Published March 18, 2025
CAPTION:Students from the ULM mathematics department competed in the 22nd annual Integration Bee. Pictured L-R: Faisal Kaleem, Sumiksha Koirala, Nirjara KC, Dinesha Chhantyal, Sujal Thapa, Prabin Bk, Dr. Jemin Shim
MONROE, LA – Students from the University of Louisiana Monroe mathematics department recently
participated in a two-state competition and also assisted a local high school with
its math competition.
Five ULM students had the opportunity to attend the annual meeting of the Louisiana-Mississippi
section of the Mathematics Association of America (MAA) on February 20. In the meeting,
59 students from schools across Louisiana and Mississippi competed in the 22nd annual Integration Bee. Each school is allowed to bring up to six high qualified
students to represent the institution.
ULM was represented in the competition by Sumiksha Koirala, Nirjara K C, Prabin Bk,
Sujal Thapa, and Dinesh Chhantyal. Chhantyal won second place overall, while Koirala
finished third overall, making her the first female student to place in the top three
at the Integration Bee competition.
“It was a wonderful experience to compete with highly qualified students from other
institutions,” said Koirala. “Being the third overall in Louisiana and Mississippi
is an honor, especially because no female student has achieved this before. I want
to thank Dr. Faisal Kalemm and Dr. Jemin Shim for the opportunity to compete in the
Integration Bee,” she added.
CAPTION: Students and faculty from ULM assistedRiverfield Academy with their junior high math competition. Pictured L-R: Dr. Jemin Shim, Pushkar
Kandel, Joshua Harrison, Sumiksha Koirala, Crystal Stephenson, 8th grade students from Riverfield Academy, Subik Sapkota, Subash Sapkota
Six ULM Math Club students volunteered to help facilitate the Junior High Math Competition
at Riverfield Academy in Rayville, La. on February 21, which was organized by Riverfield
math teacher Crystal Stephenson.
The ULM Math Club students were Joshua Harrison, Pushkar Kandel, Sumiksha Koirala,
Nirjar K C, Subash Sapkota, and Subik Sapkota. ULM Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Jemin Shim also assisted with the competition.
Sixth through eighth grade Riverfield students competed against each other to solve
challenging math problems. ULM students assisted the Riverfield students in solving
these problems by answering their questions and guiding them in the correct direction.
Riverfield Academy also made a $500 donation to ULM Math Club for helping with the
competition.
“I found the tutoring itself really fulfilling, as I quickly began to really enjoy
getting to understand how each student approached a problem,” said ULM Math Club member
Joshua Harrison. “As a first-time ‘teaching’ experience, I would say it makes me want
to be better at guiding students through a problem and motivates me to forward my
understanding of how general math learners react to questions that challenge them.
The kids were super smart and hardworking!” added Harrison.
"I'm so thankful for the opportunity and willingness of ULM to participate in this
one-of-a-kind event that made learning fun for my students,” said Riverfield math
teacher Crystal Stephenson. “They loved competing against their classmates and interacting
with the ULM math club members and a college math professor. This event opened doors
for my students as they exercised their problem-solving skills in a competitive field
and saw firsthand that their potential is limitless,” Stephenson stated.
About the ULM Mathematics Program
Building from a solid foundation of dedicated faculty, the ULM Mathematics 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.
