter! COVID has definitely kept us busy the past two years, but we are happily holding in-person classes. I would like to thank all the faculty, staff, and students for all their hard work and efforts in ensuring smooth and successful transitions during this time.

We welcomed Dr. Niloofar Ghorbani as an Assistant Professor of Actuarial Science and Statistics in Fall 2021. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Arlington. We welcomed Dr. Omar Saldarriaga as an Assistant Professor of Mathematics in Spring 2022. He joins us from the Institute of Mathematics Universidad de Antioquia in Medellin, Colombia. Welcome to both of our new colleagues!

In this newsletter, you will see articles about some exciting developments in Mathematical Sciences: Dr. Laurie Zack received an external Mathematical Association of America (MAA) Preparation for Industrial Careers (PIC) in Mathematics Grant, which includes the development of a researchbased course that has research problems from Business, Industry, and Government. Dr. Matt Slifko successfully led initiatives redesigning the curriculum for our Data Analytics and Statistics Program to be more interdisciplinary. Dr. Brielle Spencer-Tyree and Ms. Melissa Glass organized our first PI-Day event on March 14th. Dr. Jenny Fuselier and Dr. Zack organized our HPU Graduate and Alumni Jobs Panels. We are hosting our first Sonia Kovalevsky high school and middle school math day for girls virtually on April 9th. Also, our undergraduates are phenomenal, participating in prestigious Research Experiences for Undergraduates and Internships, and they are receiving prestigious Fellowships and Scholarships.

I encourage all HPU Mathematical Sciences alumni and friends to send us their news. We’d love to hear from you!

Dandrielle Lewis

receives MAA PIC Math Grant

Dr. Laurie Zack, associate professor of mathematical sciences, received the national Mathematical Association of America grant from PIC (Preparation for Industrial Careers) Math. The grant provides faculty with resources for a semester-long, credit-bearing course focused on solving industrial problems.

She has two groups working on two main projects in the course. One group is working on analyzing data from a company called Phillips Collection. They have been working on cleaning the data they have been getting, organizing it into meaningful data, and doing exploratory analysis on it. Another group is working with the city of High Point looking at trash routes. This group has been digitally mapping the routes in a GIS system and researching ways to find the shortest/ fastest routes.

These projects will improve student abilities in problem solving, critical thinking, independent thinking, and communication.

Matt Slifko leads Data Analytics and Statistics Initiatives

Dr. Slifko, assistant professor of statistics, joined HPU department of mathematical sciences August 2019. Since he joined, our Data Analytics and Statistics program has grown from 4 majors and 3 minors to 24 majors and 8 minors in 2021-2022.

Dr. Slifko, known as “Slifko” to undergraduates, is a fierce advocate for our program and students. He designed a more flexible and interdisciplinary curriculum for our students to aid them as they navigate the program. This development includes an Introduction to Data course, STS/CSC 1600 that allows students to get a taste of what Data Analytics and Statistics has to offer, how to work with, interpret, and analyze data sets, and learn R. Other newly developed courses include Math for Data Analytics, Collaboration in Data Analytics, and a Data Analytics Capstone course. Revisions to existing courses incorporate more use of R, which is commonly used in the field instead of SAS.

Dr. Slifko’s leadership in the Data Analytics and Statistics program has not only benefitted our department faculty and students but has positively impacted multiple disciplines across campus.

Alumni Panels Support Students in the Mathematical Sciences

We often learn the most from those who have recently been in our shoes. In 2018, Andy Perreault (HPU ’15) reached out to ask if she could organize an alumni panel focused on graduate school for STEM students. Of course, we said yes! While resources are available to students through faculty advice and via HPU’s Office of Career and Professional Development, navigating graduate school applications or a job search in the Mathematical Sciences comes with challenges and opportunities unique to our disciplines. The 2018 event was such a success that we have continued to offer two department alumni panels each year since.

Our fall panel focuses on all things graduate school. Panelists share about the application process, adjusting to a larger school, choosing a research advisor, fellowships and funding, and more. While the panelists all studied mathematics, mathematical economics, or actuarial science at HPU, their graduate programs are wide-ranging. Recent panelists have advanced degrees in mathematics, computational biology, economics, law, and more. Hosting the event in the fall allows students to get advice early during their graduate school application and decision process. As senior Alexis LaBelle said, “Learning about how recent graduates navigated challenges faced in the early years of graduate school was beneficial. While I’ve previously heard some ideas mentioned from faculty, it eases more anxieties to hear from peers closer in age.”

