Author Archives: Erica Ward

About Erica Ward

Erica is a second-year Ph.D. student at the University of California, Irvine, in the Mathematical, Computational, and Systems Biology (MCSB) program. She is passionate about enhancing diversity and inclusion in academia and connecting with aspiring mathematicians and scientists.

A Letter to the Professors

Dear professors,  First, let me start by thanking each professor for all of the hard work they’ve put in guiding students throughout our academic careers. Thank you for spending countless hours writing our shining letters of recommendation, giving us your … Continue reading

Posted in Advice, Diversity, First-generation, Grad School, Math, Math Education, Mathematicians, Mathematics in Society, Social Justice, Teaching | Comments Off on A Letter to the Professors

Rebranding your relationship with graduate school

Here is some advice I’ve gained prior to and during my first year of graduate school: Choosing a PI/thesis advisor Before I started my graduate studies, the single piece of advice that I heard the most was: “Finding a research … Continue reading

Posted in Advice, First-generation, Grad School, Grad student advice, Grad student life, Starting Grad Schol | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Rebranding your relationship with graduate school