Cristina Davis, B.S. 1994

1994 Major: Mathematics and Biology

How has being a Mathematics graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?

"I originally arrived at Duke with an intended major of Biology. I am a first generation college student, and I was navigating the challenge of deciding a major while still learning about longer-term career opportunities across a broad spectrum. During my freshman year, my math classes were consistently a highlight of my plan of study! I found the small class sizes and the faculty engagement very stimulating and meaningful. It was a transformative point in my education, and I looked forward to those classes on a daily basis -- which was a wake-up call. Although I did not originally intend this, I decided to major in both mathematics and biology. That alone is part of my story, but it's the undergraduate research opportunities and faculty contact that helped set me onto my current career path."

What advice would you give students in Duke's Mathematics programs?

"Please get to know your professors! I greatly benefited from the personal coaching and relationships fostered by the small class sizes in the Math department. I would also advice students to be fearless in building their programs of study. Disciplines that don't exist today, can be at the interface between majors. Explore you passions and career successes will follow!"