A Donor’s Gift Sends Students & Faculty to Nebraska Mathematics Conference

Thanks to a generous donation from Fredy Madrid, a member of Dr. Jessica Sorrells’ Dean’s Advisory Board, Dr. Amanda Mangum was able to accompany three students, Sloane Kinley ’26 (Nisbet Honors), Sofia Giraldo Jimenez ’26 (Nisbet Honors), and Romy Rueff ’27 (Nisbet Honors), to the Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Wisdom in Mathematics (NCUWM) in Lincoln, NE.

The conference is specifically designed to mentor and empower undergraduate students. With sessions and panels on topics such as navigating the job market, successfully applying to and choosing a graduate school, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, students are encouraged to tackle imposter syndrome, find mentors, network, and present research.

“This conference is such a great opportunity for students,” Dr. Mangum said. “The NCUWM has created a unique environment where faculty, industry professionals, and graduate students can be honest and frank about their experiences, give advice, and offer genuine support. The breakout sessions highlight a variety of aspects of life after college and offer an opportunity for students to explore options while gaining insight into how to be successful in these paths. The conference also does an excellent job spotlighting student research.”

Sloane Kinley ‘26 presented research with Dr. Sorrells in a talk titled Mathematical Design and Stability Analysis of Self-Assembling DNA Nanostructures Implementing Markov Chains and the Flexible Tile Model. “I’m extremely grateful to have been able to present my current research on DNA nanostructure design and practice communicating mathematical and biological research findings,” Kinley reflected.

“Being able to have open conversations with people at different stages of their careers helped me better understand the field as a whole and made the experience both encouraging and motivating as I move forward.”

Romy Rueff ’27

Romy Rueff ’27 expressed their gratitude for the gift, which allowed them to attend their first professional conference. “It was especially meaningful to connect with others who share my specific research interests and career goals,” Rueff shared. “The conference provided a welcoming environment to meet professionals and peers within my field, allowing me to begin building my professional network and learn from their experiences. Being able to have open conversations with people at different stages of their careers helped me better understand the field as a whole and made the experience both encouraging and motivating as I move forward.”

Donor support helps Converse achieve its mission of preparing students not only for successful careers, but for lives of meaning and purpose. Every gift, no matter the size, can open doors such as these for our students, strengthen academic programs, and ensure the Converse experience for generations to come.