2023-24 President's Scholars

Mark Maldonado

Jasen Strand Memorial President’s Scholar

Major: Pure Mathematics

College of Science

Activities: Tutor, Learning Resource Center

One Word to Describe CPP: “Community. Ever since I came to Cal Poly Pomona, I have formed more connections with people than any other school that I have attended.”

Taking a linear algebra class in community college in fall 2020 kickstarted Mark’s passion for mathematics, when during online instruction, a notoriously difficult professor expected his students to write proofs with little preparation. Teaching himself how to meet these expectations earned Mark an A in the class and the confidence to know that he “truly can do anything I put my heart to. This experience is one of the biggest reasons I have gotten to this point in my education.” As a math tutor for the Learning Resource Center, Mark is grateful to teach what he loves and hopes to be both a researcher and college math educator to show others that mathematics “is beautiful and interconnected in many ways.” A first-generation student with autism, he wants to secure a job that is suitable for his disability and enjoyable. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree, Mark hopes to pursue a master’s degree, conduct research related to real analysis and teach college.