2020 Graduate Student Teaching Award Recipient: Yan Ge

Yan Ge, from China, is one of the Faculty of Graduate Research and Studies, Teaching Assistant Award recipients for 2020. He is in the pursuit of his PhD in Mathematics and Statistical Sciences.

Why did you choose this area of study?
My field of study is in Mathematics. Initially, I studied math because it is so beautiful. I always liked the patterns and logic in pure mathematics, and it is my favourite subject. Only once I became a math major, could I really start to appreciate the beauty of mathematics. Mathematics can also provide me with the opportunity to understand real-world problems around me and develop my problem solving and logical reasoning skills.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, as a Ph.D. student in the Department of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences at the UA, I am planning to expand my knowledge in many branches of Mathematics and make some excellent research results. My intention is to become a professional researcher in my area. In addition to this goal, I believe it is equally important to become an excellent instructor. I want to complete the Graduate Teaching and Learning Program for the higher level. I've read about it on the website, and I think it's a fabulous program. I want to develop my teaching skills, and I'm excited about the opportunity to share my knowledge with students through a more effective approach. That's one of my professional career goals.

Who are three of your heroes (living or historical), and why?
My family because of their exquisite love.
My supervisor Feng Dai because of his exquisite guidance.
My favourite musician Frédéric Chopin because of his exquisite music.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
The Willpower Instinct. It is an ability to control your desires and resist temptation in the pursuit of a higher goal. It is a wonderful virtue. So lofty. So intellectual. So admirable. So difficult to achieve.

Name a book that you would assign as recommended reading to students?
How to solve it -- by mathematician George Pólya. The fundamental aim of mathematical education is to teach young people to think. This book focuses on the cultivation of the mind rather than the answer. I believe this book can inspire confidence in our mathematical study.

What skill would you consider to be most essential for humanity?
The imagination. Augustus De Morgan quotes: "The moving power of mathematical invention is not reasoning but imagination." I believe it is also the moving power of the mind of humanity. Imagination gives hope and hope gives strength to overcome difficult situations.

Who or what on campus has made an impact on your UAlberta success?
My supervisor Feng Dai has a great influence on me in my UAlberta life. In my research study, I have profited greatly from Prof. Dai's professional knowledge and expert guidance. He often guides me to read remarkable articles, books, and organizes seminars very regularly and is always available to me. Without a doubt, it could not be smooth on the academic exploring road. When the times got rough, Dai's words always appear in my mind that "It is normal to encounter difficulties if your research is nontrivial and meaningful." Besides academic guidance, Prof. Dai often shares his teaching experience and teaching methods to me and, most importantly, provides the strategies that proved to be extremely effective in my teaching process. These always encourage me to insist on working hard and achieve my best.