Su Ji Hong
Majors: Mathematics, Physics
Su Ji Hong, a mathematics and physics major from Jeju, South Korea, created mathematical models to describe the queuing system of Cal Lutheran’s Centrum Cafe.
What did you learn from your research project?
According to my model, just by having the menu available or decreasing the service time by five seconds can reduce the queue time significantly. However, with Ullman Commons opening, the rate I obtained during summer no longer accurately describes the Centrum. Also this was my first research experience.
What was it like doing the project?
In the beginning, I still was not sure what research is like and was not sure if this was the path I want to take. This summer research experience was definitely an eye-opening experience that got me committed to a goal of going to graduate school.
What has your experience at Cal Lutheran been like?
The faculty at Cal Lutheran really take an interest in students’ performances and their interest in their fields. They were always open to talk to me about any questions I have about the academics, graduate schools, and possible jobs I could apply to.
Also, since the first time I was on campus, everyone was very friendly. They were willing to help me when I was very confused on my first day and Cal Lutheran students were willing to help local high school students to the correct room when the math club had free calculus tutoring session for local high school students.
What’s it like being a double-major?
I came in as a math major but added a second major, physics, at the end of my first year. I had an easier time managing both majors compared to other people since the lower division requirements for both majors were very similar.
I’ve tried to take at least one upper division math class and one upper division physics class each semester since fall semester of sophomore year. Having a deep understanding of math helped me a lot in upper division physics classes.
What are your post-graduation goals?
My goal after graduation is to go to a math graduate school and become a professor one day.
