Elizabeth Rubio

Elizabeth Rubio
Mathematics
College of Science
3rd-year
Pacoima, CA

What inspired you to pursue graduate school?
The opportunity to work with students as a Graduate Teaching Assistant while pursuing mathematics research was too good to pass up. That possibility inspired me to apply and give myself the chance to explore both passions.

Why did you choose your current program or area of study?
Mathematics feels reliable compared to the unpredictability of the “real world,” which makes it enjoyable to study. The beauty of mathematics alone is enough reason to pursue it, even without applications. Still, mathematics also makes all other sciences possible through its real-world applications.

What motivates you on challenging days in graduate school?
Knowing that education is a form of empowerment—for myself and for the collective—keeps me going, even when challenges seem to arise every day.

Please provide a brief description of your research or current project.
My research lies at the intersection of mathematics and biology. I use mathematical modeling to study interactions between tumors and human immune cells, with the goal of contributing insights that can inform future medical research.

What impact do you hope your research or work will have?
I hope my research helps others appreciate mathematics more deeply. Presenting mathematical research in an accessible way can help break stereotypes—many people feel that if they are “not math people,” they cannot understand math. That belief is neither true nor helpful. Mathematics is for everyone, and mathematical research can be deeply interdisciplinary.

What has been your favorite part of your graduate experience so far?
I have met so many inspiring individuals in my program and across UTA through graduate organizations such as LGSA, SACNAS, AMS, and SIAM. There are countless opportunities to connect with incredible people.

What achievement during grad school are you most proud of?
I had the opportunity to present my research to undergraduate students in Pachuca, Mexico in Spanish (and Spanglish). This experience was meaningful because it was my first time visiting Mexico, and I believe the students and I both saw representation in one another and inspired each other. I am also deeply grateful to CMAS and the UTA Mathematics Department for financially supporting my travel. This experience helped me recognize my privilege as a funded graduate student and reinforced my responsibility to give back to the collective.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a graduate student?
Everyone has something valuable to share, which means we can learn something from every person we meet. At conferences, I have learned from people whose research I did not fully understand but who offered insight into careers and graduate school. Within my department, I have learned about work ethic and the importance of staying curious.

How has your perspective on your field changed since you started your program?
My perspective on research has shifted significantly. Rather than viewing research solely as a tool to change the world, I now understand that it is the researchers themselves who enact that change. That requires reading critically, staying curious, and being open-minded. We do not have to accept “this is just how things are”—not in math, research, or beyond. Change is possible, and we are part of making it happen.

What career path are you hoping to pursue after graduation?
I remain curious and open-minded about the possibilities.