Dillinger, Kathryn - Department of Mathematics

Kathryn Dillinger

Year Graduated: 2013

First Job (or school): Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) — Scientist

Notable accomplishments/activities while at UMW:
Graduated Summa Cum Laude with departmental honors, Pi Mu Epsilon (Mathematics Honor Society), Phi Beta Kappa (Honor Society), Chi Beta Phi (Science and Mathematics Honor Society), UMW Dean’s List (Fall 2009 – Spring 2010), UMW President’s List (Fall 2010 – Spring 2013), UMW Summer Science Institute (2011), SUMS Poster Presentation at JMU (2011), Joint Mathematics Meetings Poster Presentation (2012), Oscar Schultz Award (2013).

Favorite Course:
My favorite course was definitely Dr. Mellinger’s Coding and Cryptography class. It was so interesting and fun to take, and I would recommend it to any student!

Memorable Experiences in the Classroom:
Dr. Chiang gesturing with her hands while teaching Differential Equations, and the chalk flying across the classroom. Drawing on the spheres in Dr. Mellinger’s Modern Geometry class and having my hands turn black and blue from the markers. Listening to all the Math jokes and stories from the professors…the list just goes on and on. I would not have changed it for the world!

Memorable Experiences Outside the Classroom:
Dr. Lee offered me the chance to do research with him and Rebecca Presor during the Summer Science Institute. This was a great opportunity for me to learn how to conduct research and present the results to my peers. I was later able to participate in the SUMS conference at JMU and the Joint Mathematics Meetings in Boston, MA. I had so much fun at these events, because I got to spend time with the Mathematics professors and other students outside the classroom.

Why Should Somebody Study Mathematics at UMW?
The main reason that someone should study Mathematics at UMW is the faculty. The professors are an awesome group! They are always available to help their students whenever they need it. Students have the chance to do research with a professor, present a talk or poster presentation at conferences based on their research, and opportunities to obtain scholarships. I also like how small the class sizes are, because students get one-on-one attention from their professors. I feel so lucky to have had four years with this wonderful group of professors.