Brianna Hileman

Name: Brianna Hileman

Hometown: Quakertown, PA

Anticipated graduation: Fall 2022

Major: Mathematics/ Statistics

Minor: Data Science

Internships/Research/Projects:

Research Experience for Undergraduates- Summer Institute of Biostatistics and Data Science at Florida Atlantic University

Inspirations (for major, research, internship):

I always found math to be an easier subject for me, but when I took AP statistics, I fell in love with the idea that math can be applied in the real world and that we could model risk factors. Once I came to Millersville, I also found a knack for my computer science classes and was introduced to the language of R. This skyrocketed my interest in data science and allowed for my professors to help me find REU’s that were targeted for data science.

Highlights (from courses/internship/research):

My favorite memories as a math student have been the group study sessions in the Math Assistance Center. Even if we were stressed about an assignment or upcoming exam, to be able to grow as a student and develop friendships with my classmates has been rewarding. We support each other in classes, our successes with internship/research acceptances, and our personal lives. It makes the aspect of studying less a chore, and more an opportunity to spend time with friends.

Takeaway (from courses/internship/research):

Having effective communication skills will take you far in STEM. To be able to openly collaborate with others, convey your ideas on a mathematical and nonmathematical level, and ask for help is important to not only learning, but for helping educate others as well.

Advice (for incoming freshman in your shoes):

Remember to be kind to yourself. Your mental, physical, and emotional health is important to achieving academic success. So, take the time each day to do something positive for you and your health.

Aspirations (upon graduation):

I hope to continue to a data science internship in the spring/summer break and continue onto a graduate program for biostatistics or data science. I hope to become involved with research at graduate school and/or become a teaching assistant.

If you are currently employed in your field, please provide professional information, where you work, when you started, etc.:

I do not currently have a job lined up in my field. I tutor in the Math Assistance Center and for Math101 classes, which has helped me learn key skills for the field, such as how to communicate math in diverse ways.

What has been the most significant and/or exciting aspect of your work?

The most exciting part is the vast number of fields I could go to with my data science background. For biostatistics, the research applications in topics such as breast cancer, COVID, and disease outbreak modeling, is truly fascinating. It is exciting to know that no matter what topic I choose to focus on throughout my life, my work will always have a goal to help others.

Scholarships awarded while attending Millersville University

Cohen Mathematics Scholarship, Charles Denlinger Memorial Math Scholarship, Board of Governors Scholarship.