Mathematics Ambassadors are special representatives of the Department of Mathematics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. They serve the department in various capacities, including acting as a student advisory committee for the Mathematics Undergraduate Studies office.
Mathematics Ambassadors are selected from current declared mathematics undergraduate majors in their junior or senior year, based on strong academics, demonstrated leadership and involvement, and commitment to the department.
Make the most of your time at UIUC: Become a Mathematics Ambassador!
Mathematics Ambassadors are essential to the Department of Mathematics. Not only do they take an active role in helping the department coordinate events, they also have the opportunity to influence the future of the mathematics undergraduate program at Illinois. Mathematics Ambassadors are student leaders who help grow and maintain the student community surrounding the mathematics department, participating in activities like student welcome events and orientations, Orange & Blue Days, Admitted Student Days, student panels, career fairs, graduation, and more.
Opportunities for Mathematics Ambassadors
- Act as a student advisory committee for the Mathematics Undergraduate Studies Office
- Help coordinate student and alumni engagement events for the Department
- Meet and talk to prominent Illinois alumni
- Attend field-trips and department activities
- Mentor incoming students to encourage retention and persistence in the major
- Build leadership experience and skills
- Create and hold executive board positions for a young alumni panel
- Maintain Math Ambassador blog and social media accounts
Requirements
- Junior or senior standing
- Declared mathematics major
- Minimum mathematics major and overall GPA of 3.00
- A one year commitment and availability
Mingli Xu
I am a junior majoring in actuarial science and statistics. I’m also an international student from China. I’m interested in pursuing a career as an actuary. On campus, I’m currently the student ambassador of the Statistical Department and the LAS Brand Ambassador of the Office of Communications and Marketing. I am responsible for providing academic and general guidance for incoming students and creating online content for the university websites. Outside of academics, I’m part of the Actuarial Science Club and the Overseas China Education Foundation. When I’m not studying for actuarial exams, I enjoy jogging, playing badminton, and reading comics. I’m so excited to be a Mathematics Ambassador and I look forward to connecting with other alumni!
Neha Valavala
I am a sophomore majoring in mathematics. To me, math is more than simple calculations—it's a way of thinking. Mathematics has changed the way I look at the world, and I love the logic and structure that it has given me. The Department of Mathematics represents this part of mathematics and encourages people to fall in love with math as I have. I can't wait to represent the department and meet people who are as excited about math as I am. On campus, I am part of UIUC Dheem, a competitive classical dance team, and Village Book Builders, a non-profit organization that aims to encourage a culture of learning. In my spare time, I like to dance, read, crochet, and go jogging.
Pooja Khatri
I am a sophomore majoring in actuarial science and economics. I love my majors because I get to study all that I'm passionate about and learn how to use it in a practical way to make the world a better place. After graduation, I want to pursue a career as an actuary in property and casualty insurance. On campus, I'm involved in the Actuarial Science Club, MannMukti (a mental health organization) and the Honors Student Council. In my free time, I enjoy reading, drawing, going on long walks, and watching movies. I'm excited to be a Math Ambassador and share my love for math with others!
Shubh Goyal
I am a sophomore double majoring in mathematics and statistics, working toward a certificate in data science and a minoring in computer science. I decided to major in mathematics due to my participation in competitive math tournaments which I have been competing in since middle school. Everything revolves around math, and I find it interesting to keep discovering new ways where math can be applied. My favorite fields within mathematics are number theory and geometry because they are like puzzles waiting to be solved. Outside of math, I am the vice president of Hindu YUVA, where I enjoy practicing my culture through festivals and fun events. I also love sports—specifically soccer, cricket, and basketball. You can also catch me playing pickup basketball at the ARC in the mornings. I look forward to meeting you in one of our amazing math-based RSOs and at events across campus.
Anika Chakraborti
I am a Sophomore double majoring in actuarial science and statistics. I am also working towards the university’s data science certificate and a business minor. I enjoy my major as it allows me to engage with my interest of math and apply it in a practical setting. Although I am not set on what I would like to do in my career, I would love to be in a position that allows me to address the climate crisis. On campus I am involved in the Actuarial Science Club, Beta Alpha Psi (a professional business fraternity), and the Illini Swim Club. In my free time I tutor math online with kids varying from elementary levels up to high school. I also enjoy working out, fashion, and eating on Green Street!
Margot Pierce
I am a sophomore majoring in mathematics and Spanish. I love being a part of the math department at Illinois because the curriculum both exposes me to a variety of coursework, but it also allows me to tailor my major to my interests. Outside of class, I am vice president on the Undergraduate Association for Women in Mathematics Executive Board, as well as a member of the executive boards for the Campus Honors Program Student Council and the Altgeld Ringers. I am also a member of the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society and the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing the violin in the University Philharmonia Orchestra, reading, journaling, and going for long walks.
Joseph Park
I am a junior majoring in mathematics with a secondary education minor. I have always had a passion for mathematics, getting myself involved in school clubs dealing with math ever since high school. Nowadays, I enjoy mathematics as I get the opportunity to teach others math. Previously, I have been a student grader for MATH 241, and have tutored high school students. In the future, I would love to become a high school math teacher, but I am also looking into other opportunities that the major has to offer. In my free time, you can catch me outside riding my bike, jamming out on the guitar, or playing video games with my friends.