The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Corps are chosen to serve as representatives to all constituents of CAS and to create, promote and execute opportunities for academic and professional growth. These students represent a variety of departments from across CAS and will represent the College at events through interaction among current students, future students, parents, donors and alumni.
Throughout the year, we will be introducing new students representing the College in the 2024-25 academic year through a question and answer format. For more about the CAS Corps, visit: cas.appstate.edu/students/cas-corps.
Morgan Tringali
Year: Junior
Major: Mathematics - General
Hometown: Mars Hill, N.C.
What brought you to App State?
“The environment that the school provided brought me here! There is a community of support that exists because of the faculty, staff, and students here at App State, and this community fosters an environment that supports academia and a rounded sense of well-being.”
Which clubs or organizations are you a member of?
“I am a member of the Honors College at App State! I most enjoy the engagement that the Honors College offers its students; there are plenty of rich opportunities and high-quality interactions.”
What scholarship(s) have you received from Appalachian or while studying at Appalachian?
The Appalachian Excellence Scholarship
The Goodman Mathematics and Computer Science Scholarship
What research or coursework have you been most passionate about?
“I am incredibly passionate about real analysis and linear algebra! My linear algebra course has by far been one of my favorites, and I am excited to take related courses in the future. I am also highly fascinated by real analysis - anything that really digs at the roots of why math works excites me! I am currently taking a Survey History of Mathematics course, which relates strongly to the proofs we cover in Real Analysis, as well as touches on the philosophy of math, which I am also greatly passionate about.”
Which location(s) do you hope to visit for an internship, a study abroad trip, a research experience, or just for fun?
“I'm unsure! I'm open to a lot, and App State has quite the variety to choose from. I hope to complete an internship locally at some point, and plan on studying abroad on a faculty-led trip during the summer.”
Where is your favorite place on campus and why?
“The creek in Durham Park is one of my favorite spots on campus! It's a wonderful place to sit and do homework or rest between classes. I really love how much nature is integrated into Appalachian's main campus.”
What is one of your favorite memories at Appalachian thus far?
“One of my favorite memories at Appalachian is my nights spent at open mic nights! There's a wonderful coffee shop incredibly close to campus that hosts open mic nights each Thursday, and it's a wonderful space to commue with friends and get work done. It's social, studious, and fun!”
What do you like about Boone and the surrounding community?
“I adore how enriching Boone and its community is! Boone is a wonderful scene for art and music, as well as the great outdoors that it has to offer. The community in Boone is welcoming and genuine and never fails to make me feel at home.”
What are your hobbies?
“My two favorite hobbies are my poetry and art! I love writing free verse poetry, and spend a good bit of my free time writing. I've always loved creating art, and tend to turn to markers and oil pastels as a form of self-expression. I also love cooking and baking, as well as spending time outdoors!”
What is your favorite book, podcast, artist, and/or television show?
“My favorite book is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. I like the unique narrative and style of writing.”
Tell us about one faculty or staff member that has made an impact on your life and how.
“Dr. Mawhinney in the math department fostered my love for proof-writing and created an incredible learning environment in her classroom. She was engaged and developed relationships with students. She was always a resource herself and was willing to point you in the direction of other resources. Dr. Mawhinney introduced proofs to me in a way that truly made me fall in love with them - and she did so while being an engaged and interested teacher!”
What do you feel has been valuable in your education at Appalachian versus another institution?
“My education at Appalachian State has been centered on growing and learning as a well-rounded individual, and I find that unique to App State. Professors have been willing to have conversations with me about a wide scope of topics, ranging from course recommendations to homework help to career advice. App State has professors that truly support and care about their students as individuals, and are willing to work with us to promote success.”
What do you hope to do after graduation?
“After I graduate with my bachelor's degree from Appalachian State, I plan on attaining my master's in Mathematics. App State offers an accelerated track for this degree, and I hope to continue in my pursuit of this degree here. After that, I plan to get my Ph.D. in hopes of doing research.”
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About the Department of Mathematical Sciences
The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers undergraduate degrees in actuarial science and mathematics, with concentrations in business, computation, life sciences, physical sciences, secondary teaching and statistics, plus a general, self-designed concentration. The department also offers the Master of Arts in mathematics, with concentrations in college teaching and secondary teaching. Learn more at mathsci.appstate.edu.
Compiled by Lauren Gibbs
December 18, 2024
BOONE, N.C.