Alumni Spotlight
Rachel Chiquoine
- What are you doing now?
I am a Transportation Planner at the U.S. Department of Transportation Volpe Center. I perform safety studies, program and technical support, and trail and transit feasibility studies for the National Park Service; facilitate virtual public involvement activities for the Federal Highway Administration; and support the Region I Covid-19 Long Term Recovery Taskforce of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
- What are two to three ways your experience at Pitt prepared you for this position?
The math program taught me a logical thinking process that is valuable regardless of career choice. It’s useful for project development when thinking through the purpose of an analysis or task. My time at Pitt was also a great opportunity to explore topics I was curious about beyond just math.
- Do you have a word of wisdom for current students or students considering the Math PhD program?
Graduate programs require much more autonomy than undergrad. Learn to leverage professors as a resource, rather than using them as your babysitter or personal tutor. Also, don’t procrastinate; set a schedule for yourself and work on projects and assignments along the way.
- As you are no longer living in Pittsburgh, what do you miss most about this city?
I miss the neighborhoods! Each one had such a distinct feel, and yet they all flowed together. People in Pittsburgh are so friendly. I also miss the food, particularly good pierogies.
Jourdain Lamperski
- What are you doing now?
This fall I joined the industrial engineering department at Pitt as an assistant professor. Before that I was finishing up my PhD in Operations Research at MIT. It is great to be back at Pitt.
- What are two to three ways your experience at Pitt prepared you for this position?
I learned a lot from the classes that I took (even some classes that weren’t math classes). I also learned a lot from talking to faculty during their office hours.
- Do you have a word of wisdom for current students or students considering the Math PhD program?
I think you should do what you really enjoy doing if possible. And drinking coffee is probably a good idea.
- As you are no longer living in Pittsburgh, what do you miss most about this city?
I am back in Pittsburgh now, but I missed the atmosphere in Pittsburgh. I find that people are often very friendly and hardworking.