Jorge Cisneros Paz

Grad program: Department of Applied Mathematics

Hometown: Edinburg, TX

Undergrad institution: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Undergrad major: Applied Mathematics and Physics

Why did you decide to attend the UW?

The Applied Mathematics Ph.D. program at UW is one of the best in the nation. My research interests deeply resonated with the research groups within the department—and outside the department.

Where do you hope your graduate education will take you?

My plan as of right now is to have a career in industry, but that can definitely change later on as I get involved in research and projects.

GO-MAP’s* motto is “Graduate Excellence through Diversity.” What does this mean to you?

GO-MAP’s motto confirms my passion to contribute and improve mathematics as a minority. Any field, especially the sciences, should have ideas originating from any mind, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, etc.

Who has been your inspiration or role model?

I certainly could not list every single role model throughout my life. Every single one of them have enlightened my life, in and out of mathematics. Ranging from my parents to professors to close friends to world-known scientists, every bit of my life is devoted to them as gratitude for their (many times unknowingly) endless inspirations.

Please provide one tip you’d like to share with UW undergrads or prospective graduate students.

My advice is to submerge yourself within your passion, whether it may be mathematics like mine, or perhaps medicine, literature, football, politics, or business. Even if you don’t have a passion yet, don’t be afraid to test the waters everywhere you go. Be curious and challenge yourself, because falling in love with our work is one of the best things we can do in life.

*GO-MAP was the name of a program that is now called GSEE, the Office of Graduate Student Equity & Excellence. Learn more.