Theorem the 'Math'cot

Full Name: Theorem QED Whitley-Clark
Research Area: The Geometric Topology of Dog Toys
Undergraduate Institute: Puppy Kindergarten at Laughing Dog Academy 
Hometown: Silver Spring, MD

Why did you choose AMSC? 
I didn’t choose AMSC, AMSC chose me! (My mom got me the job.) But, just like me, AMSC community members don’t like to limit themselves to loving just one field. (I enjoy all fields, forests, and yards.) Plus, they like cookies as much as I do. The Math Department even has a daily event dedicated to it called Cookie Time!

What are your research interests and why? How did you discover this interest?
 I’m interested in topology because it helps me figure out how my toys can stretch or deform without breaking them. One time I accidentally swallowed a piece of my rubber ball, but now I can categorize my toys by their shapes to avoid that!

What do you do in your free time to keep a work/life balance during graduate school? 
When I’m not doing my very important job of keeping watch at the window, I like to take long naps, meet up with my friends at the dog park, and go on hikes with my parents.

What is your favorite Maryland Tradition that you’ve done/want to do and why? 
I’ve heard that UMD students leave food and other gifts for their mascot, Testudo, for good luck before exams. I’m not saying I can get you an A in Real Analysis, but it wouldn’t hurt to give me a treat or two…

What advice would you give to incoming students?  
Leave plenty of room in your class schedule for walking your dog, and don’t feel guilty if you take a 4-hour nap in the middle of the day.

What was your favorite course or proudest accomplishment so far at AMSC and why? 
My proudest accomplishment was winning the contest to become the Math Department Mathcot!