From my senior year in high school through my undergraduate and graduate years, I found it intriguing that the study of mathematics is in many ways like the study of a foreign language. At first, a mathematics student stumbles over fundamental concepts. Over time and with practice, however, these early lessons form the foundation for future study. As one masters the language of mathematics, past approaches are instinctively recalled, just as a fluent speaker in a second language can, without hesitation, negotiate his or her way through an encounter in that language. I do not pretend to be a mathematics master, but I have developed an understanding of mathematics that helps me analyze many of the situations encountered in the airline industry.

Upon entering the University of Virginia, I decided to pursue a degree in systems engineering because of my interest in problem solving. How to put those interests to the best use was not so clear to me at the time. The systems engineering curriculum gave me the opportunity to obtain a broad-based engineering education and develop my skills in human factors, operations research, economics, and computer science. Mathematics was the singular thread throughout all these disciplines. As it turned out, the opportunities upon graduation with my background were both numerous and varied.

My first job, with a federal government contract-research center, provided the means to pursue my interest in operations research.