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Erdős Pál, a renowned Hungarian mathematician, once expressed his perspective on mathematics by saying, “Why are numbers beautiful? It is like asking why Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is beautiful. If you don’t see it, no one can tell you. I know numbers are beautiful. If they aren't, nothing is.”
The professor is relatively young, not yet in his mid-thirties. Upon first seeing him, students might mistake him for a teaching assistant rather than a professor. However, after completing his doctorate, Professor Sungwon An swiftly embarked on an academic career, showcasing exceptional skills. Let us delve into his story as he explores and teaches the source of beauty in the world akin to Beethoven’s Ninth and Kantian philosophy—mathematics.
Interview and Written by: Sena Heo, Editor
Professor An, thank you for your time. Could you please introduce yourself?
Hello, I am Sungwon An, a professor of mathematics and actuarial science at Roosevelt University in Chicago. I majored in mathematics and actuarial science at Drake University in Iowa. After graduation, I worked at a life insurance company for a year. Driven by a desire to further my studies, I completed my master's and doctorate in mathematics at Purdue University in Indiana. I am currently 33 years old and have been a professor for nearly three years.
Starting your professorship at the age of 30 is quite impressive. What led you to study in the U.S. and choose your field?
When my father shifted his career to become a minister, our whole family immigrated to the U.S. seeking a fresh start. I chose this field during my undergraduate studies because I believed mathematics allowed me to compete with Americans on a level playing field. I moved without preparation during my second year of high school in Korea; my English wasn't proficient. I attended ESL (English as a Second Language) classes but excelled in mathematics. I chose it as my major and found actuarial science as a lucrative field. However, during my job, I couldn't forget the allure of mathematics from my undergraduate days, prompting further studies in my master's and doctorate.
As a three-year veteran professor, what does a typical day look like for you?
As in most universities, particularly in our math department, teaching is paramount; therefore, during semesters, much time is dedicated to preparing for lectures. However, research and administrative duties also demand time, constantly leaving me short on hours. During vacations, I focus on research and writing papers.
What is your current area of research?
My field is probability, specifically 'Random Walk in Random Environment.'
Could you elaborate on that?
In classical random walks, the probability of moving in any direction is constant regardless of time or place. For example, on a real number line, the chances of moving left or right are assumed to be equal, irrespective of position. But in reality, such probabilities vary. For instance, in random walks modeling animal movements, certain locations may pose threats, reducing the likelihood of movement in that direction, while others may have appealing scents, increasing it. I focus on studying random walks under these varying conditions.
That's an intriguing research area. What courses do you teach?
I teach calculus and actuarial science to undergraduates. For graduate students, I teach applied mathematics (numerical analysis) and statistics, combined with computer programming.
Could you share any joyful or poignant experiences from teaching or research?
I find joy when students achieve excellent grades, feeling vicariously proud. It saddens me to see students drop out due to personal or financial struggles. I have no particularly sad research episodes; I find the process enjoyable, and pressures of research outcomes have only recently surfaced.
Outside your title as a professor, how do you spend your leisure time?
I previously enjoyed sports like soccer and baseball but switched to jogging after knee surgery. I now learn guitar, play StarCraft, or watch gaming videos. My pursuits vary daily.
How is mathematics relevant in everyday life?
Mathematics applies broadly, from calculating tips at a restaurant to predicting complex economic trends. While not always visible, mathematical skills foster logical reasoning, creativity, and persistence, which are invaluable life skills.
Any interesting insights or practical applications to share with our readers?
People often feel others progress faster in queues or traffic jams. This perception is factual, explained by the ‘Waiting Time Paradox,' mathematically proving that personal wait feels longer than observed waits. For tipping, calculating 15% is simplified by determining 10% and halving it, then adding to the total.
Lastly, could you share your aspirations or insights on mathematics with us?
Mathematics requires profound logic and creativity, akin to philosophy at advanced levels. Sadly, non-math majors often dismiss math early on, believing complex calculations are beyond them. Yet, the logical and creative abilities honed through mathematics benefit all fields. I focus on teaching application over rote memorization, aiming to advance my research and apply findings across disciplines. I aspire to continue excelling in both teaching and research.
