November 20, 2024
Abigail Poteshman, a fifth-year PhD student in the Committee on Computational and Applied Mathematics, conducts research in method development for modeling and characterizing quantum materials, such as ferroelectrics and spin-defects in semiconductors. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, and raised in NYC, Abigail attended the University of Pennsylvania as an undergraduate, studying mathematics and physics. We interviewed Abigail about her experiences at UChicago.
Why did you choose the University of Chicago?
Because of its interdisciplinary and collaborative environment. I was specifically looking for a graduate program that allowed me to work closely with both applied mathematicians and domain scientists. UChicago’s strengths in computational and applied math, as well as in traditional domain sciences like physics and chemistry, made it an ideal fit. The relatively small size of the CCAM PhD program, with its friendly, social, and inclusive community, was another key factor. Also, being in a major city was non-negotiable for me.
Please describe something you are proud of accomplishing at UChicago.
One of my proudest accomplishments at UChicago is a research project where I collaborate with experimentalists at UChicago and Argonne to integrate computational and mathematical methods to accelerate an experimental characterization technique. I struggled (for years!) to solve a challenging, ill-posed inverse problem, but I finally devised and implemented a solution that will have immediate applications for the broader experimental community. As an applied mathematician, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the direct impact of my method development on real-world experiments, and it’s incredible to collaborate with experimentalists internally within UChicago and Argonne.
What has been your most memorable class and why?
Matrix computation. Although it was a challenging course, I gained both mathematical maturity and confidence in my ability to solve hard math problems.
What is your favorite restaurant or food truck in Hyde Park? What is your favorite dish?
Café 53. I love their vegan sumac chicken sandwich on Dutch crunch bread (and I’m not even vegan).
What is your favorite campus spot and why?
The CCAM PhD student office. There’s always someone around to grab lunch, work through a brainteaser, ask for advice, or just chat about life. I enjoy the conversations and camaraderie so much that sometimes I have to leave the office to actually get work done!
What’s something you love to do outside of the classroom and lab?
I love to knit! Lately, I’ve been really into making sweaters, and I’m looking forward to winter so I can wear my coziest sweaters. Chicago has some amazing local yarn stores, and I enjoy meeting local indie yarn dyers who produce unique fibers you can’t find anywhere else.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve done in the city so far?
I ran the Chicago marathon, and it was an awesome experience running through so many different neighborhoods. I had an incredible time training for the marathon along the lakefront trail all summer, and the highlight of the race was seeing so many of my friends from UChicago cheering at different points along the course.
What support have you received at UChicago that was particularly valuable to you?
The support from my advisor, Giulia Galli, has been invaluable. She has opened many doors for me and encouraged me through challenging research periods. One example is her support for my participation in a quarter-long program at IPAM (Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics) at UCLA, focused on using mathematics to advance quantum mechanics. Through this experience, I connected with the broader mathematical quantum community and gained a lot of confidence as an independent researcher during my time there.
How has your background or experience prepared you to contribute to an environment where diversity and inclusion are valued?
I’m fortunate to have parents who were academics, which gave me not only the privilege of socioeconomic security and their support in pursuing research but also insight into navigating academia and its “invisible curriculum.” Unfortunately, many groups, especially Black and Hispanic students and those who grew up in poverty, are underrepresented in STEM graduate programs and faculty positions. I strongly believe that those of us with knowledge of the academic system should share it widely to help others navigate academia and work to reduce these information imbalances. While there are many students and faculty who care deeply and are already doing great work at UChicago and in CCAM, we have a long way to go to make sure everyone feels not only safe and respected but also valued and celebrated for their identities and backgrounds.
What advice or insights do you have for new or prospective Maroons?
Talk to as many grad students as you can at as many schools as you can. There’s no single program, advisor, or university that’s the best for everyone, so the key is to find where you’ll have the best academic and personal experience. Ask about the support systems in place for students, both for academic challenges and for conflicts with advisors. I also recommend choosing a program where the faculty are not only vocal about wanting their PhD students to succeed but have a track record of supporting them, especially when things don’t go as planned.
What are your plans post-UChicago?
I hope to pursue a postdoc and a career in computational method development at a research institute or in industry, ideally in my hometown of NYC.
If you could choose one word to describe the University of Chicago, what would it be?
Rigorous