Cassandra Hung
Cassandra Hung
Major: Applied Mathematics and Statistics
Hometown: West Chester, PA
“My Wake Forest experience has taken me to places like the Florida Keys, Costa Rica, and soon, the Netherlands.”
Most meaningful non-academic experience
Being part of student organizations like the World Tea Association has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience. It was such an unexpected way to meet so many people, and some of my favorite Wake Forest memories are from visiting tea houses in Asheville and de-stressing after an exam by drinking tea with friends.
Favorite Wake Forest tradition
There are so many traditions that come to mind, but some highlights are probably Pitsgiving and President’s Ball. I also love smaller traditions that have only recently started, like the math and statistics Chili Cook-Off!
Most surprising aspect of your experience
Probably that I got to explore so many new places during my time in college, even without studying abroad. Between things like student organizations and other enrichment activities, I have had far more opportunities to travel than I thought I would as a student. My Wake Forest experience has taken me to places like the Florida Keys, Costa Rica, and soon, the Netherlands, all of which are places that I had not even considered as a possibility to see four years ago.
Most influential person(s) in your journey
Dr. Sarah Lotspeich has been a wonderful professor and mentor over the past few years. I have had the opportunity to work with her on research for multiple semesters, which has taught me so much about statistics and what I want to do after graduation. Because of Dr. L, I have had chances to present at conferences (both in the U.S. and internationally!) and have found a passion for biostatistics. Her mentorship has been invaluable, both during my time as an undergraduate student and as I prepare for my next steps, and I will always be so grateful to be one of her many collaborators.
Most rewarding student experience
The most rewarding experiences that I had during my time at Wake Forest are probably from traveling to conferences and presenting research. These experiences taught me so much about how to effectively communicate my work and allowed me to hear from experts from around the world. Even more importantly, these ventures have allowed me to maintain relationships, make new friends, and grow as a researcher.
What you’d tell your first-year self
Like a lot of students, I did not know what I wanted to do when I started college. Since participating in undergraduate research, however, I have gained a clearer understanding of what motivates me. Wake Forest, and particularly the faculty in the math and statistics departments, have supported me in exploring the many possible pathways I could pursue. I know that I will likely be asking myself similar questions again in a few years as I begin graduate studies, but I also know that my time at Wake Forest has more than prepared me to think about what I want to do in the future by providing plentiful opportunities to explore and reflect.