EMAIL:
mpivarski@roosevelt.edu
CAREER:
Associate Professor of Mathematics & Department Chair, Mathematics, Economics and Actuarial Science
HOMETOWN:
Just outside of Pittsburgh, PA
COLLEGE:
Carnegie Mellon
UG MAJOR/MINOR:
Math major, Computer Science minor
WHY YOU CHOSE THE MAJOR/MINOR:
I fell in love with math when I took a baby analysis class in my freshman year. It was amazing that you could show why all of mathematics fit together. I also greatly enjoyed the ideas about how computer programs fit together; algorithms in particular felt like solving puzzles in a very fun way.
EXTRACURRICULARS DURING UG (CLUBS, ORGS, JOBS, INTERNSHIPS, VOLUNTEER WORK, ETC.):
Math and computer science tutor/grader, summer math research (REU) at William and Mary and at Mt Holyoke, lots of study groups with friends.
WHY YOU CHOSE TO WORK AT ROOSEVELT:
I wanted to help students learn about how awesome math is! When I interviewed at Roosevelt, my notes to myself are on how collegial the faculty was and how the students were enthusiastic. My notes were correct– I’ve been continually inspired by how wonderful the students and faculty are here! As a bonus, Roosevelt is in a fantastic location (and relatively close to Fermilab, where my husband works).
ADVICE FOR INCOMING/CURRENT STUDENTS:
Make friends– your community here is essential! Plus learning is more fun when you can explore ideas with others.
FAVORITE SPOT AT ROOSEVELT:
The 10th Floor Learning Commons has a wonderful feel to it! But anywhere people are doing math is a fun place to be!
YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY:
Mr Rogers! Everyone loves Mr Rogers; he took the time to connect to people without just telling them what they wanted to hear. He also advocated for the kind of friendly neighborliness that the world can always use, especially now.
LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED:
My Little Pony: The Movie (Why yes, I do have a kindergartener.)