KATIE KINNAIRD ‘08
Hometown: Bethesda, MD
Major: Math
Minor: Psychology

"All the math majors I know at Wellesley are women. It's a truly special experience, one that I only appreciated after I went abroad to a coed math program."
- Katie

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FAVORITE COURSE: My favorite class at Wellesley has been Topology (MATH 307), which is the study of mathematical spaces.

YOUR PERSPECTIVES ON ACADEMICS: I love working late with my friends who just happen to be my study partners. Math here is very collaborative. Professors are willing to help you learn math regardless of whether or not you are in their class or have ever been in their class. Studying math at Wellesley is very unique. All the math majors I know at Wellesley are women. It's a truly special experience, one that I only appreciated after I went abroad to a coed math program.

The faculty in the Math Department are extraordinarily talented and really love what they do. Generally, the professors are very clear and want each student to succeed. I knew the professors at Wellesley were excellent, but until I went abroad, I didn't realize how lucky I was to have them as professors.

RESEARCH/INTERNSHIPS: I have done two REUs (Research Experience for Undergraduates) during my summers: one at University of Connecticut and one at North Carolina State University. I have also taken an independent study examining representation theory of finite groups.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WELLESLEY: I love Wellesley for so many reasons. My favorite thing about Wellesley is the group of friends I have here. All of them are dedicated, driven, smart, and hilarious individuals. We have been through changes in majors, dating disasters, and late-nights together. I can't wait to see where they go after Wellesley. Being at a women's college has given me the confidence to continue doing math. I wouldn't change it for the world.

DREAM JOB: I don't have a dream job. I really like math and any job that will allow me to continue learning and discussing math sounds like a dream to me! (Although, my ultimate back-up job is to be a wedding planner.) After graduation, I am going to graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. in Mathematics.

FUN FACT: I fly kites! At one time, I was the youngest kite flyer in the world at 37 minutes old.