Hi! My name is Cassie, and I am a fourth-year student in TRU’s Bachelor of science Mathematics program. I start my research experience as an undergraduate research assistant on a statistical project with Dr. Xiaoping Shi. We used the principle component analysis (PCA) to decompose the variance in a large dimension dataset and apply applied algebra property to provide a faster computation of eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Later on, I worked on Undergraduate Research Experience Award Program (UREAP) under supervision from Dr. Wei Lin. Using the Canadian COVID-19 daily confirmed case dataset, I built Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Removed (SEIR) model, neural network model and ARIMA model in R and MATLAB to compare their applicability and explore the disease time-space pattern. During these fun investigating experiences, I found myself enjoying the process of problem-solving, and I am currently preparing to pursue a Master’s degree in Mathematics afterwards.
These precious undergraduate research experiences taught me not to blame myself if the project is not moving forward as fast as expected. Learning is about failing and trying again. Getting used to and coping with frustration is part of the research.
