Chris Tibbs

Mathematics have always come easy to me. I used my natural aptitude to glide through most of my early studies in this field, but I didn't really feel engaged with the subject matter until I started taking upper level courses. When the coursework started involving more proof writing than rote calculation, I really started to fall in love with math. Ever since I learned to prove the Gaussian sum I have always been a huge fan of proof writing. It was fascinating to me that there were different views and approaches to proving the same theorems-- the task seemed to branch into a sort of philosophy.

My love for mathematics, as well as my skill in math made it seem like a no brainer that I would study math in college. I also was aware that Ohio State is such an awesome school & so well-known academically (and for Sports- Go Bucks!). In addition, it was just close enough, yet far enough away from home. I was fortunate enough to have a parent working with the university at the time and was able to receive a generous discount as well- so selecting OSU was an easy choice.

Though I ended up pursuing traditional (abstract) mathematics, I originally got into the field with hopes of working on Wall Street. This was around the time when algorithmic trading was becoming the norm. It's almost comical to think about now, since I've found much more personal fulfillment in working on projects that create a more holistic benefit to people.

My upper level coursework in mathematics was the height of my academic career. It was the first time I had gotten the chance to pursue studies in which I had natural aptitude and a deep interest in the subject. Completing that degree with solid grades and being a leader in a lot of my classes was my greatest academic accomplishment.

My greatest professional accomplishment was working on the team that created the Google Home. It's difficult to explain how much coordination, work, and perseverance went into developing that hardware product over the course of about six months. Around the same time I also worked on Google Search features that helped voters participate in the U.S. Presidential Election of 2016. That was really fulfilling from a civic perspective.