Current Grad Students in Mathematics

Below, our students tell a little about themselves and their research interests and about why they chose 91传媒. 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

Joanne Beckford

jbeckford@brynmawr.edu
 

Lujain Nsair (she/her)

lnsair@brynmawr.edu

Nsair_Grad Student_2023

B.S. Mathematics, George Mason University.

I am a Ph.D. student in the Mathematics Department at 91传媒, focusing on number theory and analysis. I am interested in the formulations of physical theories and the mathematics that goes into them. Before joining 91传媒, I studied at George Mason University, where my research focused on the stability of floating objects. This work sparked my fascination with symmetry, a theme that has since become central to my academic pursuits. When I am not doing math, I like to hike, explore the outdoors, and spend time with friends. 

Why 91传媒? I chose 91传媒 for reasons that align with my academic and personal aspirations: the college鈥檚 commitment to individualized support, its welcoming community, faculty, research directions, and its historical ties to pioneering female mathematicians like Emmy Noether, Anna Johnson Pell Wheeler among others.
 

Dee Ann Reisinger (she/they)

dreisinger@brynmawr.edu

de ann

M.A. Cognitive Science, Johns Hopkins University | B.S. Mathematics, University of Evansville

By day, I'm a graduate student working through my courses and getting my feet back under me in academia after a stint in industry. Currently, I'm keeping my mind open about possible research trajectories, but I'm most excited about just about anything related to the topology and geometry of manifolds. By night, I'm extremely enthusiastic about language learning, video game development and history, knitting, and synthesizers.

Why 91传媒? Although what initially led me to consider mathematics at 91传媒 was the strong presence of topology research in the department, it was the culture of support and solidarity, especially among and between undergraduate and graduate students, that sold me on joining this community. It also certainly doesn't hurt that, especially in a field as traditionally male-dominated as mathematics, the education and growth of mathematicians with marginalized gender experiences is an important part of the history and mission of the department.
 

AJ Vargas

avargasjr@brynmawr.edu

""

M.A. Mathematics, 91传媒 | B.S. Mathematics, University of Rochester

I'm Ph.D candidate working under Lisa Traynor's advisement. Mainly I'm interested in differential forms and the enchanting mathematical landscape lain by them. My research with Lisa concerns non-squeezing phenomena in symplectic and contact geometry. Some of my extracurricular interests include art, cycling, and cats.

Why 91传媒? My experience at 91传媒 has been quite a comfortable one thus far. I have found a very welcoming, inclusive and flexible atmosphere here. Overall, I think 91传媒 is a great place to do math. 


Dalena Vien (she/her)

dvien@brynmawr.edu

Dalena Vien_Grad Student_2023

M.S. Mathematical Sciences, University of Minnesota Duluth | B.S. Mathematics, University of Minnesota Twin Cities 

Hello! I'm a third-year math Ph.D. student working under Dr. Selvi Kara. I decided to pursue graduate studies in math after falling in love with teaching as an undergraduate TA and am also really interested in math education at the collegiate level. Outside of math, I love drawing, trying new recipes to cook, traveling (pandemic-permitting) and spending time with loved ones.

Why 91传媒? I chose 91传媒 because I feel that it is an environment that will allow me to grow not only as a mathematician, but also as an educator. I learn best when in collaboration with others, so I really appreciate the close-knit and supportive community that exists here.
 

Savannah Williams (she/they)

swilliams1@brynmawr.edu

""

M.A. Mathematics, 91传媒 | B.S. Mathematics, Davidson College |

I am a Ph.D. candidate working in applied mathematics with Dr. Erica Graham. 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. Currently, I'm working in math biology, studying mathematical models of reproductive hormones and ovulatory dysfunction. In my free time, I like to bake, read, and travel with friends.

Why 91传媒? I chose 91传媒 because I truly felt welcome here. I've surrounded myself with people who are genuinely friendly and committed to the learning and teaching of mathematics. It's a great environment for me to grow as a mathematician and educator.

 


Current AB/MA Students

Cavan Helmering, 2025
Ellie Lew, 2025
Felicia Pursner, 2025

Eva Ackley, 2026
Sarah O'Connell, 2026
Suzanna Semaan, 2026