This spring, Katarina Fenner, a resident of Chandler, Arizona, is set to graduate with the highest honors from Arizona State University. Majoring in mathematics and minoring in clarinet performance, she has excelled both academically and artistically. Among her numerous accolades are the National Merit Scholarship, New American University Scholarship, Moeur Award, and the prestigious Dean’s Medal. Representing the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (SoMSS), Fenner will lead her peers at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ Gold Convocation processional on May 17.

A Journey of Academic Excellence and Musical Passion

In the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Katarina Fenner has carved out an impressive academic and musical career. Opting to stay within Arizona for financial reasons, Fenner was drawn to ASU due to its robust mathematics and music programs, particularly the marching band and clarinet studio. Her love for math was ignited by an enthusiastic high school teacher who was also an ASU mathematics graduate. Initially planning to teach high school, Fenner's aspirations shifted during her college years when she discovered a passion for research and collegiate-level teaching, leading her to pursue a PhD in mathematics education at ASU.

Beyond academics, Fenner's commitment to music is evident through her involvement in various bands, including the Sun Devil Marching Band and Sun Devil Pep Band. She even taught herself the mellophone to participate in Drum Corps. Additionally, she served as an instructional assistant and grader for SoMSS and tutored with the Joaquin Bustoz Math Science Honors Program. Despite facing health challenges, Fenner found unwavering support from her professors and peers, especially President’s Professor Matthias Kawski and Associate Professor Susanna Fishel.

Kawski recalls Fenner's exceptional contributions in his Advanced Calculus class, where her precision and clear communication set a benchmark for others. According to him, Fenner exemplifies academic excellence and compassion towards those in need. Her journey at ASU deepened her appreciation for the logical essence of mathematics, transforming her perspective from viewing math as concrete solutions to cherishing the pursuit and logic behind answers.

Inspiration and Perspective Shifts

Fenner's experiences at ASU have been transformative. Reading "A Mathematician’s Lament" by Paul Lockhart reshaped her understanding of mathematics as an art form akin to music. Dr. Matthias Kawski's emphasis on understanding over grades profoundly influenced her approach to learning, enhancing her grasp of proofs and advanced courses. Her favorite math class, Combinatorics with Dr. Fishel, combined accessible scenarios with elegant logical arguments, reinforcing her belief in math's beauty and accessibility.

Fenner advocates dismantling the myth of the "math person," asserting that everyone can appreciate math through logic and understanding rather than rote memorization. Her engagement in research, specifically her honors thesis on story-based show design in modern drum corps, highlights her innovative thinking. Outside academia, Fenner enjoys reading fantasy novels, playing board games, and engaging in Dungeons & Dragons adventures.

Reflecting on her time at ASU, Fenner cherishes moments of triumph, such as receiving commendation from Dr. Kawski after excelling in a challenging exam. Another memorable moment occurred during office hours with Dr. Fishel, where a tiny hint unlocked a complex problem, underscoring the value of persistence and independent thought.

From a journalist's perspective, Katarina Fenner's story serves as a beacon of inspiration. Her dedication to both mathematics and music demonstrates that diverse interests can coexist harmoniously. By pursuing a PhD and advocating for accessible math education, Fenner embodies the potential for individuals to challenge stereotypes and redefine educational paradigms. Her journey encourages students to embrace challenges, seek mentorship, and find joy in intellectual pursuits, ultimately shaping a brighter future for all.