Emily Lopez

 I am a second year PhD student in Applied Mathematics at Cornell University advised by Operations Research and Industrial Engineering Professor Jamol Pender. I am grateful to have my graduate studies supported by the National Science Foundation GRFP and the Cornell Colman Fellowship. My research interests lie in queueing theory and its utility in approaching problems to improve societal welfare. 

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The statement "it took a village to get me where I am today" is an understatement for my career with so many mentors graciously helping me navigate academic research as a first-generation college student. I owe a debt of gratitude to programs such as the UCSB Summer Institute in Mathematics and Science, the McNair Scholars Program, and Cornell Diversity Programs in Engineering for shaping me into the researcher I am today. I share this to emphasize the importance of mentoring, increasing representation, and building community when it comes to the retention of underrepresented students in science. Inspired by their example, I aspire to create safe and welcoming spaces where everyone can be their authentic self and reach their highest potential throughout my mathematics career.