From electrical engineer to future mathematics professor: Yatin Patel

Yatin Patel began his studies in engineering and then later started pursuing a degree in mathematics. Currently, Yatin is a Ph.D. candidate and a rumble fellow in the Department of Mathematics here at Wayne State University. He is working on algebraic number theory with Professor Candelori, algebraic topology with Professor Salch, and analytic number theory and ring theory with Professor Okoh. On top of his research studies, he is planning to defend his dissertation this academic year. After graduating with his degree in mathematics, he plans to work in academia as a researcher.

So far, Yatin has obtained a bachelor’s and master's degree in electrical engineering. One of his professors from Purdue University advised him to pursue a degree in mathematics. He decided to join Wayne State's mathematics department as a master's student. Shortly thereafter, Professor Isaksen recommended that he transfer to the doctoral program in mathematics. Over the years, he has received tremendous support and encouragement from the faculty and staff in the department. “I credit much of my success to the department’s staff and faculty member’s support and encouragement,” said Yatin.

Before joining WSU, he worked in the automotive industry, specializing in electromagnetic compatibility while pursuing his master's degree. As an engineer, he appreciated the utility and beauty of mathematics. It was not until he joined the Ph.D. program here at WSU that he learned to have a much greater appreciation for math. He has learned so much more now about math than he has ever learned in educational history. One reason he chose the WSU Ph.D. program in Mathematics is that the faculty and staff are accessible and go out of their way to uplift and help students learn. He has enjoyed everything about the program so far, including all the challenges.

When he's not working on mathematics, he rescues and cares for feral cats in his neighborhood. He lives by the quote, “anything worth doing is worth doing well.”