Praise for the Queen's Mathematics & Engineering program

Michael McCreesh (Sci '17)

The Mathematics and Engineering program provides a unique combination of mathematical knowledge and technical skills that sets up its’ graduates for success in many areas. The rigorous mathematical background developed in the core second- and third-year courses allow for a deeper understanding of the engineering courses taken outside the department. In addition, the content of the program’s third- and fourth-year courses in areas such as control theory or information theory easily match or exceed equivalent courses at the graduate level at many other universities, providing students with a foundation not usually acquired at the undergraduate level.

"The Apple Math program provided me with opportunities that would not have been available coming from any other program. "
Michael McCreesh (Sci '17)

Following graduation, the Apple Math program provided me with opportunities that would not have been available coming from any other program. Both due to the reputation of the program, and advice from the always helpful faculty, I was afforded opportunities with faculty at other universities that would not have been available otherwise. Further, once continuing my education at the University of California San Diego, the foundational knowledge in mathematics provided me with a significant leg up in preparation for the graduate level courses. I would highly recommend the Mathematics and Engineering program whether you have aspirations in academia or industry, as in either case you will come out incredibly well prepared.

Curtis McDonald (Sci '17)

The applied mathematics and engineering program at Queen’s offers a unique education experience that produces problems solvers with the technical and theoretical knowledge to engage in modern problems in mathematics and engineering. The selection of advanced technical courses and a rigorous approach to problem solving from an engineering perspective allows students to understand not just which tools to use to solve a problem, but also how these tools work on a deeper level. By a student’s third and fourth year they are taking courses equivalent to many first or second year graduate courses at other institutions, providing a great head start and solid foundation for those pursing future studies.

"There is great collaboration with other students on research projects, and a chance to learn and grow together"
Curtis McDonald (Sci '17)

I would also like to note the incredible community and faculty of the department. There is great collaboration with other students on research projects, and a chance to learn and grow together. I have many fond memories working with other students on projects in my time. Additionally, the faculty make great effort to be engaged in student development and make themselves available for student questions and ideas. I am currently in my third year in the Statistics and Data Science PhD program at Yale University. When I first arrived here, the faculty where surprised at the level of knowledge I possessed as a new student, and I attribute this to my time at Queen’s. I rely almost daily on the concepts I learned early on in my studies at Queens, and this solid foundation has allowed me to purse my goals in research. For anyone interested in engaging with the deeper theory behind engineering and applied math problems, I would highly recommend the applied mathematics and engineering program at Queen’s.

Becca Bonham-Carter

The Mathematics and Engineering program gave me the skills and opportunities to pursue interesting careers in both industry and academia, and ignited many new and exciting interests that I never knew existed. The emphasis on mastering engineering fundamentals through developing a strong base of mathematical knowledge imparts unique skills and creates a program which is challenging, but also thoroughly fulfilling. Through my time in the Math & Eng program, I learned how to think rigorously and more deeply understand complex engineering problems by leveraging the power that mathematical abstraction has make connections clear and turn problems into recognizable structures which can be soundly tackled with matching mathematical tools. I found that what I learned from the MTHE courses, the ways of thinking as well as the math itself, allowed me to more easily grasp concepts in my electrical engineering and physics courses, and more easily communicate engineering solutions in my work.

"The emphasis on mastering engineering fundamentals through developing a strong base of mathematical knowledge imparts unique skills and creates a program which is challenging"
Becca Bonham-Carter

Throughout my time in the program and since graduation, what I learned in the Math & Eng program has given me the opportunity to work in a variety of fields including human brain modeling, R&D for rovers for planetary exploration, machine learning for autonomous vehicles, systems & control theory, and developmental biology. The MTHE professors were amazing teachers and academic supervisors, and my cohort shared a strong sense of community. The engagement and support I received as student in the program encouraged me to seek out further studies in Mathematics and positions in industry involving a high-level of mathematical understanding. My experience in the Math & Eng program went far beyond my expectations from when I entered the program as a (mostly clueless) second-year student.

George Weekes (Sci '12)

Apple Math's integration of mathematics and engineering provides a unique approach to education at the undergraduate level. Throughout my years in the program, a strong foundation in mathematics was mirrored with a broad range of engineering applications, allowing me to develop a fundamental skill set which lends itself to diverse applications.

