Q&A with Dr. Roy Goodman, Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Graduate Studies in the Department of Mathematical Sciences

Earning a Ph.D. in the mathematical sciences field can put you on the fast-track for many career opportunities as well as boost your personal growth. A Ph.D. in mathematical sciences provides students with the vital knowledge in mathematics and statistics needed to teach at college-level, conduct strong independent research in their areas of expertise or succeed in a range of diverse careers within government and private sector environments.

We got the inside scoop about NJIT’s Ph.D. in mathematical sciences from Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Graduate Studies, Dr. Roy Goodman. In this Q&A, he discusses everything you should know about pursuing your Ph.D. in mathematical sciences! 

Q: What tracks are offered in the Ph.D. in mathematical sciences program?

A: The Ph.D. offering in mathematical sciences has two tracks — one in applied mathematics and one in applied statistics. The applied math program is one of the most applied focused departments and Ph.D. programs in the country. The coursework is focused on mathematical modeling, analysis of differential equations, and numerical analysis and computation.

Almost all the faculty in the department works in some aspect of applied mathematics with strengths in fluid mechanics, mathematical biology — especially neuroscience — and various aspects of wave propagation. 

Also housed in the math department is the applied statistics Ph.D. program. Our faculty work in areas such as statistical genetics, survival analysis, spatial statistics, machine learning, deep learning, multiple testing, and clinical trials.

Additionally, students may have opportunities to take courses from both tracks. Machine learning and data science are coming into more prominence, and applied math students may find these offerings within this applied statistics curriculum.
 

Q: What type of research will Ph.D. candidates be involved with?

A: Students will participate in the specialty of a faculty member, all of whom are working on applied problems. There's an opportunity to work on all the aspects of an applied problem in their area of concentration — modeling, analysis, and computation. They may integrate methods from the increasingly important fields of data science and machine learning into their research. 

Modeling, analysis, and computation are three separate modes of working that come into different stages of an applied problem. Modeling is combining knowledge of mathematical model building with knowledge from a specific area of science to recast problems in mathematical form. Analysis is largely paper and pencil: mathematical and theoretical study, and extraction of conclusions from those equations. Mathematical scientists use numerical computation to gain understanding of problems that are too complex to study using analysis alone. This involves writing computer software to simulate equations and visualize the results in order to develop intuition and see what solutions really look like. In addition, students may work on developing new numerical methods to address such problems.

Q: What makes NJIT’s Ph.D. programs and research opportunities unique?

A: [NJIT] has a strong focus on preparing our students to work on applied problems. The course offerings within the applied mathematical Ph.D. program focus toward that goal…Very few places offer the opportunity to do [applied problems] in that capacity.

NJIT’s Center for Applied Mathematics and Statistics is also a very collegial and encouraging environment. There’s a lot of activity going on in the department and a lot of people who you can talk to for advice. Student led initiatives are also strongly encouraged. Our current Ph.D. candidates have put together a weekly seminar, brown bag journal club on machine learning on their own. 

The department runs four active seminar series that bring in researchers from around the region and country. Students are encouraged to meet the visitors and ask questions. We have a lively research environment with really great connections to the applied math community — if you wanted to meet somebody, you could find someone in our department who knows them. 

Q: In what ways does having a Ph.D. from NJIT help your career growth? 

A: The types of quantitative and modeling problems our students work on require a very specific skill set. They need to be able to take problems from a particular domain of science and formulate them as a mathematical model. They then have to understand how to apply all the tools such as analysis, modeling, and computation to further understand these systems. 

These are very particular skills that take time to develop. Ph.D. students are entering their desired field at a higher level. They're more ready to take on leadership positions with their deeper knowledge and understanding of these skills and problems.

Q: What is the benefit of earning your Ph.D. in mathematical sciences?

A: For a lot of people it's just the pleasure of finding answers. Beyond that, it’s learning to solve problems, write, and communicate the results of their research. Our students have found jobs in academia, national labs, and the finance industry, and as data scientists.

A growing number of applied mathematicians work in pharmaceutical companies, and we've placed a number of students in mathematical modeling groups at pharmaceutical companies. 

Pursue your Ph.D. at NJIT

Earning your Ph.D. in mathematical sciences can propel your career and help you become a valuable member of any team. You’ll be able to use these critical problem solving skills to make strategic decisions in the mathematical sciences field. Apply now to start your Ph.D. journey.