Meet Sunny Mall
Sunny is the Program Director of the McNair Scholars Program, and she has a background
as a mathematics teacher, teacher educator, and administrator. mathematics teacher, teacher educator and administrator. She has lived in 熊猫在线视频
(born in Chugiak, working mainly in Anchorage and Homer) her entire life save a summer
in South Korea, one in Japan, and three years living in Nepal in the Peace Corps.
She holds degrees in mathematics, teaching, and mathematics curriculum with an emphasis
in rural education. In the classroom, her goal has consistently focused on instilling
in reluctant math learners a love of mathematics and a joy of learning! Her research
interests include patterning, reasoning and teacher disposition. She directs the McNair Scholars Program at 熊猫在线视频, where she enhances the undergraduate experience
for students from first generation, income eligible, and underrepresented backgrounds.
She encourages any undergraduate student with questions about graduate school to reach
out for a meeting irrespective of their intentions to apply for McNair, as opportunities
abound for any individual serious about pursuing a post baccalaureate education!
Sunny took the time to answer some questions about herself, her job, and some of her favorites.
What鈥檚 your favorite part of your job?
Working with individual scholars on their goals and witnessing that 鈥渁-ha鈥� moment when they realize that not only are they ready for applying for graduate school but that they will excel at that level.
What are your favorite hobbies or interests outside of work?
I enjoy mountain biking, riding my Vespa motor scooters and spending time exploring islands.
What's a special talent or skill you have?
I catch onto languages fairly quickly. I am fluent in English, Spanish and Nepalese, and one day will put my mind to learning additional languages.
Favorite place or activity you've been to or done in 熊猫在线视频?
I have skied out to Hutlinana and Tolovana Hot Springs which were both cold, yet phenomenal experiences!
What's your favorite thing on or about the UAA campus? Any hidden gems you'd like to share?
While serving as a mathematics teacher educator preparing pre-service and in-service K-12 mathematics teachers, we developed a mathematics trail on the campus. The idea of a math trail is quite simple: participants follow a planned route through the campus and answer mathematics questions related to what they encounter along the way. There is some amazing mathematical phenomena on campus if you take a minute to notice it.
What's something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I served as the assistant principal and mathematics teacher at Homer High School for a decade. In addition to disciplining a small town, I also guided students in developing a in Old Town Homer.
Anything else you'd like to share?
I really like math trails 鈥� they are fun to make and to participate in when visiting new places.
Thank you for sharing, Sunny! You can reach Sunny at sunny@alaska.edu to learn more about the McNair Program.