Featured Alumni

Tyler Hefty

B.S. Mathematics, UW-River Falls

Currently, I work as a data analyst within the Psychometrics Department at Renaissance Learning in Madison, WI. As a data analyst, I collaborate with psychometricians by preparing and analyzing educational test data. Our team applies statistics to the design, development, and evaluation of our company's computer adaptive tests.

My background as a mathematics student at UW-River Falls has built a great foundation for my professional career. At UW River Falls they were able to spark an interest in mathematics through small class sizes, which gave me more one-on-one time with the professors. This interest, made me more involved within the program and provided extracurricular opportunities. I have represented UW River Falls multiple times in a worldwide math modeling competition put on by COMAP. To this day I utilize the creative thinking and mathematical knowledge I gained from the competition and courses at UW River Falls.

Lisa Rosenthal

B.S. Mathematics, UW-River Falls

Having a career in information technology as an IT Business Analyst at Andersen Corporation is directly related to the skills and knowledge I gained through my undergraduate career. As a business analyst, I am working as a liaison between the business and IT department to help solve problems using technology as a solution. Every day I work with all sorts of people to understand what challenges they are having, and work to develop a solution that will solve their needs. This requires strong problem solving and analytical skills.

Being a mathematics major in college, I never thought that working in the IT industry would utilize all the knowledge I gained. I always thought I would need to find a career that used numbers and math since that is the curriculum I studied. I learned quickly that it isn't necessarily about how good you are at doing math equations or memorizing different formulas, but it's about how good you are at solving problems. My undergraduate work built the analytical, problem solving, logical mindset that I use every day to solve problems using technology. Now I realize a major in mathematics is essential to having any career that requires solving problems.

Courtney Hable

B.S. Finance, Mathematics Minor – UW-River Falls

Currently I am an Associate Actuarial Analyst on the Medicare and Retirement team for UnitedHealthcare in Minnetonka. A primary focus of mine is to analyze pharmacy claims and assist senior management with making decisions for the future of Medicare and Retirement. I passed my first actuarial exam in March of 2015, my second exam in October of 2015 and am currently studying for upcoming exams.

My journey to becoming interested in the actuarial science field began in the Math Help Center at UWRF. I was a tutor for three years and was introduced to the field by another student and decided to pursue it. Even though UWRF does not have an actuarial science program, I was able to successfully enter the field with the help of my professors. The smaller class sizes gave me the opportunity to interact and learn from everyone in the classroom and become a better student. The mathematics department at UWRF is outstanding and they help prepare students for what they want to pursue in the future. Thank you to all the professors who helped me with this journey!  

Susan Ficken

B.S. Mathematics with minors in Agricultural Studies, German and International Studies, UW-River Falls
M.S. Mathematics, Northern Illinois University
Ph.D. Mathematics, Northern Illinois University 

I am an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at the Mississippi University for Women. It is a terrifically awesome job. I really like the fact that every semester I’ve gotten to teach a couple of developmental classes (honestly one of my favorites, I love seeing lightbulbs turn on), a standard freshman class, and an upper-division proofs class (thus far modern algebra, advanced calculus, and topology). It keeps me on my toes and stops me from getting stale.

There were many things I appreciated about UWRF. The small class sizes made it a lot easier to not get lost in the shuffle. The encouragement to participate in things such as research experiences, the modeling competition, and the Putnam exam really did wonders for me.

However, I think one of the things that UWRF did the best at preparing me for was the reality of working in a smaller primarily undergraduate institution. I was able to enthusiastically and genuinely discuss the needs of entering students with varying degrees of mathematical preparation and interest during job interviews. I deliberately set out looking for a job at a place somewhat similar to UWRF.

Anna Mika

B.S. Elementary Education, Mathematics Minor - UW- River Falls
MS. Secondary Science - UW-River Falls

I am currently an Instructional Science Coach at Endeavour Elementary in Cocoa, Florida, where I work with kindergarten through sixth grade teachers. My focus it to support teachers with content, background knowledge and resources to support science understandings for our youth. As a result of my dual degrees, I am able to make math and science connections for the teachers and students.

Through a lot of support of the UWRF Math Department; professors, tutors, the math study room and fellow students, I was able to successfully complete my degree including my math minor in 3.5 years. My math minor enabled me to apply to be an astronaut with the 2004 class. While I was not chosen as an astronaut, I was in the top 200 out of 4,000 and have been offered amazing experiences to share with students and teachers. My time at UWRF brings fond memories and I am fortunate to have stayed in contact with faculty and students. I would not be able to watch rocket launches from my backyard without the involvement of UWRF in my life.

Emily Minor (née Schroeder)

B.S. Elementary Education, Mathematics Minor – UW-River Falls

I am currently a 6^th and 7^th grade teacher at a junior high school in Navasota, Texas. I teach students of various ethnic and socio-economic statuses. 

Going through the mathematics program at UWRF, I learned the value of breaking problems down. There are many different ways to teach each concept. Just as my professors endeavored to help me understand difficult topics, I strive to teach concepts in ways that connect with my students. 

My experiences at UWRF taught me to never give up. Challenging situations inevitably arise, and reaching each moment of success is priceless. I love my job, and I am appreciative of the experiences that helped me get to where I am today.