Meet Vittoria Cristante, a Tufts PhD student whose path to the world of mathematics is as colorful as a stage performance. What happens when the lights of the theatre dim and the curtain falls? For Vittoria, it was a leap from acting to algebra, from drama to number theory.
With a Bachelor’s in Theatre, she was deeply entrenched in the arts. However, when the pandemic hit, theatres closed, and the world seemed to pause. Amidst this global shutdown, a serendipitous moment occurred: she met her now-boyfriend, who was struggling with Pre-Calc. He asked her for help, and with a simple, “Why didn’t you do math?” Vittoria's curiosity was reignited.
As it turns out, her love for math wasn’t just a subplot. She had always been drawn to numbers and equations, and during the pandemic, she took the opportunity to explore Galois theory. Her newfound passion for the Inverse Galois Problem and algebraic number theory led her to pursue a Master’s degree, focusing on counting number fields with specific Galois groups.
The transition from theatre to mathematics wasn’t exactly in the script, but it was precisely this unexpected twist that makes Vittoria's story so compelling. She has since embraced the complexities of algebraic number theory with enthusiasm and zeal, discovering a profound connection to the subject that she hadn’t anticipated.
Vittoria’s advice for those entering academia is both heartfelt and practical. She encourages students to pursue what genuinely excites them and to appreciate their unique journeys rather than comparing themselves to others. “Academia is hard, and it’s important to find joy in what you do. Embrace your path and recognize your achievements along the way,” she advises.
Vittoria dreams of becoming a professor and sharing her passion for mathematics with others. Her goal is to inspire students to see the beauty in math and to foster a love for the subject through her teaching. Vittoria’s journey is a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most unexpected transitions can lead to the most fulfilling destinations. Whether in the limelight or amidst equations, her story is a reminder that passions can evolve in the most surprising ways.
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Meet Vittoria, a Tufts PhD student whose path to the world of mathematics is as colorful as a stage performance. What happens when the lights of the theatre dim and the curtain falls? For Vittoria, it was a leap from acting to..