Jazz equals fun

"Bucknell does a great job of helping those who need it. I'm on a math scholarship and a dean's scholarship, plus a National Merit Scholarship. Studying at Bucknell is a huge opportunity for me."

Matthew Mizuhara '12, mathematics

Class of 2012 Update: After graduation, Matthew is heading to Penn State University to work on a doctorate in pure mathematics. His ultimate goal is to become a university professor.

Why Bucknell?

"Bucknell is so different from anyplace else. I wanted a college with small class sizes, personal attention and a focus on undergraduate education. I also wanted the possibility of studying abroad and double-majoring.  Everyone here is so well-rounded, which is exciting. When I visited on Admitted Students Day, I met with the math department chair. We had a real conversation, not just formalities. He told me all about his current research, and that really impressed me."

My major

"Math is a beautiful art form that is completely integrated into the world around us. It is always challenging, and there is always a better solution to the problem. Last semester, I did research with Professor Pam Gorkin, which was awesome. I'd like to become a professor and help teach other people how to love math as much as I do.

My activities

"I grew up playing piano, saxophone and guitar. For me, music is another way to communicate with people. I sing with a campus a cappella group called Beyond Unison. I also play sax in the symphonic band and the jazz band. We have concerts every semester and sometimes we travel for performances or competitions. Jazz equals fun at all times — it's great.

"As a first-year student, I lived in the residential arts college, which was a great way to transition to college. In the Residential Colleges, you live on a hall with people who share a common interest. You take a common class together and go on trips, too. I was a junior fellow for the arts college -- I lived with the first-years and acted as a liaison to campus life."

Matthew is from Allentown, Pa.

Posted Feb. 1, 2010