Career calculus
by Samantha Mendoza
Children often ask if they’ll ever use advanced mathematics in their daily lives.
Clearly, they’ve never met senior Dhwani Chandi, who has the answer.
A Mathematics major with a minor in Computer Science at St. Mary’s University, Chandi is passionate about proving just how crucial Applied Mathematics is for expanding our understanding of one of the greatest global challenges of our time: climate change.
Originally from New Delhi, Chandi arrived in Texas in 2021 for her first year at the suggestion of her aunt, Geetanjally Yada, who worked toward a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at St. Mary’s.
Math was not initially Chandi’s focus. But, after meeting professors in the Math Department, she realized that it was her future.
“After taking some Math classes and learning more about probability theory, linear algebra and data science, I realized that I actually wanted to pursue Math,” Chandi said. “I plan to pursue a math-related career because I just really love it. It’s highly applicable to any field you can possibly think of.”
Chandi was selected for a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship in 2024 with Assistant Professor of Mathematics Kaitlin Hill, Ph.D. Together, they explored the role of applied mathematics in understanding and addressing climate change. Their research will appear in an upcoming publication by the American Math Society.
“Dhwani worked diligently and thoughtfully on her summer research,” Hill said. “Her work will help broaden the number of post-secondary mathematics classrooms teaching problems with climate applications.”
Chandi credited the experience with expanding her awareness of climate-related research and with giving her the hands-on opportunity to work with a team of researchers on a project with broad implications for the planet.
“The research experience humbled me and taught me so much,” Chandi said. “Math affects climate, and climate affects all of us. I hope our research can simplify for readers how math and climate are interrelated so that anyone, even someone who is not a professional, can read our work and understand its significance.”
Dhwani Chandi“St. Mary’s is the kind of place you keep coming back to. When you come here, it’s your family away from family.”
In addition to Chandi’s academic pursuits and her role as co-president of the Math Club, she is also a mentor for students in the First-Year Experience seminar course, which teaches students how to navigate their transition into college as they learn how to set themselves up for success.
“As a mentor, I try to help students because your first year is like a stepping stone that can build your entire college path,” Chandi said. “I want to be able to offer a helping hand to these students without them even asking for it or realizing they need it.”
Chandi plans to pursue a master’s degree in Math to become an actuarial or data scientist. Wherever she goes, she’ll carry the St. Mary’s spirit and values with her.
“St. Mary’s is the kind of place you keep coming back to. When you come here, it’s your family away from family,” Chandi said. “St Mary’s made me realize that it doesn’t hurt to help people. It doesn’t hurt to talk to others. When you pass by someone, talk to them. Smile at them. It will make their day. And it will make your day, too.”
