March 4, 2025 — Student researcher, Math Lab tutor, and executive board member of the Math Club, Isabella Garcia '26 (who goes by Isa) is making waves in the mathematics department.

Her research was some of the first in its field, allowing her to pave the way for a new mathematical algorithm. Essentially, her research allows mathematicians to see waves of information that are unknown or not visible.

“Out of all of my time here at Marist, I am most proud of my research,” Isa said. “I was able to combine my mathematical skills with my newfound programming skills to reach really interesting conclusions.”

In the summer of 2024, the math major applied for the prestigious Research Experience for Undergraduates, and with the help of her professors she was accepted.

“Dr. Matthew Glomski and Dr. Joseph Kirtland really go out of their way to help all of the math students pinpoint these opportunities,” Isa said.

While completing her Research Experience for Undergraduates at Kansas State University, she researched the Reconstruction of Radiating Point Sources from Single Frequency Data in a 2D Acoustic Wave Guide. Through her work in the field of computational image processing, she created an algorithm that locates sources and discovers their intensities given specific measurements of the waves that radiate off of them.

“Isa really is a rockstar; she was able to do cutting-edge research and teach the math department new things,” said Dr. Matthew Glomski, Associate Professor of Mathematics.

Not only was she able to share her research at Marist, but she has also presented at the Symposium Undergraduate Mathematics Research Conference on the other side of the Hudson River, in New Paltz. Outside of the Hudson Valley, she was selected to present at the Joint Mathematics Meeting in Seattle, the world’s largest mathematics conference.

“Employers are looking for people that have done collaborative work and projects,” said Dr. Joesph Kirtland, Professor of Mathematics. “They want to see that students have been pushed out of their comfort zone, and Isa did just that.”

Isa insists that she would not have been as successful without the support of her courses in Poughkeepsie.

“Having a strong background in math was extremely helpful while I was learning how to code,” she continued. “I wouldn’t have been able to learn these new coding skills without the math classes here.”

When she isn’t in class, Isabella can be found helping students with calculus in the Math Lab at the Hancock Center, planning enriching events for the Math Club, or preparing to present her topnotch research with the support of faculty advisors.

Isa presents her research at the end of her Research Experience for Undergraduates to faculty at Kansas State University. Photo courtesy of Isabella Garcia.

Breaking Stereotypes: Women Leading Math at Marist
Isa credits her success to the company of strong, like-minded women in STEM at Marist.

“Math at Marist is actually a woman-dominated department; it’s a misconception I’m happy to be a part of breaking,” Isa said with a smile. “Out of nine tutors in the math lab, eight of us are women, and I am really proud to be a part of such an inspiring atmosphere of women in STEM.”

Away from Poughkeepsie, she found another community of supportive women in STEM. Isa was able to work with other women to cultivate a project in the field of computational imaging.

“Working with other girls was really empowering. My team was all women which was a privilege to be a part of,” said Isa.

Isa helps a student study Calculus and work through problems collaboratively in the Math Lab. Photo by Lauretta Russell '26.

A Hub for Math Support and Connection

Selected as a peer tutor to work in the Math Lab, she works on a team of talented students to provide in-depth math support for students taking calculus.

“Our very top students are hired to tutor calculus-based classes,” said Dr. Glomski. “The atmosphere provides a space for students to share creative problem-solving tactics.”

Dr. Glomski insists Math Lab is the best way for students to dip their toes into the mathematics department.

“It’s a casual environment, and a great way to meet new people and hear about work we do,” the professor said.

Isa’s involvement doesn’t stop at the math lab. In her role on the Math Club board, she helps to plan and coordinate events for both students in the major and students who are simply interested in math disciplines.

“I hope more women continue to find their home away from home in the math department,” she said.

If you're looking for help with Calculus or simply have a passion for math, take a stroll through the third floor of the Hancock Center and visit the Math Lab. There, you can connect with math students and faculty, get assistance with homework, and explore mathematical concepts in a supportive environment.