Ian Williams

Operations Research Analyst | Mathematical Modeling | Statistical Analysis | Mandarin | MIT '23

Mankato, Minnesota, United States

About

Analytical professional with a B.S. in Mathematics and Minor in Chinese Studies from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 1400+ hours of communicating quantitative principles, 4+ years of solving problems with algorithms and mathematical models, and 5+ years of Mandarin Chinese including an immersive study abroad experience in Taiwan. • Operations Research | Decision Analysis, Mathematical Models, Algorithms, Optimization • Quantitative Research | Data Analysis, Data Collection, Statistical Methods, Statistical Analysis, Data Visualization • Mathematics | Linear Algebra, Calculus, Statistics, Applied Discrete Mathematics, Probability and Random Variables • Documentation | LaTeX, PowerPoint, Written Reports, Technical Presentation • Languages: Mandarin Chinese (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking: HSK 5/6), Cross-Cultural Communication • Computers | Python (NumPy, Pandas), Excel (Pivot Tables, Solver, Regression), Gurobi Optimizer

Experience

  • Mathematics Tutor at Mathematical Pi
    Jun 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 2 mos

    • Deliver over 30 hours of one-on-one statistics, linear algebra, and calculus tutoring each week to clients seeking careers in finance, engineering, business, economics, science, computer science, and operations research. • Transform clients’ mathematic and statistic skills in 100% of sessions by mathematically modeling real-life problems, demonstrating statistical methods and statistical analysis techniques, and creating graphics for data visualization. • Engage with over 40 clients (on-demand and scheduled) each week as an independent contractor using online tutoring platforms for video conferencing, audio conferencing, chat, and computer dashboards. • Increase tutoring revenue by 165% in less than 2 months by collecting, organizing, and analyzing data to determine days/ hours of peak client engagement and scheduling on-demand availability within constraints of client engagement

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States)
    • Mathematics Student Researcher | MIT Department of Mathematics
      Jun 2021 - Jun 2023 · 2 yrs 1 mo

      Mathematics | Number Theory | Linear Algebra | Applied Discrete Mathematics | Geometry | Modular Arithmetic • Number Theory | Co-investigated and proved Pascal's Triangle mod p, where p is prime, exhibits a fractal pattern like the Sierpinski Triangle and used this information to determine what strings would appear in the rows. • Linear Algebra | Developed financial trading strategies and expectation skills like rank, column, and null space arguments by studying eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and systems of linear equations. • Applied Discrete Mathematics | Researched, analyzed, and demonstrated the probability of winning with a specific sequence of coin flips by letting the first (n-1) flips of the opponent be your last (n-1) flips using generating functions. • Geometry | Co-researched and proved the methodologies (ridged planar movements and deformations) for finding specific types of curves, namely triangles and shapes with 4-fold symmetry, that contain four points such that the points form a square. • Cryptology | Modular Arithmetic | Williams Code | Created an algorithm to encrypt language into numbers using modular arithmetic to keep information secure. Statistics | Statistical Methods in Economics • Solved labor economic problem sets such as wages using econometrics, probability theory, sampling theory, statistical estimation, regression analysis, confidence intervals, likelihood principle, and hypothesis testing. Python Programming | Introduction to Computer Science • Visualized research data in graphical form and implemented testing and debugging strategies when necessary.

    • Chinese Language • Asian Diaspora Student | MIT Departments: Global Languages • Political Science
      Jun 2021 - Jun 2023 · 2 yrs 1 mo

      Chinese Language and Culture | Global Languages • Achieved Mandarin HSK level 5 (assessment by MIT professor): Pinyin • Simplified Characters. • Translated oral and written text including idiomatic speech from Mandarin to English and English to Mandarin applying Chinese language software such as Pleco and YellowBridge when appropriate to maintain original meaning and purpose. • Authored and presented original works in Mandarin to peers and experts in the field while at MIT and Taiwan. • Applied Mandarin language and cultural awareness skills while interacting with the general public while studying in Taiwan. Chinese Literature | Global Languages • Analyzed translated historic Chinese literatures’ (including The Three Kingdoms), influence on modern East Asian pop culture especially on: TV shows • Film • Video Games • Literature. International Relations | Political Science • Researched international relations between China, the United States, and Taiwan authoring papers addressing: the Chinese balloon incident • Taiwan semi-conductors • United States’s One-China policy. Study Abroad: IAP MIT | Taiwan January 2023

    • Multivariate Calculus Teaching Assistant (TA) | MIT Experimental Studies Group (ESG)
      Sep 2022 - May 2023 · 9 mos

      • Taught multivariable differentiation, integration, series expansion, function approximation, and maximization • Provided constructive feedback during office hours and on problems sets to increase student comprehension • Informed the lead professor of areas of concern identified during office hours and grading of problem sets

  • Beta Theta Pi-Beta Upsilon Chapter at MIT (On-site)
    • Volunteer Secretary
      Feb 2022 - May 2023 · 1 yr 4 mos

      • Managed the minutes of weekly chapter meetings to ensure all chapter members were aware of events and could fulfill their duties.

    • Member
      Sep 2021 - May 2023 · 1 yr 9 mos

      • Attended the Wooden Institute developing leadership skills to implement in the Beta Theta Pi community. • Recruited new members for the fraternity by hosting events that featured developing oneself to be a “Men of Principle”.

  • Park City Math Institute Undergraduate Summer School REU- Mathematician at Institute for Advanced Study
    Jul 2022 - Aug 2022 · 2 mos

    • Analyzed modern cryptology for the potential application to real problems such as securing information. • Engaged with mathematic industry experts in technology discussing anticipated advancements in the field. • Presented Baby Step-Giant Step results to Field Medalists and other academic mathematicians with a global team of math interns.

  • English Second Language Tutor | Language Partners Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato
    Sep 2019 - May 2021 · 1 yr 9 mos

    • Prepared students from China, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Japan, S. Korea, and Venezuela for the TOEFL with a 100% pass rate. • Developed cross-cultural communication skills to ensure that all students could increase awareness of American culture and feel safe discussing difficult topics. • Conducted ethnographic interviews and documented all responses using interview software.