Applied Math Stories

Newly commissioned into the United States Air Force, Michael Ferrara ’26, a mechanical engineering major from Ringoes, New Jersey, credits the Institute for success as a cadet and in the future because it taught him how to build strong connections, communicate with people from different backgrounds, and manage his time in a demanding environment.

Eighteen Virginia Military Institute cadets joined approximately 5,000 participants at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond April 13-15.

Five Virginia Military Institute cadets, with Dr. Sherif Abdelhamid, assistant professor in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences and outreach liaison officer for VMI’s Cyber Defense Laboratory, traveled to present research projects at the SoCon Undergraduate Research Forum in October.

Aidan Carman ’27 says he’s focused and confident in himself, but he’s still trying to improve himself. The math major said he’s academically sound.

The applied mathematics major from Virginia Beach, Virginia, had an original plan to commission in the U.S. Navy as an explosive ordnance disposal officer, but he was medically removed from the Naval ROTC unit over a year ago. Instead, he has accepted a job with Lockheed Martin.

Col. Dimplekumar Chalishajar, professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics recently celebrated his 121st peer reviewed research publication, surpassing his achievement of 100, just twelve months ago.

VMI cadet Hai-Hsin Huang ’25, an applied mathematics major with a minor in physics, is evaluating cost-efficient exercise programs for the elderly as part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) at the Virginia Military Institute.

Jonathan Tumwikirize ’24 wanted to gain firsthand experience in a military environment, while also getting his degree. It’s what drew him to Virginia Military Institute and allowed him to explore federal-civilian positions to pursue upon graduation.

“Having my brother here was definitely a perk,” Matthew said. “It was nice to know where I’m going to go, I already have a guaranteed friend. We were best friends growing up.”

Sebastian Ramirez ’24 became fond of the challenging lifestyle that came with attending Virginia Military Institute after attending an open house. He said the high standards that cadets endured on a daily basis was something he wanted.

Kevin Linko ’23, a physics major from Princeton, New Jersey, minored in mathematics and astronomy. Soon he will begin his professional career with CACI, a company that provides expertise and technology to customers in support of national security missions and government transformation.

Philip Argauer ’23 conducted a year-long research project on cadet motivation with physical fitness and presented his findings in his senior thesis titled, “Increased Physical Fitness With Volt” during Honors Week, held March 20-28.

Since 2013, VMI’s Department of Applied Mathematics has hosted events for area middle and high school students to work with faculty and cadets on problem-solving.