My name is Emma Schmidt, and I’m a second year PhD student at the University of Notre Dame studying Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics. I graduated from Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI in 2024 with a bachelor of science in mathematics and a bachelor of arts in piano performance with a minor in Chinese (Mandarin). At Notre Dame, I am advised by Jon Hauenstein and co-advised by Charles Wampler. My research focuses on numerical algebraic geometry with applications in kinematics.
Outside of math, I am actively involved in a variety of music activities. I am a part of Notre Dame’s Concordia Vocal Ensemble, a semi-professional graduate mixed choir. I am also a part of the Swing Dance club on campus. I am involved with the language exchange program and try to practice my Chinese as much as I can!
My other hobbies include reading, composing music, playing guitar, hiking, and playing board games. I love cats, trying new things, and traveling to new places. My parents and three younger brothers live in my hometown of Grand Rapids, MI.