In the spring, our panel centers around jobs, and we enjoy showcasing the wide variety of positions our graduates secure. Panelists share how they found internships, what led to their current position, and what they wish they had done differently. While some degrees in the department typically track to a particular career path (as with Actuarial Science), others tend to be more broad (as with mathematics). Alumni address how a degree in Mathematical Sciences helped set them apart and how learning to think mathematically is applicable across many industries and professions, regardless of which degree they completed. Recent panelists work as systems engineers, software engineers, actuaries, and data scientists in industries including finance, defense, insurance, and technology. Current students have responded well to these panels, especially the way they target mathematical disciplines. Senior Tony Quagliata appreciated that “they can talk about their experiences and things that employers are looking for specifically in our domain,” and senior Kyle Albright liked hearing how “topics from specific courses in the department are used in mathematical careers.”

Our panelists are generous with their time, often sharing contact info with current students and staying in touch. As Andy Perreault stated, “I choose to give back to HPU students through alumni panels because I would have loved to have this opportunity as a student myself.” We are grateful for their time and wisdom, and we look forward to similar events in the years to come. Mathematical Sciences and Research

PI-Day March 14th

Dr. Brielle Spencer-Tyree and Ms. Melissa Glass, Mathematical Sciences Instructors, planned an exciting PI-Day for our department. They organized a 3.14 mile run where individuals could share their images to uploaded to social media, and they organized a fun PI-Day photo booth, pizza, and pie event during the day. Mathematical Sciences majors, minors, and faculty participated, and had lots of pie and fun (see photos below)!

Sonia Kovalevsky (SK) High School and Middle School Math Day for Girls

On April 9th, we hosted our first SK Day at HPU. The theme of our day is DI-Versity in Math: Gaming to Promote Exposure! SK Day was a virtual event from 8:45am – 12:20pm.

This project aims to expose middle school and high school young women to opportunities available in Mathematics by creating fun and exciting experiences through workshops, plenary talks, panel discussions, and a math challenges activity.

The teachers, parents, and sponsors were invited to attend our day of activities and participate in the teacher workshops. We aim to create a network between our participants, guest speakers and panelists, the High Point University Mathematical Sciences Department, and the Guilford and Forsyth County area schools.

Our keynote speaker was Dr. Shelby Wilson, a Senior Data Scientist at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. The title of Dr. Wilson’s presentation was Mathematics, Life, and a Global Pandemic: An Unexpected Journey. Our high school workshop, facilitated by Dr. Karen O’Hara and led by majors Carolina Kapper and Annie Sellenberg, is titled Duck Duck Good Luck! Our middle school workshop, facilitated by Dr. Jenny Fuselier and led by majors

CeAnna Cummings and Alexis LaBelle is titled Team Dice Games & fun with 3D Shapes. Our teacher/ parent workshop, facilitated and led by Mr. Tremaine Skeen and Dr. Brielle Spencer-Tyree, is titled Get Your Head in the Game: An Introduction to Game Theory! Our Math Fun Challenges Competition, facilitated by Dr. Dandrielle Lewis and led by Ainsley Krohn, Daniya McClain, and Annie Sellenberg, is titled Math Bingo!

Our hope is to ignite a passion for Mathematics within our participants and to develop long-lasting relationships that will aid these young women as they transition from middle school to high school and from high school to college.

Mathematical Sciences and Research

Faculty/student research is a high-impact practice that is valued within our Department and at our University. At HPU’s Research and Creative Symposium, we had great faculty/student research collaborations on display in both oral and poster presentation sessions.

• Alexis LaBelle gave an oral presentation on Multiplicities of polynomial roots over the perplex numbers. Her faculty advisor is Dr. Jenny Fuselier.

• Kyle Albright gave an oral presentation on The Mathematics Behind Home-Court Advantage in Basketball. His faculty advisor is Dr. Brett Geiger.

• Drew Faust, Spencer Kaye, and Kyle Albright gave an oral presentation on Phillips Collection Data Analysis. Their faculty advisor is Dr. Laurie Zack, and this project is a product of Dr. Zack receiving the PIC Math grant from the Mathematical Association of America.

• Megan Kratzer created a poster presentation on A Comparison of Models for Predicting NCAA Volleyball Match Outcomes. Her faculty advisor is Dr. Matt Slifko.

• Hailey Allen, Stephen Binkley, Ean Daniel, and Brian Falatko created a poster presentation on Optimization of Trash Pick Up Routes Using QGIS. Their faculty advisor is Dr. Laurie Zack, and this project is a product of Dr. Zack receiving the PIC Math grant from the Mathematical Association of America.

• Carolina Kapper, Josslyn Payne, and Carl Rothrock created a poster presentation on Analyzing Relationships in the Furniture Purchasing Market. Their faculty advisor is Dr. Laurie Zack, and this project is a product of Dr. Zack receiving the PIC Math grant from the Mathematical Association of America.