"A strong foundation in mathematics was mirrored with a broad range of engineering applications."
George Weekes (Sci '12)

Whether continuing on to careers in academia or industry, Apple Math graduates are prepared with, not only the technical background required, but also critical thinking and problem solving skills which differentiates them from their peers. Personally, the true value of the program comes from its proven ability to prepare its graduates for a broad range of career paths. Having specialized in the mechanical stream, I have successfully applied what I learned in Apple Math to both a summer job in computer programming and my recent full-time position in finance. Not only did I graduate with a strong competency in my chosen discipline, but also the ability to build on this knowledge in any setting of work or study.

Zachary Kroeze (Sci '12)

Apple was one of the reasons I have enjoyed my Queen's experience so much. I had to opportunity to develop quantitative skills in mathematics that will not only last me my whole life, but which also transfer to such a wide variety of subjects. Being in the M6 option, these math skills enabled me to tackle my mechanical engineering courses with ease. More surprisingly, they have also helped me transfer into an Electrical Engineering Master's program having very little knowledge of electrical engineering fundamentals. This is a testament to how mathematics plays a key role in the understanding of engineering fundamentals across all disciplines.

"These math skills enabled me to tackle my mechanical engineering courses with ease."
Zachary Kroeze (Sci '12)

Although this undergraduate program is a very demanding one, the small class sizes and excellent professors make the journey an enjoyable one. You will develop strong friendships with your classmates, and have the opportunity to volunteer within the Apple program. Like any program, you get what you put in to it, but this program has the opportunity to give you more.

Matthew Gilbert (Sci '11)

I am currently enrolled in my first semester at the University of Waterloo in the Quantitative Finance program. The program involves a combination of courses in probability, statistics and finance. Students in my program come from a wide range of backgrounds. Given this wide range of backgrounds, I feel that Applied Mathematics was the ideal undergraduate degree to prepare me for this program.

"My fourth year thesis project in Region Tracking Over a Sequence of Images taught me invaluable skills in MATLAB."
Matthew Gilbert (Sci '11)

In terms of the theoretical background in mathematics required for this program, I feel well prepared for my coursework by my studies in Applied Math. With respect to my technical skills, my fourth year thesis project in Region Tracking Over a Sequence of Images taught me invaluable skills in MATLAB which prepared me for the technical components of the program. Maybe the most important concept Apple Math taught me was the idea of time management, persistence and independent study.

Cameron McCormick (Sci '11)

I work for a small energy consulting company in Etobicoke, ON called Energy Profiles Limited. We provide impartial energy consulting services, and the focus of our services is independent and objective analysis. Our clients are large energy consumers, including commercial, retail, industrial, and multi-residential building owners and managers. My role with the company is as a member of the Data Systems Group. I among involved primarily with data analysis and computer programming. So, although I may not be using control theory or Lagrangian mechanics on they job, I am certainly using all of the skills I developed while completing my undergrad in applied math.

"Perhaps the two most important skills that I picked up are those of persistence and completeness."
Cameron McCormick (Sci '11)

Perhaps the two most important skills that I picked up are those of persistence and completeness (in the sense of they rigour of a proof, not in the sense of normed vector spaces!), and these skills have application everywhere in a career in industry. The Applied Mathematics program is likely the best place to pick up these skills. Those long nights in the cave do pay off, and I am very glad that I completed my undergrad in Applied Math!

Lauren Bates (Sci '10)

There is no other undergraduate program that will provide you with the challenging education, world-class faculty, and opportunities found in the Apple Math program at Queen's. As an undergrad, I took several grad level courses, was a TA for 1st year math courses, wrote a thesis on facial recognition, and organized social events as the Apple Executive President. Even though I chose the mechanical option, I found myself prepared for a career in many industries. I am currently working as a software engineer in a rotational leadership development program. My background wasn't computer science, but Apple Math really leveraged me as a potential candidate because it showed I was able to learn advanced concepts quickly, solve problems, and think analytically.

Tobias Barton (Sci '10)

Apple Math has made learning everything else so much easier for me. It's hard not to know what you're doing when you understand everything on such a fundamental level. No other Engineering program at Queen's could have given me this kind of training and preparation.

"No other Engineering program at Queen's could have given me this kind of training and preparation."
Tobias Barton (Sci '10)

Andrew Brennan (Sci '10)

Apple Math is a unique blend of rigorous mathematics and practical engineering. Having done a Masters in mathematics at Queen's, I can say that the mathematical foundation is sufficient for a dedicated graduate to launch a career in mathematics. Similarly, the engineering is sufficient for a career in engineering. There is also great flexibility that derives from this rigorous/practical combination, and it is this power that I am now harnessing. I have recently switched fields to pursue a PhD in the neuroscience of human movement. The mind is often modeled as a control system, making the engineering and math skills invaluable as I learn the biological basis for movement control. Apple Math has proved to be a solid foundation for this program despite the fact that I have very little background in biology.

