Math

Amanda Pogson
Class of 2007

What were your reasons for choosing Fairfield University?
I was looking for a well-rounded liberal arts school that wasn't too large. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life, so I wanted a school where I could do a wide variety of things. Fairfield hit all of those things and I simply loved the campus and the vibe that I got when I visited.

What would you tell a student considering coming to Fairfield as an undergraduate?
Fairfield is a great school in a great area. It allows you to get a well-rounded education that will help you in any future job that you have.

What went into your thinking as you selected your major?
I always loved math. I was debating between math and business, but ultimately decided that my love of Math was stronger and that I would be able to use the skills and analytical thinking that I learned in my math classes across a variety of careers.

What were the best aspects of your experience at Fairfield?
I loved the people I met there, the professors, the campus. Really the whole experience was great.

Please describe any interesting project, research opportunity, internship, leadership opportunity, or anything else you were a part of while at Fairfield.
I had the opportunity to tutor at the math center as well as privately. Tutoring gave me a great opportunity to hone my teaching skills, which I use every day in my current work as a manager.

What are you currently working on, or studying, and what about it inspires you?
I am currently a credentialed actuary (FCAS) at Liberty Mutual, a large property and casualty insurance company. My job title is director, actuary. I am responsible for determining the best estimate of our future liabilities that will arise from claims that have occurred. I love what I do. I love trying to analyze the data and figure out what is going on beneath the surface. I enjoy being able to hear executives reference things from my work in earnings releases.

How have the opportunities offered to you through Fairfield such as research, internships, alumni network, faculty relationships) helped you move closer to achieving your career goals?
My profession requires a significant investment of time into exams. I was able to partake in a study session held by Dr. McSweeney to help prepare myself for taking (and passing the first exam). I was also able to take classes in economics and business that were also required for my credentials. The biggest thing that helped me in my career as an actuary, though, is that I learned how to think analytically, which is invaluable in my profession. Taking a variety of math classes really taught me how to think through analytical problems and really gave me a leg up when I started at my first entry level actuarial job.

What student activities (clubs, athletics, honor societies) were you involved in on campus? Please include any honors you may have received.
Pi Mu Epsilon. Graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Marcel Blais
Class of 1999

Minor: Computer science, Economics, & Business Management

What were your reasons for choosing Fairfield University?
I really liked the University on my initial campus tour and interview. Dartmouth was my top choice and I didn't get in. I was deciding between Fairfield & Stonehill for my final decision.

What would you tell a student considering coming to Fairfield as an undergraduate?
I would strongly encourage them to attend and point out that Fairfield provides a strong liberal arts education and a strong treatment of major and minor subject areas.

What went into your thinking as you selected your major?
I was undeclared and unsure of what to study, and Professor Ben Fine's “Discrete Mathematics” course introduced me to what mathematicians actually do and inspired me to study math.

What were the best aspects of your experience at Fairfield?
I loved studying math there. I felt a very strong connection to the math department, and the many of the math faculty were nurturing of my love for math. Faculty mentors were happy to work with me and mentor me in my interests. Also, I loved being involved with the college radio station.

Please describe any interesting project, research opportunity, internship, leadership opportunity, or anything else you were a part of while at Fairfield.
I worked with Professor Stephen Sawin on some research, which was pivotal in preparing me for moving on to graduate study in math. Also, I had a great internship at William M. Mercer in Stamford that gave me nice industry experience and also perspective on whether to pursue graduate school or take an industry job offer.

What are you currently working on, or studying, and what about it inspires you?
I'm a faculty member in the Mathematical Sciences Department at WPI (also currently serving as the departmental associate head), and really everything about my job I find inspiring, with the exception of grading. More specifically, teaching upper level and graduate coursework in operations research and financial math and advising student projects with industry sponsors are consistently inspiring and fulfilling aspects of my work. I also started a brewery with a close friend from Fairfield, which has been a wonderful side project for me.

