Skyline College MESA students Ein Aung and Zishan Li, along with Math Professor and MESA Co-Director Denise Hum, recently attended the 2025 Infinite Possibilities Conference (IPC) at the Institute for Mathematical and Statistical Innovation (IMSI) on the University of Chicago campus on April 10 – 12. IPC, celebrating its 20th anniversary, is a national conference designed to showcase the infinite possibilities of mathematics for participants at all levels—from undergraduates to professionals in academia, industry, and government. The conference centers on building community and inclusion within the mathematical sciences, especially for those historically underrepresented in STEM.
As part of the breakout session “Engaging Students and Community through Data Science,” Professor Hum gave a talk titled “Building a Community Through Data Science.” She shared how Skyline College has broadened access to STEM by engaging students from diverse majors in data science and building a vibrant community around this work. She also discussed how the program was developed in response to legislated changes in math placement and course requirements, sparking a lively discussion on precalculus, professional development, and innovative interventions for student success.
Students Ein and Zishan found the conference to be both inspiring and affirming. “Being surrounded by so many brilliant women of color in mathematics was not only inspiring, but also incredibly affirming,” said Ein. “I imagine myself standing on the same stage that they once stood and confidently talking about my work and my journey.” She added that the smaller, more personal setting of IPC helped her connect deeply with students, faculty, and postdocs. “One of the highlights was meeting CCSF MESA students. We bonded over shared experiences, and I felt a genuine sense of community.”
Zishan echoed the importance of the conference in shaping her academic direction. “Listening to their journeys helped me better understand the possibilities available after graduation, especially as I consider pursuing a master’s or PhD in data science,” she shared. “Seeing so many incredible women from different backgrounds succeed in math and science reminded me that I am not alone in this field.”
In addition to attending inspiring plenary talks and breakout sessions, both students had the opportunity to explore the University of Chicago campus and check out the Gothic architecture, imagining what it would be like to attend graduate school there. “This conference pushes me to continue studying data science and to move forward with confidence,” said Zishan. “It’s a wonderful space full of role models and positive reinforcement.”
Meeting women mathematicians from all over the country and at every stage of their educational and professional journeys left Skyline students feeling inspired, supported, and more confident in their own paths forward in data science.
