Math Major, Catholic Studies Minor Joins Top Ph.D. Program
Thursday, January 14, 2021
Additionally, Stony Brook Computer Science is a top program in mobile computing and
systems. John's Ph.D. advisor is Dr. Shubham Jain, an expert on wearable health cyber-physical
systems. John will be working on mobile computing and embedded systems, specifically
applied to wearable health. John's main interests are in data science and data visualization,
and in applying them to wearable health and perhaps even smart cities. He was offered
full tuition funding and a competitive research assistant position with a yearly stipend,
so this opportunity is excellent!
We asked John to explain in his own words how Seton Hall Mathematics and Catholic
Studies helped him get into such a highly competitive program:
When I began the application process for graduate schools, I found that my education
and unique experiences at Seton Hall are what truly made me stand out. The support
and mentorship from Dr. John Saccoman, Fr. Joseph Laracy, Dr. Thomas Marlowe and Dr.
Nathan Kahl from the Mathematics Department have been incredible. Dr. Tin-Chun Chu
introduced me to research and publishing when I was a freshman, which was extremely
beneficial for my path. Dr. Puya Ghazizadeh also introduced me to Computer Science
research. The foundational mathematical skills I learned from my Mathematics department
are what really made my application stand out.
When it came to Catholic Studies, my undergraduate profile showed a lot of breadth and a different world views compared to other applicants. I had some very unique courses in my portfolio which combined Faith and Science in a unique way. Catholic Studies made me think differently, see math and science in a totally new lens, and be a unique applicant. In the end, it worked! I got into 6/6 of the programs I applied to with full tuition funding and a yearly stipend. Catholic Studies was perfect for enhancing my knowledge and connecting it to philosophy, religion, sociology, and the bigger picture of our world. Catholic Studies professors Fr. Joseph Laracy, Dr. Anthony Haynor, Dr. Christopher Kaiser, Fr. Gerry Buonopane and Gloria Aroneo provide tons of support to every student.
What do you have to say to other Mathematics/science and Catholic Studies students?
Take as many interesting courses as you can, get introduced to research as soon as
possible (ideally freshman year), and find courses that supplement and enhance your
major. Go for the double major, add minors to your portfolio. Talk about these diverse
experiences and courses you took that stand out or that link science and faith or
faith and reason. Graduate schools are looking out for thinkers even in the sciences
and Seton Hall offers amazing research opportunities in sciences and has many excellent
courses available.
Are you planning to work in industry or academia?
During graduate school, I would love to intern in industry as a researcher. However,
in the long run, I am interested in academia and having my own research lab.
Would you be willing to mentor other SHU students who want to follow your path?
I would love to! I am here for any Pirates who have questions or would like to follow
in my path or to participate in open houses. I also highly suggest talking to professors
in freshmen year. Dr. John Saccoman and Dr. Tin-Chun Chu have been my mentor since
the start. Both of them helped me navigate the application system to graduate school
and they are truly amazing. Go Pirates!
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