We asked both award recipients to answer a few questions about their experiences working at ASU.

Joelle Park

Question: What do you like most about working in the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences?

Answer: (The school) has such a friendly, open and accepting culture. Everyone is approachable and willing to contribute in some fashion. Communication is encouraged and driven to be constructive. Also, mathematicians are so wonderfully logical and such skilled problem solvers! This community-driven culture is one of the most attractive things about our school and something that visiting PhD students always comment on during the recruitment process. It is a true asset and it makes coming to work  — or class — here a pleasant experience. I love that I get to start and end my day with a smile on my face and contentment in my heart.

Q: What do you like most about working at a large public research university like ASU?

A: As a child, one of my favorite places to spend the day was at the local library. I often spent my whole summer there, eagerly turning musty yellowed pages and learning about the world from inside those cool, quiet, walls.

Later, this thirst for knowledge was translated in my career as a need to be in an environment where there are constant opportunities for learning. I discovered that by working at a research university, there are daily opportunities to learn from colleagues, students and faculty. I am constantly learning new software or academic policy updates and the theory behind those changes. I’m a self-proclaimed ASU News addict and attend lectures and events online and on campus. I also enjoy reading about faculty and student research, and am always eager to discover what ASU is working on universitywide. Being a part of a place where discoveries are made is evocative of my desire to support knowledge and learning. I also love the multicultural aspect of our campus. The students and faculty at ASU have kindly shown me the world through their own travels and personal experiences.

Q: What do you like most about working with graduate students?

A: (The) students are exceptional. I feel priviledged to work with them. They are so intelligent and driven, yet so kind, humble and personable. They have so much responsibility, yet are always willing to give their time and energy to help build the school and the programs.

Q: What are some of the challenges graduate students currently face?

A: Currently we are seeing an affordable student housing crisis. We are very concerned about our current and incoming graduate students, especially our international students, being able to secure affordable housing. We have brought this concern forward to the Graduate College and The College Dean’s Office. In the interim, we have launched a private online forum that our students can join to seek out opportunities for shared housing with their classmates. It has received a lot of responses!

Q: Where is your favorite spot on campus, and why?

A: This is a tough one. I have so many places I enjoy visiting on campus and I’m always finding new ones. I commute to campus on my bike every day, so I enjoy making the most of my ride and stopping when I find something that intrigues me. I love the ASU Art Museum. Their Warhol exhibit nursed my occasional homesickness for Pittsburgh — I used to host weekly events at the Andy Warhol Museum when I lived there and wrote for a local newspaper. I also like visiting James Turrell’s “Skyspace: Air Apparent” exhibit over by Rural Road. My favorite type of ride is when I stay a little late, then pedal home through the lengthening shadows at sunset while the Old Main carillons play. It’s incredibly charming and makes me thankful for the academic atmosphere I am immersed in at ASU Tempe campus.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time for fun?

A: I’m a Phoenix foodie. I love checking out the latest restaurant openings and additions to the cocktail culture scene. If you ever need a tip on where to go, I’ll give you a listical that will knock your socks off. I also enjoy watching indie films; the weirder the better. And I am the proud mother of two very spoiled Shiba Inus.

Q: What do you think is most misunderstood about math by the general public?

A: People assume it’s boring and that mathematicians are boring people. This is quite the contrary! Some of the most fascinating people and personalities are within Wexler, Goldwater and ECAEngineering Center A. Also, mathematicians have a very quick wit. The famed image of Einstein sticking his tongue out should have clued me in that there are a lot of closet comedians in math.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I’m pretty passionate about resolving the student loan debt issue in the U.S. I see how it affects our students, faculty and staff. Why are we burdening those who have dedicated themselves to their education, and often the education of others, with soul-crushing and life-hindering debt from unconscionable interest rates?

Jennie Burel

Question: What do you like most about working in the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences?

Answer: I love how everyone who works here, from the staff to the faculty, is student-focused. We are all truly here to support them and drive their success. I also love the sense of community in (the school). Everyone is truly kind and easy to work with!

Q: What do you like most about working at a large public research university like ASU?

A: I love the innovation that is such a big part of ASU. Seeing ASU’s recognition on a global scale makes me proud to be a ASU employee.

Q: What are some of the challenges graduate students currently face?

A: Graduate students face many unique challenges, especially with a lot of the changes going on worldwide in recent years. Many students are not only supporting themselves, but are often supporting families and dealing with stressful issues. The (school's) graduate office not only tries to make sure that they do not have any problems while navigating their graduate programs, but also seeks to provide what emotional and practical support that we can. We do our best to make sure students know they can come to us with any issue they are having, big or small!

Q: What is something you learned while at ASU that surprised you, that changed your perspective?

A: I love the part of the ASU creed that mentions we are measured not by whom we exclude, but whom we include and how they succeed. I try to bring this belief to my work with my students.

Q: Where is your favorite spot on campus, and why?

A: Not sure if I have a favorite spot, but I love walking by the orange trees when they are blooming. It smells amazing!

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time for fun?

A: I am currently working on running more than four miles at a time. I love to spend time with my family and my two Siberian huskies while exploring my beautiful new home state of Arizona!

Rhonda Olson

Manager of Marketing and Communication, School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences

480-727-2468