Mathematics & Computer Science Students

Student Profile

Name: Nicole Verdino ‘12
Hometown: Sevierville, TN
Major: Mathematics for Teacher Licensure

Q: What made you decide to choose Maryville College, and a major in Mathematics?

A: When the time came to look for colleges, I knew what type of college atmosphere I wanted. I wanted a small liberal arts college with a great math and education program. Maryville College was perfect. The moment I stepped onto the campus, I knew I was at the right place. I have wanted to be a math teacher since second grade and I knew Maryville College was the place to make that dream a reality. 

Q: In what ways is your Maryville College experience preparing you for your future vocation?

A: Maryville College is helping me become a better mathematician by providing knowledgeable math professors who take time out of their day to help me in any of my classes. The professors set perfect examples of how a class should be taught and I will be able to take those examples and use them in my classroom.

Q: What have been your favorite courses?

A: My favorite courses have been Calculus I, II, and III. I love the concepts that Calculus uses. I really enjoy integration with the Disk and Washer Methods. I like applying Calculus to real world problems because it makes math seem like a real thing, something that is useful to everyday life.

Q: What’s the best thing about being a math major at Maryville College?

A: The people. The professors are very approachable and always there to help when I need them. They care about how I am doing. I am not just another name an a roll call. I am a person that they care about. Also the math majors are like a family. We all gather around tables in the library and do our homework together. We teach and learn from each other. We are a close knit group and get along great.

Q: What are your other interests and involvements on campus?

A: I am involved in several clubs on campus. I am President of National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH), Vice President of Residence Hall Association (RHA), Co-President of Lloyd Hall Council, and Co-Chair of Teams and Morale for Up ‘Til Dawn (a group that raises money for St. Jude). I am also involved in Math Club and am a Teacher’s Assistant.

Student Research/Achievements:

Joshua Ennen  (2003 - Biology) researched “Circadian calling dynamics of the wood frog,  Rana sylvatica , in Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” resulting in a senior thesis on the topic.  Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biology at the University of Southern Mississippi.  

Catherine Webb , (2003 - Biology) developed an interest in the control of growth and development of vertebrates through coursework in Developmental Biology and Animal Physiology. From this, she designed and conducted a thesis on “ The Effects of Malathion on Growth and Development of  Xenopus  leaves.”  Currently pursuing an M.S. at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Rachel Bowman  (MC 2002 - Chemistry) conducted research with Dr. Kristi Kneas, culminating in a presentation at the national ACS meeting in 2002 and a publication in  Journal of Microscopy .

Valerie Malyvanh  (2001 - Chemistry) did senior thesis research on transferring an ion transport protein, which was presented at the Council of Undergraduate Research Meeting of Posters on Capitol Hill, Spring 2001.  She also completed a summer undergraduate research project, resulting in a paper in  Biosensors and Bioelectronics .

Elizabeth Hewitt  (2001 - Biology) conducted research with Dr. Louis Guillette at the University of Florida on physiological changes in alligators induced by environmental toxins.  The results of this research were published in  Chemosphere .