Published March 26, 2024
CAPTION:(L-R, standing) Dr. Blake Farman, Pradeep Poudel, Sumiksha Koirala, Courtney Stephenson,
Niriara KC, Dinesh Chhantyal, Dr. Jemin Shim (L-R, kneeling) Pushkar Kandel, Subik Sapkota, Subash Sapkota
MONROE, LA – Eight ULM students enjoyed the opportunity to attend the annual meeting of the Louisiana-Mississippi
section of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) in New Orleans, LA from February
29 through March 2, 2024. Students attended a Career Panel highlighting the many
opportunities for mathematics majors post-graduation, participated in workshops on
mathematical modeling and data science, attended talks focused on applications of
mathematics to problems in hydrology, data science, fluid dynamics, and logic, and
networked with faculty, professional mathematicians, and other students from the region.
When asked to summarize the experience, Subik Sapkota said, “Attending the workshops
and participating in the competition at the MAA sectional meeting was a truly enriching
experience for me. I gained valuable insights into the prospects of a math major and
discovered new career paths within mathematics that I found intriguing. The opportunity
to learn from experts in the field and engage with fellow enthusiasts was both inspiring
and educational. Overall, it was a rewarding journey that has fueled my passion for
mathematics even further.”
In addition to networking and professional development, students demonstrated their
problem-solving skills by participating in the 21st annual Integration Bee. The competition included 55 students from 11 schools across
the region. ULM was represented by Dinesh Chhantyal, Pushkar Kandel, Nirjara K C,
Sumiksha Koirala, Pradeep Poudel, and Subik Sapkota. ULM students exhibited exceptional
performance by taking five of the top seven spots, with Dinesh Chhantyal placing third
overall.
The next MAA sectional meeting will take place in Spring 2025 in Jackson, MS. According
to Subash Sapkota, “I would definitely recommend my fellow mathematics majors attend
MAA meetings as they are a great resource for networking, insightful workshop experiences,
inspiring people, and someone who can guide you because they were somehow in the same
shoes in some point of their life.” Students who are interested in participating
in the future should keep an eye out for the Integration Bee qualifier in the Fall.
About the Mathematics Program
Building from a solid foundation of dedicated faculty, the program provides a top-quality
mathematics curriculum incorporating contemporary educational technology as well as
innovative teaching strategies. Along with the essential quantitative skills, all
levels of the curriculum will develop logical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
The mathematics program offers three concentrations in Mathematics, Actuarial Sciences,
and Mathematics Education. For more information, visit https://www.ulm.edu/math.
