CCNY Graduate Tabitha Ramirez to begin doctoral studies at CUNY Graduate Center

Tabitha Ramirez received a B.S. in Math from CCNY in 2024 and an M.S. in Math in 2026. Now she will continue her CUNY Math journey at the CUNY Graduate Center where she will commence her studies for a Ph.D. in Fall 2026!

Congratulations, Tabitha!

Read more about Tabitha's story below in her own words:

When I was younger, I never thought I would become a mathematician. In fact I'm pretty sure I didn't even know what a mathematician was as a kid. Before high school, math was my least favorite subject. I even failed math in 7th grade and wasn't a great student. Instead, I had a passion for the sciences. Surprisingly, when I got to high school, I improved academically, and that passion for the sciences evolved into a love for mathematics. Suddenly, most of my free time was spent coming up with and solving fun math problems. I constantly wanted to learn more about math so, I looked to college with excitement over being able to study mathematics more formally. Graduating top of my class, my teachers pressured me to go to an Ivy. However, when financial support didn’t materialize, I decided to take CCNY’s offer over theirs, since I was offered a scholarship. To this day I am incredibly grateful for that decision.

My life throughout college was filled with many adversities. A pandemic came, I was displaced, pets and loved ones passed on, family members fell ill, and I had to learn to manage ADHD. Ultimately, amidst all the chaos, one thing that provided a sense of stability was the community here at CCNY. The friends I made here supported me through every struggle. Whether I was studying for exams with Jack, Kadar, Aris, and Aidan A, or unwinding with Victor, Josh, Aidan J, Nadya, Ifeanyi, Eliza, and Alex, the time spent with the friends I made here was the true bedrock of my success. The support of my professors also proved to be essential to my success. When challenges arose they were always willing to accommodate and they provided me with opportunities which helped me develop the skills to do math research. Thanks to a friend and alumni connecting me, I joined Professor Sormani’s Manifold Learning Team where I learned the basics of math research. Then thanks to Professor Chinta’s advice, I got to participate in the RAMMP program, where my work with Professor Fei resulted in a publication.

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