Hello! I’m Carli Peterson, a third-year PhD student in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). I earned my Master of Science in Mathematics from UTA in May 2025 and my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Texas at San Antonio in December 2022.

After earning my first degree, I worked at a clinical research organization (CRO), where I gained insight into the medical field and the process of developing novel therapeutics. This experience sparked my interest in research and inspired my return to academia, where I now explore the intersection of mathematics and health sciences in mathematical biology.

Currently, I am part of the National Science Foundation’s Research Training Group at UTA, focusing on mathematical epidemiology. My research aims to provide insights into the spread of Lyme Disease across North America.

Beyond research, I am passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration and STEM outreach. I actively give math outreach talks nationwide to encourage greater participation in STEM, particularly among women and minority groups. I am active in clubs on campus, including being president of the American Mathematical Society Chapter at UTA, the Association for Women in Mathematics Chapter at UTA, and vice president of the Texas Iota Honor Society at UTA.

I firmly believe that everyone can be a mathematician!