How have the opportunities offered to you through Fairfield such as research, internships, alumni network, faculty relationships) helped you move closer to achieving your career goals?
My mentors at Fairfield, specifically Matt Coleman, Steve Sawin, and Ben Fine, were huge for me in terms of professional development and getting me onto my career path.

What student activities (clubs, athletics, honor societies) were you involved in on campus? Please include any honors you may have received.
Arthur Dershowitz Math Prize, Pi Mu Epsilon President, WVOF DJ and Metal Director

Please add anything else you wish us to know.
I had a wonderful experience at Fairfield and do maintain a connection to the math department.

Karen Kenny Dettlinger
Class of 1998

Minor: Education

What were your reasons for choosing Fairfield University?
One of the main reasons was the Jesuit influence that is woven throughout the whole campus. It was the perfect distance from home (not too far, not too close).

What would you tell a student considering coming to Fairfield as an undergraduate?
Fairfield not only gives you an amazing education, it shapes who you are as a person. You grow to realize that giving back to your community matters.

What went into your thinking as you selected your major?
Dr. Coleman was my Freshman year calculus professor and he convinced me to major in math. I was undecided and explained that with a math major I would be able to enter so many careers.

What were the best aspects of your experience at Fairfield?
There are so many! Dorm life, living at the beach, FUSA and the math department.

What are you currently working on, or studying, and what about it inspires you?
I have been teaching mathematics for over 20 years. I have a passion for volunteering and giving back. I am president of the Board of Education for Brielle School District. I also am on the board for Brielle Recreation.

How have the opportunities offered to you through Fairfield such as research, internships, alumni network, faculty relationships) helped you move closer to achieving your career goals?
My close contact with my professors after my graduation has helped me be successful.

What student activities (clubs, athletics, honor societies) were you involved in on campus?
Pi Mu Epsilon (Mathematics Honor Society); Fairfield University Student Association Leadership; Award Dean’s List 1996-1998.

Catherine Capuzzi Feuerstein
Class of 1998

Minor: Computer Science/Secondary Education

What were your reasons for choosing Fairfield University?
I wanted a small, Catholic school with no Greek life.

What would you tell a student considering coming to Fairfield as an undergraduate?
Your professors will truly care about your success and will go above and beyond to help you learn.

What went into your thinking as you selected your major?
Mathematics was always my absolute favorite subject. I went back and forth with mathematics related majors (like engineering) but ultimately decided that a mathematics major would allow for the most flexibility after undergraduate school.

What were the best aspects of your experience at Fairfield?
The professors! The professors are master teachers. They love their field and they have a passion for sharing it with you. In bigger schools, the professors are focused on their research and you are taught by teaching assistants. Somehow, the amazing professors at Fairfield figured out a way to be successful in their research as well as their classrooms!

Please describe any interesting project, research opportunity, internship, leadership opportunity, or anything else you were a part of while at Fairfield.
After junior year, I spent the summer at Northern Arizona University doing mathematics research. I continued this research when I returned to Fairfield as part of my honors program final project (with the help of an amazing professor).

What are you currently working on, or studying, and what about it inspires you?
I work in mathematics curriculum design and assessment writing. I have co-authored a couple secondary text books and have worked with companies like the College Board and Kaplan to design and edit assessments.

How have the opportunities offered to you through Fairfield such as research, internships, alumni network, faculty relationships) helped you move closer to achieving your career goals?
During my junior year, my advisor really pushed me to apply for undergraduate research positions. The research program I participated in as a junior really opened doors for me. I was accepted into a graduate program with a full ride and a stipend.

What student activities (clubs, athletics, honor societies) were you involved in on campus?
I was heavily involved in FUSA each year. I was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Pi Mu Epsilon.

Please add anything else you wish us to know.
I will never forget how much time and effort my advisor put into making sure I was prepared for my GRE subject test. He spent hours helping me to study, explaining concepts I was unsure of. I credit him with much of my success. I would not have had the confidence to apply to graduate school if it wasn't for him and I certainly would not have earned a full ride/stipend without his help!