• Tony Quagliata won “Best Oral Presentation” for his presentation on Mixed Reality Research: An Interactive Virtual Scene. Tony is a Mathematics and Computer Science major. His faculty advisor is Mr. Roger Shore in Computer Science.

Mathematical Sciences Student Successes

Our majors and minors are engaged in exciting activities, and we are proud of their achievements. Find a few student highlights below.

• CeAnna Cummings starts her career as an Analyst with JP Morgan Chase in June 2022.

• Emily Guettler passed her second Actuarial Science Exam. She won the Top Graduate Departmental Award.

• Carolina Kapper will be participating in a Research Experience for Undergraduates at NC State Summer 2022.

• Alexis LaBelle won the Outstanding Graduate Departmental Award. She got accepted to 9 graduate schools, and she plans to attend NC State to pursue a graduate degree in Mathematics.

• Nick Nunez passed his first Actuarial Science Exam.

• Tony Quagliata won the Superb Scholarly Work Departmental Award.

Electrical and Computer Engineering Hosts its First Annual Engineers Week

We’re building community at High Point University’s growing ECE department! March saw the launch of a series of weekly makerspace workshops, led by Makerspace and Engineering Lab Manager Matt Eaton. Engineering can be such a creative and exciting discipline, and for the occasional topic that might not fall into the scope of the traditional engineering courses, the ECE department has launched a series of weekly workshops that take place in the Webb School of Engineering Makerspace. These workshops cover everything from RGB LEDs, to robotics, and even IOT and

computer vision/machine learning projects. The goal of these workshops is three-fold: to cover useful and interesting topics within engineering in an enjoyable and low-pressure environment; to have fun making and inventing in the Makerspace; and to build community with the engineering cohort. Our first workshops have been very successful, and we look forward to continuing the program through the rest of the semester and on into next school year. These workshops are held from 3:00 to 5:00, every Friday in the Webb School of Engineering Makerspace (Couch 230).

This spring, the ECE Department hosted its first annual Engineers Week celebration. Participating students were able to build small drones and compete in an indoor drone race, complete with prizes for both the races and the most creative drone creation. In a second event, pizza was provided at a research talk event where faculty

and students talked about their current research and design projects. This was so successful that a monthly “Professional Pizza” event will be scheduled, including presentations on professional topics and research both from within the department and from local industry.

The

Computer Science Students Win Cybersecurity Competition

More than a dozen HPU Computer Science students recently participated in a world-class cybersecurity training exercise/competition. On March 18-20, 2022, a team from Sandia National Labs conducted Tracer FIRE 10 in the Cybersecurity Education Learning Facility (CELF) in Couch Hall. FIRE stands for Forensic Incident Response Exercise, which

accurately describes what the students were trained to do. Given the state of computers and networks in the aftermath of a fictional cyberattack, students had to employ forensic tools to determine the source of the attack, the attack vectors used, and the extent of the damage.

The competition included students from North Carolina A&T, UNC-Greensboro, UNC-Wilmington, and East Carolina University. After nearly 24 hours of around-the-clock investigation, teams briefed their findings to the Sandia

cadre. An HPU team consisting of Nick Greiner, Reilly Kobbe, Justin Riccardelli, and Timothy Beal finished in first place, with other HPU teams coming in third and fifth.

Nick Greiner was lauded as the top scoring individual in the competition, with Timothy Beal also finishing in the top five. A total of fourteen HPU students gave up their weekend to participate in the exercise, and all ended up with new cyber forensic skills that will give them a competitive edge in the future.

III. STUDENT PROFILE

1. What are you studying at HPU? I am a Mathematics major and Computer Science minor.

2. Why did you choose HPU? I chose HPU because I felt confident that I would benefit from the various opportunities to develop soft skills in addition to experiencing growth in academic areas. I applied to HPU with the intent to be a high school teacher, and I also appreciated the opportunity to get experience in a classroom starting freshman year.

3. What interests do you have outside of your major?

Outside of my major, I enjoy taking part in philanthropic events for my sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. I also enjoy spending time at the gym because working out allows me to temporarily escape from the stress which inevitably comes with taking challenging courses.

4. What are some of the challenges that you have faced or overcome this semester?

The greatest challenge I have faced this semester, and continue to face, is choosing what comes next. I plan to continue my education in graduate school to obtain my PhD in pure mathematics and, ultimately, achieve my goal of becoming a professor. Once accepted, choosing HPU for my undergraduate degree was a no-brainer. Thus far, I have been accepted to a handful of graduate programs and the decision is not as easy. I hope to land in a place which sets me up for success just as HPU has these past four years.

5. What do you hope to do with your degree when you graduate?

I hope to land in a place which sets me up for success just as HPU has these past four years.

6. Are you involved in any activities on campus?

In what capacity?

