Q&A with Reagan Diamond
Why did you choose to attend the University of Mississippi?
As someone from Colorado, attending Ole Miss was a big decision. I chose UM because it gave me the opportunity to continue competing as a student-athlete while earning a degree. Since arriving, I've found opportunities that have made my experience even better than I expected. Through the Mathematics Department, I've built relationships with faculty who have supported my academic goals and encouraged me to explore new interests. One of the things I appreciate most about Ole Miss is that faculty genuinely invest in their students. If you're willing to get involved, there are many opportunities here to grow both inside and outside the classroom.
As someone from Colorado, attending Ole Miss was a big decision. I chose UM because it gave me the opportunity to continue competing as a student-athlete while earning a degree. Since arriving, I've found opportunities that have made my experience even better than I expected. Through the Mathematics Department, I've built relationships with faculty who have supported my academic goals and encouraged me to explore new interests. One of the things I appreciate most about Ole Miss is that faculty genuinely invest in their students. If you're willing to get involved, there are many opportunities here to grow both inside and outside the classroom.
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they are interested in pursuing that field of study?
If you're interested in mathematics, I'd tell you not to think of it as just numbers or solving equations. Mathematics teaches you how to think critically, solve complex problems, and approach challenges logically. Those skills are valuable in almost every field, whether you're interested in engineering, environmental sciences, finance, computer science, or grad school.
If you're interested in mathematics, I'd tell you not to think of it as just numbers or solving equations. Mathematics teaches you how to think critically, solve complex problems, and approach challenges logically. Those skills are valuable in almost every field, whether you're interested in engineering, environmental sciences, finance, computer science, or grad school.
Why is your department a special place?
The department here is special because the faculty genuinely care about their students and want to see them succeed. I've always found my professors to be approachable and willing to help, whether it's with coursework, career advice, or graduate school planning. The department has also created a welcoming community where students are encouraged to ask questions, get involved, and pursue opportunities outside the classroom.
The department here is special because the faculty genuinely care about their students and want to see them succeed. I've always found my professors to be approachable and willing to help, whether it's with coursework, career advice, or graduate school planning. The department has also created a welcoming community where students are encouraged to ask questions, get involved, and pursue opportunities outside the classroom.
What professor or class has had the most impact on you?
A class that made the most impact on me was when I took discrete mathematics in the summer between my freshman and sophomore years with Dr. Sheppardson. It was a short course, which meant it was a lot of hard work. However, the classroom environment was open to mistakes, speaking with classmates, and overall very interactive, and a good learning environment. This solidified my desire to continue in my degree and keep pursuing upper-level courses, as I felt like I could learn from them and not just pass but do well.
A class that made the most impact on me was when I took discrete mathematics in the summer between my freshman and sophomore years with Dr. Sheppardson. It was a short course, which meant it was a lot of hard work. However, the classroom environment was open to mistakes, speaking with classmates, and overall very interactive, and a good learning environment. This solidified my desire to continue in my degree and keep pursuing upper-level courses, as I felt like I could learn from them and not just pass but do well.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
After graduation, I hope to attend graduate school and continue studying the applications of mathematics to the geosciences. My goal is to build a career where I can use quantitative methods to address challenges related to water resources, hydrology, and other environmental problems. I hope to contribute to research that has a meaningful, real-world impact while continuing to learn and collaborate with others.
After graduation, I hope to attend graduate school and continue studying the applications of mathematics to the geosciences. My goal is to build a career where I can use quantitative methods to address challenges related to water resources, hydrology, and other environmental problems. I hope to contribute to research that has a meaningful, real-world impact while continuing to learn and collaborate with others.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
As a freshman, I started as a physics major because I thought it was the right path for me. Over time, I realized that mathematics was a better fit for the way I learn, and I found a department where I felt supported by faculty who genuinely wanted to see me succeed. If I could give my freshman self one piece of advice, it would be not to be afraid to change direction if something isn't the right fit. Finding a department where you feel challenged, supported, and excited to learn can make all the difference in your college experience.
As a freshman, I started as a physics major because I thought it was the right path for me. Over time, I realized that mathematics was a better fit for the way I learn, and I found a department where I felt supported by faculty who genuinely wanted to see me succeed. If I could give my freshman self one piece of advice, it would be not to be afraid to change direction if something isn't the right fit. Finding a department where you feel challenged, supported, and excited to learn can make all the difference in your college experience.
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