Kamuela Yong, PhD
Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Hawai‘i at West O‘ahu
Waimanalo, O‘ahu
Field of study/specialty
Applied Mathematics
What inspired you to pursue Mathematics?
I always liked Mathematics. I pursued engineering at first, and took many math classes. It was after getting my second degree in mathematics, that I figured out the many things I could do and the different opportunities available in the field.
What is something you wish you knew when starting out in this field/ advice you would give NHPI students interested in pursuing this type of career?
I wish I knew that everyone struggles. You feel like you might be the only one struggling, but everyone is in the same boat. It is a matter of using your resources and tools, and finding mentors to help in getting past those hard times and become successful. It was years into my graduate studies before I met another Native Hawaiian in STEM, and a Pacific Islander in math. It wasn't until my PhD that I met another Native Hawaiian student in Mathematics. Now there are more resources available, such as indigenous mathematicians, where people can be brought together across the Pacific. If you are interested in your field, you should always pursue it. Even if spaces do not feel like your space, you will always find allies, and there will be time where you will make your own space.
Additional reading