I am a member of a sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. I take pride in participating in philanthropic events to raise awareness for domestic violence awareness. Further, I am very involved in the Mathematical Sciences department. I have been a student instructor for three years for various classes in the Calculus sequence and tutor up to twenty hours a week. I am currently volunteering with another senior to plan and conduct a middle school math activity at SK Day in April to kindle a passion for mathematics in participants.

7. What advice would you like to share with your peers or with future students?

I advise my peers and future students to take advantage of the small class sizes and build relationships with their professors. It is obvious that the faculty at HPU want students to succeed and grow individually and personally as well as academically. Building these connections will help when you’re trying to plan what comes next. Also, it is so easy to get caught up in school work and let it take over your life. Take care of yourself and give yourself a break every once in a while. The years will fly by so make the best of your time here. And finally, find something good in every day, even if it is small.

Nicholas Nunez

1. What are you studying at HPU?

Actuarial Science (a blend of statistics and business)

2. Why did you choose HPU? I chose HPU because it was the only college near me with an Actuarial Science program.

3. What interests do you have outside of your major? I appreciate art specifically, animation and portrait

paintings. I also enjoy economics as it pertains to nation-building and history.

4. What are some of the challenges that you have faced or overcome this semester?

This semester has certainly been my most difficult due to conflicts between my course work, job, and relationships. I have dialed back my hours and allocated one night a week to spend with friends to prioritize my classwork.

5. What do you hope to do with your degree when you graduate?

Following graduation, I will become an actuary by taking advantage of the statistics I learned at HPU.

I am a member of Money Talks, which is an organization of students who meet to discuss economic and financial topics. As a member, I have given many Money Talks on topics ranging from econometrics to the history of US currency.

Josslyn Payne

1. What are you studying at HPU?

Double major in Mathematical Economics and Data Analytics and Statistics with a minor in Computer Science

2. Why did you choose HPU?

The math department at HPU especially stood out to me. The variety of majors and minors offered was exceptional in comparison to the other schools I was considering. I also liked the multidisciplinary, holistic approach of the Honors Program and the flexibility it offered for the pursuit of several majors or minors. During my college search, I knew it was important to find a university that could accommodate my need to delve into multiple interests. My visit to HPU made it clear that I would be empowered to lean into my curiosity with the support of mentors and the individualized attention afforded by small class sizes.

3. What interests do you have outside of your major? Most of my outside interests manifest in the form of podcasts. I have found that they are the easiest way for me to enjoy new information regularly without taking too much time away from my studies. I generally listen to podcasts about Korean culture and language, current events, or updates in the fields of tech and law. I also enjoy reading, especially in nature, so I often travel to parks and beaches to read and exercise with friends.

4. What are some of the challenges that you have faced or overcome this semester?

One challenge I anticipated facing this semester was the Math Special Topics course. The class is designed to prepare students for industrial careers in mathematics by partnering with local companies to investigate their problems in small groups. I knew the course would be a new experience for me with major independent learning and a lack of clear assignments. Although initially challenging, I have learned to work in a group to design, collaborate on, and allocate tasks to efficiently achieve our goals. I also discovered that independent learning can be extremely rewarding and I have gained numerous skills that I can use throughout my career.

7. What advice would you like to share with your peers or with future students?

I would strongly recommend class participation to build strong relationships with your professors and peers. No one falls asleep while their mouth is moving so raise your hand high if you have early morning classes.

5. What do you hope to do with your degree when you graduate?

I currently aspire to work as a data analyst or scientist. I would love to discover a career opportunity that truly incorporates both of my majors. Since data analysis is becoming a more vital element of all industries, I should be able to work for a company that combines my interests with the knowledge that I’ve gained throughout my time at HPU.

6. Are you involved in any activities on campus? In what capacity?

My main activity on campus is serving as the Vice President of the Lollipop Effect Club, a mental health awareness and advocacy club. The club strives to emphasize and educate about the importance of mental health and small acts of kindness on campus. My involvement in the club has also previously allowed me to serve as a senator in the Student Government Association. I also enjoy participating in activities through Alpha Lambda Delta, National Society of Leadership and Success, Entrepreneurship Club, and the Honors Program.

7. What advice would you like to share with your peers or with future students?

I would advise incoming students to not become obsessed with the future. It is very easy to feel pressured to plan out your life. However, I think focusing on your interests and letting curiosity lead you is important, especially as a freshman. Paying attention to the topics that motivate and captivate you can allow you to eventually discover a career path that you truly love. Starting out with a general area in mind is good, but detailed planning could risk stifling your future passions. Overall, take note of self-discoveries and be open to change because college is the perfect time for exploration.

6. Are you involved in any activities on campus? In what capacity?

One University Parkway High Point, North Carolina 27268

T he Premier Life Skills Universit y ® Webb School of Engineering