"Being able to learn from Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers across the world was incredible."
What brought you to UPEI? Why did you choose to study here?
I'm from Selkirk, Manitoba. Living in the prairies I was interested in seeing what the east coast was like. I had already completed my first year at the University of Winnipeg and wanted to continue with my education, so I applied at schools in the Maritimes. When I first met with UPEI's academic advisor she gave me not only insights into the university but what the island has to offer. The way she spoke about the beautiful red sand beaches and being surrounded by the ocean, friendly neighbourhoods and downtown attractions, it was incredibly helpful with my decision.
What do you find unique and interesting about your program?
Math has a lot of unique aspects. It can be abstract, and there's a sense of creativity and elegance when giving a well written solution. It's also quite a versatile subject in a sense that it's really foundational, being relevant in art and nature, and hidden amongst our everyday lives.
What kinds of support have you received during your time here from UPEI students, staff, and UPEI faculty members?
The supports I've received are quite wide spread across campus. The professors I've had within my program are always more than willing to give extra help when needed, as well as finding supports within the Indigenous community, recreational sports, and becoming apart of the Student Union. I've met some amazing people through these supports and created some really valuable relationships.
"One of my greatest opportunities at UPEI was studying abroad in New Zealand, where we learned and shared knowledge with the Māori People. Being able to learn from Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers across the world was incredible."
What opportunities have you experienced because you're studying at UPEI, or because of the Island location?
One of my greatest opportunities at UPEI was studying abroad in New Zealand, where we learned and shared knowledge with the Māori People. Being able to learn from Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers across the world was incredible. The program included so many meaningful explorations, and I cannot thank our program leader Jan enough for planning such an amazing experience.
What's unique about UPEI, and Prince Edward Island, in your experience?
Something I find really unique about the Island is how closely knit the community is and how genuinely kind the people are. As soon as I moved here I felt very comfortable and easily found my place.
What would you tell a high-school student considering UPEI, mathematics, or any School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences program?
One thing I would tell a high-school student considering math is that it's nothing you can't do. Remember that there's always a reachable solution, it's just a matter of taking the time to learn and find it.
What are your general plans after graduation?
There's a lot of paths I've though about after graduation. I could explore jobs within my field, there's the option of going into healthcare, or education, even going back for my Master's degree. The world really is my oyster.
Big futures start here!
Read more about the UPEI students and amazing alumni featured in our 2026–2027 Viewbook!
Interested in UPEI? Contact our student advisement team today at apply@upei.ca.
Meet Kate VanGerven, Director of Tour and International Visits for the Prime Minister of Canada and Bachelor of Arts in English graduate (Class of 2013).
Meet Brennan McDuffee, Bachelor of Arts in Applied Communication, Leadership, and Culture student (Class of 2025).
Meet Charlize Sahely, accountant with EY's Tax Division and Bachelor of Business Administration alumna (Class of 2024).
Meet Jenna Flowers, baccalauréat en éducation—français langue seconde graduate (Class of 2025).
Meet Kallie Drummond, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Indigenous Studies minor (Class of 2026).
Meet Dr. Aleisha Murnaghan, UPEI alumna (Class of 2002), emergency medicine physician at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and director of medical program development with the UPEI Faculty of Medicine.
Meet Kate Doyle, Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate (Class of 2025).
Samuel graduated in 2024 with a double-major in Mathematics (Honours) and Economics.
Meet Temiloluwa “Rosetta” Shokunbi, UPEI Sustainable Design Engineering student (Class of 2026).
Meet Tsukasa Iwamoto, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student (Class of 2026).
