Dr. Adam

Van Tuyl

Dr. Adam Van Tuyl loves the challenge of an unsolved problem.

Inspired by a university calculus instructor, he became hooked on math and its never-ending puzzles. "I actually started in physics, but I didn't like the labs," he admits.

Now overseeing students who match his passion for the subject, Dr. Tuyl emphasizes that the department allows graduates to explore a diverse range of math-related topics. Past projects have studied tree properties, membrane attached biofilms, statistics on sexual health, and strategies for traffic infrastructure.

Students can also choose to supplement their learning with conferences and competitions all over the globe. As the "international language", mathematics at the higher levels allows for the collaboration of peers from all corners of the world. As a graduate student himself, Dr. Tuyl had the opportunity to spend a year in Italy at the University of Genova.

In terms of future prospects, the applications of mathematical knowledge are limitless. While some students continue up the academia ladder to solve problems at the PhD level, others can easily find opportunities in the world of finance, government, or even law studies.

"Reasoning skills provide students with the means to make a logical, solid argument and problem solving can be applied to resolve multiple issues step-by-step," explains Dr. Tuyl. "These skills can be used in pretty much any capacity but law students would find them particularly beneficial."

A master's in math is also a powerful compliment to a degree in education that will increase the marketability of aspiring math teachers.

However, Dr. Tuyl advises that students should foremost pursue math at the graduate level because of a love for the area. "There are many opportunities that can be sought after, but I don't think it's so much about what students can get at the end; it's more that they're so passionate about the field, they want to keep learning more and more."