Career Roadmap
Rebecca's work combines: Numbers, Education, and Problem Solving
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Mathematics, General
Harvard University
Doctorate
Mathematics, General
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Graduate Degree
Mathematics, General
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Mathematics, General
Doctorate: Mathematics, General
Graduate Degree: Mathematics, General
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
The day that I passed my qualifying exams, I realized, "Wait, I can actually do this for a living!"
2.
Then, in grad school, I realized my research was publishable—I was actually going to finish my Ph.D.
3.
Right before finishing graduate school, I got married and had a child.
4.
I was nervous to start a family so soon, because at that point, I didn't have any job security.
5.
However, I was offered an amazing postdoctoral fellowship; I couldn't believe it all worked out.
6.
While working at GMU, I was introduced to STATS.org; I saw a place where I could make a difference.
7.
STATS.org opened the door to get me involved in analytic journalism, an exciting new field for me.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
Girls aren't supposed to be this interested in math.
How I responded:
I hope that it's different for girls interested in STEM today, but when I was a kid, I was definitely discouraged from studying math. Teachers told me I was doing too much, friends told me I'd never have a boyfriend...no one understood why I was so interested in this field. I felt like I was swimming upstream, not only because I was a female, but also because people try to order mathematicians in a structural hierarchy of intelligence. The truth is, we all have different strengths and talents!
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
As a mother of four, there was definitely a time where I had trouble leaving my children for work. But I've come to realize that all that matters is creating a loving environment for your kids—it's perfectly fine to continue your professional life.