Mathematics Ambassadors 2016-2017
Aamodini Gupta
I'm an international undergraduate junior majoring in Applied Mathematics and minoring in
both Statistics and Astronomy. I am also a student mentor at NetMath (so I enjoy math quite a
bit). Outside of mathematics, I enjoy reading; I make sure that I read at least one page every
day before I go to bed— it’s my stress relief! I also enjoy hiking and I've done a lot of high
altitude trekking. One of the most important things I would want to do with my life is to be
well travelled, and hopefully have a career that would help me achieve this. Lastly, I am a part
of Phi Sigma Rho - a national sorority of engineers. Our mascot is a penguin!
Daniel Reeter
I am a senior majoring in Actuarial Science with a minor in Informatics. This past Summer I had
an internship with Swiss Re in Armonk, New York, and it was a fantastic experience in which I
learned a lot. There are lots of exciting things happening in the Mathematics Department and
Actuarial Science program, and I am very excited to share them with prospective students and
alumni as a Math Ambassador! When I'm not in class or studying, I'm usually at rehearsal for
the Marching Illini or other athletic bands, where I play tenor sax. I also enjoy running, biking, watching movies
and reading. I'm excited to meet and talk with lots of people who are passionate about mathematics and Illinois!
Wanli Zhang
I am a senior studying Mathematics, Economics and Statistics. I love Math for its beauty and
intricacy. Also, it can always give me a deep sense of satisfaction. During my study in the
Department of Mathematics, I have not only obtained tons of knowledge, but also learned
how to think rationally, speak logically and act efficiently. I am grateful for all the things I have
gained here and I am more than willing to help other students learn the magic of math, feel
the wonders of math and eventually fall in love with math. For the future, I want to be a
financial engineer and apply what I learned. When I am free, I enjoy playing piano and traveling. If you have any
questions, feel free to talk to me. I am always glad to help.
Benjamin Norton
I am a junior Mathematics major concentrating in Operations Research. My mathematical
interests are modeling and topology. My other interests include cologne collecting, biking, and
music. On campus I am an intern at WPGU 107.1 and a lab assistant for Math 112. Illinois'
Mathematics program has given me innumerable opportunities, from being an officer for
SIAM (Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics), to working over the summer for the
Illinois Geometry Lab. My professor for Fundamental Mathematics my sophomore year
showed me the passion possible for mathematics, and I hope to carry that passion onward. I would like a
graduate degree in mathematics.
Yike Xu
I am a junior studying in Mathematics with a double major in Statistics. I transferred here in
Fall 2015 and have spent a wonderful year on campus. I am fascinated by the University of
Illinois because of its strong academics, beautiful scenery and historical buildings, especially
Altgeld Hall. My favorite subjects are Mathematics, Statistics and Economics. I want to learn
more about Actuarial Science in graduate school, and becoming an Enrolled Actuary is my
dream career. In my spare time, I like to watch movies, go shopping and travel around the
world. I am so excited to be a Math Ambassador!
Sarah Allen
I am a junior studying mathematics with a concentration in Operations Research. I am
currently looking into pursuing a career in the data analytics field. I love that as a math major
at University of Illinois, I have numerous opportunities to expand my skills and get further
involved with the Mathematics Department. I am a 2016 recipient of the Dr. Lois M. Lackner
Mathematics Scholarship. On campus, I am involved in tutoring and grading for Math 115,
volunteering through Alpha Phi Omega, and planning James Scholars events. In my free time,
I enjoy playing piano and reading.
Xiao Jin
I am currently a junior in Actuarial Science. There are many choices when pursuing a math
major at the U of I, such as five different concentrations or Actuarial Science. I prefer the
combination of both Mathematics and Finance, so Actuarial Science is a great fit for me.
During my free time I love to play the bamboo flute; I have played it since I was seven years
old. I also enjoy playing tennis and badminton. My future career goal is to become an actuary
working for big consulting firms where I can apply my actuarial knowledge to communicate
with the clients in person and offer investment suggestions to them. If you meet me on campus, feel free to talk
to me or ask me questions.
Jingyi Nie
I am a senior studying Mathematics and Economics. I am also pursuing a Business minor. I’m
getting involved by doing research at the Illinois Geometry Lab and being an Economics tutor.
What I appreciate about the University of Illinois is the diversity and various opportunities
provided. I am really ambitious, passionate and interested in financial markets and I plan on
pursing career in this field. In my spare time, I love traveling, painting and watching movies.
Mitchell Almquist
I am a junior majoring in Mathematics with a minor in Philosophy. After my years here at
University of Illinois, I intend to continue my studies in Mathematics and Logic to eventually
become a professor at a university like this one. I enjoy math as both a collaborative
experience, such as the Illinois Geometry Lab or the University math club MATRIX, of which I
am president, but also as a personal form of enjoyment and study. I love the University's open
and encouraging atmosphere with regards to collaboration, study, and networking within the
Mathematics Department, and try my best to encourage the same in my time here. In my free time, I enjoy
running or participating in many of the RSOs on campus of which I am a member, as well listening to music and
going on long walks around campus.
Ruoyu Zhu
I am a junior studying Mathematics with a double major in Economics. For the future, I plan to
pursue a career in the finance industry. I enjoy learning mathematics, and love to apply math
theories into practical problems in real life. I am currently involved in the Illinois Geometry Lab
doing research about Poker game models, and also play flute in a small orchestra. Other than
playing all kinds of poker games, I love traveling around the world, talking with students from
different countries and trying various cuisines all over the world.
Padraic McSwiggan
I am a junior studying Actuarial Science. I have always appreciated math and love being able
to take complicated equations and simplifying them to more meaningful solutions. I plan to
work in consulting or in the insurance industry where I will be able to apply my analytical skills
and communicate the work of actuaries by translating it to applicable knowledge for
businesses. I enjoy being at the University of Illinois where I get many opportunities to build
my professional skills and pursue my own interests. I also enjoy being a part of Alpha Phi Omega where I give
service to campus and the community.
Mingrui Zhang
I am a senior double majoring in Mathematics and Economics with a minor in Business.
I am expecting to graduate in May 2017. I came to the United States for college from my
hometown Chongqing, which is located in southwestern China. I am passionate about linear
algebra and financial econometrics. I am also interested in arts and humanities, and I’m
always seeking opportunities in undergraduate research. I want to be involved in academia in
the future.