Andrew Cerisano (Sci '11)

Through all of the high level math courses and projects Apple Math has made me who I am today by forcing me to learn how to do complicated things extremely quickly, which is one of the most important skills in today's fast-paced work environment. Being able to adapt and learn new and exciting ideas is infinitely more important than excellence at previous year's work. Another crucial skill needed in today's work environment is the ability to manage your time efficiently. Apple Math has taught me to prioritize properly and make the best use of the time available to me. Acquiring skills such as these on top of the math and engineering coursework you learn, as well as the recognition of the program made Apple Math the perfect choice for me.

Jeff Calder (Sci '08)

The Apple Math program gives you a solid understanding of the mathematical principles that are at the foundation of many of the models used in engineering. It gave me the skills to succeed as an electrical engineer working in industry and as a PhD student in a mathematics department at a top US school. There is no way I could have achieved all of this by going into any other Engineering program at Queen's.

"(Apple Math) gave me the skills to succeed as an electrical engineer."
Jeff Calder (Sci '08)

Dustin Freeman (Sci '08)

Dustin Freeman graduated from Apple Math Mech in 2008. After lots of soul-searching, he decided to apply his math skills to make futuristic computer interfaces that bring people together rather than split them apart. Apple Math gave him the confidence and ability to understand and rapidly prototype new vision algorithms and gesture detection techniques. In the summer of 2010, Dustin was at HP Research India working on gesture computers for people who have never seen a mouse; in 2011 he is working with Microsoft Research on the Kinect platform. In 2012, he continues his PhD work at the University of Toronto on creating gestural interfaces for theatre performers.

Jen Elgar (Sci '10)

The Apple Math program at Queen's has all of the factors that I think are important in a top-notch undergraduate degree. It is full of interesting challenges, the professors are world class, and it fully prepares you for the challenges that you will face upon graduation. I am currently working as a geophysical software developer in Calgary. I did not study geophysics in University, but in Apple Math we covered the mathematical principles that are at the base of the subject. Knowing the fundamentals has given me a huge edge. I was able to learn the geophysics behind my job quickly, which allowed me to contribute to my company in a short period of time.

"The Apple Math program has all of the factors that I think are important in a top-notch undergraduate degree. It is full of interesting challenges, the professors are world class, and it fully prepares you for the challenges that you will face upon graduation."
Jen Elgar (Sci '10)

Abdallah Elraghy (Sci '10)

I am doing an MASc in Aerospace Engineering, and I am focusing on commercial aircraft shape design and optimization for my research. Queen's Apple Math has given me an excellent foundation in both Mathematics and Engineering for working in this area. No other Engineering program at Queen's would have given me this kind of preparation.

"Apple Math has given me an excellent foundation in both Mathematics and Engineering for working in this area. No other Engineering program at Queen's would have given me this kind of preparation."
Abdallah Elraghy (Sci '10)

Adrian Green (Sci '10)

Mathematics and Engineering gave me advanced technical knowledge in practical and interesting areas, which is now indispensable to me as a graduate student at the University of Toronto in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Apple was definitely the right choice for me, and provided me with many opportunities.

"(MTHE) gave me advanced technical knowledge in practical and interesting areas, which is now indispensable to me as a graduate student."
Adrian Green (Sci '10)

Nima Poulad (Sci '11)

I currently work for Microsoft as a software engineer in the Graphics Division of the Windows Operating System in Seattle, United States. I can tell you how apple math has contributed to my success. As you can imagine, any career in the graphics field would involve doing a great deal of complex and sophisticated mathematics. Apple math helped me build a very strong background in math, to the point that I'm enabled me to perform strongly at my job. It was difficult for my managers here at Microsoft to believe an undergraduate student can possibly have such indepth understanding of mathematical concepts. They normally hire only Master and PhD students but ever since they learned about Apple math, they started to rethink their recruitment plan for the future. I hope you also choose Apple math, and discover your full potential!

"(MTHE) gave me advanced technical knowledge in practical and interesting areas, which is now indispensable to me as a graduate student."
Nima Poulad (Sci '11)