HWS News
3 March 2026 Explorations in Math
HWS students reflect on math conference that offers networking and career exploration opportunities.
Madelyn Krueger ’26, Ruth Hotaling ’26 and Sarah Shoobe ’28 recently attended the Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Wisdom in Mathematics, building connections with other college students interested in the field and discovering the career paths available to them. On Thursday, March 5 at 4:30 p.m. in Gulick 201, the three students will share their experience during a colloquium.
Supported in part by the National Science Foundation and Math for America, the three-day conference encourages undergraduate students to pursue graduate study and careers in mathematics through presentations, forums and networking opportunities.
Associate Professor of Mathematics Erika King, who led the trip, says she has encouraged students to attend for nearly 20 years. “My goal is to give them an experience where they are surrounded by others like themselves, help them see that they are valuable mathematicians and give them the opportunity to network with others who can support them and help open doors to future experiences.”
Krueger, a mathematics and economics double major, used the conference to present her thesis "Mathematically Modeling Petty Corruption Using Queueing Theory," which examines how even small shifts in congestion can prompt people to significantly alter their behavior. Krueger’s model argues this through the example of people waiting in lines and, as wait times increase, people are more likely to turn to bribery or corruption to move up in line.
A second-time attendee to the conference, Krueger says it has helped her gain confidence in presenting as professors and industry leaders provided advice and assistance. “I also hope to take away the friendships and connections that I made,” says Krueger.
Mathematics and music double major Hotaling was encouraged by King to attend as she wanted to explore its networking opportunities.
“I was able to connect with professionals and other students who gave valuable advice about post-graduate life and careers in general," says Hotaling.
"This conference helped give me perspective into how versatile a math degree is in many different fields as I start to think what kind of career I want," says Shoobe.
HWS has supported students in attending NCUWM since 2007. All HWS students are welcome to participate in this opportunity. View HWS' Non-Discrimination Statement and Policy. The NCUWM is open to all undergraduate students age 19 or older and their faculty advisors.
Funding for the trip was provided by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, the Deans’ Office and the Provost’s Office.
Top: Sarah Shoobe '28, Ruth Hotaling '26 and Madelyn Krueger ’26 pose at the Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Wisdom in Mathematics.
