Math Alumni and National Defense

UD Math Alumni Elizabeth Jones works for the Department of Defense, making our soldiers safer by analyzing their technical needs.

"I studied mathematics because I have always enjoyed mathematics.  It has never come easily for me, although probably easier to me than some others, but I like the challenge and the satisfaction that comes from learning and knowing something extremely difficult.  UD is a beautiful school with many opportunities educationally and socially--choosing UD was not a hard decision for me.  I entered UD as "undeclared".  I knew that I wanted to study math, but I was afraid of attempting a major in pure math so thought I would try my hand at accounting.  Accounting is NOT for me.  After learning that nice little fact, I quickly got over my fear and declared math.  I received my B.S. in Mathematics from UD in 2002 and began a job with the Department of Defense shortly after.  So, what do I do with my math degree?  By title, I am an operations research analyst, but what do I really do?  I am a problem solver.  I work for the US soldier.  I work with the Army's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets to determine which assets the DoD should or should not acquire and why.  I model sensors and their performance in various environments and against various targets.  I receive new and challenging tasks every day and use my background in mathematics to help find a solution.  I like my job and I like that I am doing something to make a difference.  And I would not be able to do it without my math degree."