Math Student Q&A: Aeryn Mac Isaac

We spoke with Aeryn Mac Isaac, a fourth-year Bachelor of Mathematics student majoring in Mathematical Science, with a minor in French Studies. While at U of G, she has balanced being a research assistant, a teaching assistant for MATH*1080, and duties as Vice President of Finance for the Math & Stats Club. She also discussed her career aspirations and the experiences that have shaped her path.

What is the best part about your program and what opportunities has it brought to you?

Because it's a smaller program, you get to know people quickly, and I met two of my best friends in a second-year math class. You can also develop good relationships with your professors too because it’s like a little community. This helps getting opportunities such as the teaching assistantships that I've had and currently have, and my summer research position.

What made you choose French Studies as your minor?

I just love languages; I always have. My mom encouraged my sisters and I to take French in high school, and it just so happened that I really liked it! Because my end goal is to go into teaching, I think knowing another language will be beneficial, whether I'm teaching math in a French-speaking country or teaching English as a second language.

Tell me about your research position in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics this summer. What was it like and what did you enjoy most?

I was working with Dr. Lorna Deeth investigating specific chemical compounds (Naphthenic Acids) in the oil sands region in Alberta. We consulted chemists and toxicologists at Environment and Climate Change Canada, and kept the governments in the loop. I spent the summer digging through old, messy data, cleaning it up and then coding different programs to analyze the data. 

Out of the math or stats streams, I chose math, which meant my stats experiences was limited, making it intimidating for me to start this statistics-based research position. But my supervisor was super helpful and accommodating, and I learned a lot while developing my coding skills. My favourite part about it was that I got to do something that was real and impactful.

Tell me about your experience as a Teaching Assistant. How have you found being a TA for MATH*1080 to impact/enhance your own learning?

It's been a rewarding experience because I've always liked tutoring. I tutored when I was in high school, and continued with it since starting university, whether it was for high school students or younger. This is similar, but also slightly different in some ways with the MATH*1080 class. I proctor tests, midterms, and exams, as well as grading assignments, so that was a completely new experience for me. The Math Learning Center and tutoring helped me get a better perspective on the different ways that people learn. So it's been helpful to learn new ways to explain things to people. It's also been good to keep up to date with my first-year math skills, which are really the basis of everything you learn after. 

What extracurricular activities are you involved in on campus?

I’m Vice President of Finance on the Math & Stats Club, which I joined at the end of last semester. I also assist at recruitment events, including campus visits from high school classes and open houses for grade 11 and 12 students and their parents, where I promote our math program. For example, I’ll be at the Ontario University Fair in Toronto representing our program at our booth and talking to prospective students.

What made you want to join the Math & Stats Club?

I wanted to join the Math & Stats Club because I've attended a few events and really enjoyed them. My friend, who has been the vice president for a year or two, encouraged me and another friend to get involved with the executive team. I see it as a great opportunity to meet new people and have fun—like the math trivia night we hosted on September 24th, which had a fantastic turnout. Overall, I just wanted to be more engaged with the club! It’s important to build those connections, especially since starting university can be intimidating. This experience really emphasizes the community aspect of my program.

What advice do you have for other CEPS students looking to get involved?

Keep an eye out for events hosted by different clubs, like the Math & Stats Club. It’s a great way to meet people in your program and connect with executive members. If you're interested in getting involved or becoming an executive member, ask them about the application process. Also, talk to your professors; in smaller programs, they often know who the club leaders are and can help you make those connections.

What was something that you found challenging when you started university that you have since overcome?

In my first year, I was really intimidated to ask questions or go to office hours. I worried about looking foolish in big classes, like first-year calculus, especially since my high school math was affected by the pandemic, leaving me with gaps in my knowledge. But I’ve learned that there’s no shame in asking for help. Now, I actively raise my hand and spend time in office hours. It’s essential to seek clarification, and it's our professor’s job to help us understand. Not asking questions only harms my learning, so I encourage everyone to be bold and seek the support they need.