Below, our students tell a little about themselves and their research interests and about why they chose Bryn Mawr. Be sure also to check out a list of recently completed M.A. theses and Ph.D. dissertations on our Alumnae/i page.
Current Ph.D. Students
Lindsay Dever
M.A. Mathematics, Bryn Mawr College | Post-Baccalaureate Program in Math, Smith College | B.S. Special Education/Mathematics, The College of New Jersey | Personal Webpage
My research interests are in analytic number theory. Specifically, I am studying the spectral theory of automorphic forms in the upper half plane and three-dimensional hyperbolic space. In my free time, I enjoy singing in choirs, hiking, and reading.
Why Bryn Mawr? I learn best by collaborating with others and explaining what I know. At Bryn Mawr, I am surrounded by people who are excited about math and want to share that with others. It is also a unique opportunity to attend graduate school in a small, liberal arts environment where teaching and research are equally valued.
Elsa Magness
B.S. Mathematics, Seattle University
I am a first year graduate student taking classes in analysis and topology. My previous research explored knot theory, number theory, and algebraic statistics. I am excited to learn from all of my courses while I decide what to focus on in the future. When I am not doing math, I enjoy cooking, hanging out with dogs, drinking coffee, and exercising.
Why Bryn Mawr? I chose Bryn Mawr because I wanted a small and collaborative space to study math and become a better teacher. Everyone at Bryn Mawr supports each other's research interests and career goals, and I love being part of such a small, friendly community.
Isaac Craig (he/him/they/them)
M.A. Mathematics, Bryn Mawr College | B.S. Mathematics, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | Personal Webpage
I am a Ph.D. candidate working with Paul Melvin. My research interests are in low-dimensional topology, specifically smooth 4-manifolds. Most recently, I have been exploring the relationships between Khovanov homology and slice genus. I decided to go to grad school because I loved tutoring as an undergrad. Math can be a lot of fun, and I’ve found it’s a great way to connect with people. If you want to talk about math, teaching, grad school, or anything else, just give me a holler. When I’m not doing math, I enjoy chess, cooking, eating, climbing, and running.
Why Bryn Mawr? I chose to join the Bryn Mawr grad program because of its small, supportive environment that focuses on developing math and teaching skills. However, Bryn Mawr has been much more than a graduate program to me. While here, I have been given the opportunity to discuss social awareness and social justice, which I consider an important part of my education.
AJ Vargas
B.S. Mathematics, University of Rochester
I'm a first year graduate student only just beginning my coursework, and I'm very excited to be doing so! Further down the line, I want to focus on learning the modern techniques of differential geometry. As a big fan of Euclid, I would like to see for myself the ways that classical geometric reasoning have influenced the study of higher dimensional spaces. Apart from math, I love the outdoors, "yo-yo"ing (i.e. the toy), coffee and tea, reading and writing, clothes, and all kinds of music.
Why Bryn Mawr? I want to come away from graduate school not only having obtained a holistic understanding of the foundations of contemporary mathematics, but also having formed close and meaningful relationships with those around me. Thus I believe the combination of the quality of Bryn Mawr's department, together with its small size and close-knit community make it an obvious choice for me. The people here care so much about what they do, and that is strongly reflected through their friendliness and willingness to help—I am glad to call myself a part of this community!
Daniel White
M.A. Mathematics, University of South Carolina | B.S. Mathematics, Shippensburg University | Personal Webpage
My research interests reside in number theory. I am particularly focused on the analytic theory of L-functions. Away from math, I enjoy listening to and playing music, exercising, and spending time with my wife and pets. Taking long walks to clear my mind on the weekends is one of my favorite activities.
Why Bryn Mawr? Bryn Mawr is focused on the individual experience of its graduate students. In combination with the small size of the program, I find that I'm very comfortable here. The students are genuinely friendly and the faculty exceptionally welcoming.
Savannah Williams (she/her)
B.S. Mathematics, Davidson College
I am a first year graduate student taking courses in algebra and complex analysis. My previous mathematical research was in graph theory, specifically coloring problems and zero-forcing, and I also worked on a project in educational policy concerning school choice and segregation. I’m excited to see what new research interests I’ll develop during my time at Bryn Mawr! In my free time, I like to bake, paint, and travel with friends.
Why Bryn Mawr? I chose Bryn Mawr because I truly felt welcome here. Everyone is genuinely friendly and committed to the learning and teaching of mathematics. The small, supportive community provides the perfect environment for me to grow as a mathematician and educator.
Current A.B./M.A. Students
Aisha Mechery '20
Sophia Schein '20
Cheyenne Zhang '20