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Chris Pavone (Class of 2001): There Is No Faking It In Mathematics
Chris Pavone, Class of 2001, is currently earning a PhD in Math from the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB). He credits the Mathematics program at Plattsburgh State
for much of his present success.
Chris shares his experiences at Plattsburgh State in his own words:
"It's clear that my mathematics background from Plattsburgh State enabled me to go on to further my studies in mathematics (there is no faking it in mathematics). I am currently a graduate student at the University of California at Santa Barbara. I received my MA in Mathematics from UCSB in June 03' and I will finish my PhD there in June 2006.
"The foundation I received at Plattsburgh State was strong enough to help me survive my first couple years of grad school. As soon as I arrived at UCSB I was expected to hold discussion sections for groups of around 30 students!
"Without tutoring , being a teaching assistant, and giving presentations while I was at Plattsburgh State, I don't think I would have been able to do those things as easily during my first year of grad school. I have also taught my own class twice. For me, being able to stand up in front of an audience was a major accomplishment.
"Personal Relationships With My Professors Made All the Difference"
"Every professor that I had at Plattsburgh State (in the Math Department especially) left a great impression on me. To mention just a few:
Joe Bodenrader pretty much took me under his wing and helped me with everything from giving presentations to applying to grad school. Joe also taught me Calculus and his class was an influential factor in my decision to become a mathematics major early in my freshman year.
Sam Northshield was also a great advisor to me and was there for help whenever I needed it. He gave me lots of great advice on grad school, shared a lot of his experiences in grad school, and to this day still keeps me up to date on the happenings around the department.
Bob Hofer taught me how to write a proof, and that has proved to be one of my most valuable skills (it probably helped me survive my first year of grad school).
"What I liked most about the program was its very personal nature. Plattsburgh State is a relatively small school and this enabled me to make some very close connections with most of my professors and my peers.
"I got to know a lot of people while I was there, and rarely did I go anywhere on campus without recognizing a face. I still keep in touch with some of my classmates. Sam Northshield sends me a copy of the department's newsletter, VitalSines , every publication and I still love reading it. Whenever I go back to visit Plattsburgh I always make my rounds to the Learning Center and Math Department to say hello.
"The facilities at Plattsburgh State are excellent. Hawkins Hall (where the Math Department is) is one of the nicest buildings on campus. I always felt very fortunate to being going to such a comfortable and well-accommodated school. The computer labs at the library are awesome too.
"Plattsburgh is an awesome school, and an overall great experience. I definitely recommend it. If you are planning on doing math, Plattsburgh State has some great professors."
Chris' Advice for New Mathematics Students
"Let's see... Don't listen to what they say; the dining hall is great. Become a tutor at the Learning Center (and do your homework there because it's cool and all your friends will be there). Work hard and stay focused. And most importantly, it's not the school that determines where you go after you graduate, it's what you put into the school."
Questions?
If you would like more information about mathematics at Plattsburgh State, please contact
David Kenoyer, Chairperson
Phone: (518) 564-4137
Fax: (518) 564-4124
E-mail: kenoyedb@plattsburgh.edu