The following gives a profile of some of our graduates in the Applied Mathematics Program at Kettering.


Jeff Buero graduated in 2002 with a concentration in Applied Statistics. As a student Jeff co-oped with Tillinghast - Towers Perrin, the worlds largest consulting actuary firm. Upon graduating Mr. Buero accepted a job as an actuarial analyst with Auto Club Insurance, which is the insurance group of AAA Michigan.

I appreciated the relatively small class size and the "one-on-one teaching" style that characterized many of my upper-level mathematics classes. The best part is having teachers that know you and care about your academic performance. The statistics concentration is great for students interested in the actuarial field - I was able to pass the first actuarial examination while I was still a student. The knowledge I gained from my courses, my co-op experience and my success on the actuarial examination allowed me to choose from a variety of job opportunities upon graduation.

- Jeff Buero



Suzanne (Labadie) Larsen graduated in 1999 with a concentration in Applied Statistics. Ms. Larsen's co-op experience included a position in the actuarial field with Blue Cross and Blue Shield Insurance, and a position as a statistical analyst at the GM Proving Grounds. Ms. Larsen currently works at the GM Proving Grounds as a Project Engineer/ Statistical analyst, and she is completing work on a graduate degree.

I loved the small classes and one-on-one instruction. I found the mathematics, statistics core to be very strong, very intense. This, combined with the science and engineering courses rounded out my educational experience. The course-work and my co-op experience nicely complemented each other and gave me an understanding of how mathematics and statistics are applied to "real-world" problems.

-Suzanne Larsen



Jeremy Plenzler graduated in 1999 with a concentration in Applied and Computational mathematics. As a student Jeremy co-oped with GM Powertrain where his duties included statistical modeling and reliability prediction. Mr. Plenzler is currently a Project Engineer at GM Powertrain where he is involved with mathematical modeling of physical systems of interest in the auto industry.

Course instruction in the program has little room for improvement. Class size is generally small, allowing for a high degree of interaction during class. I found the course content to be very mathematically intensive. The Applied and Computational Mathematics concentration requires that a student complete an application sequence of courses. I chose an application sequence in mechanical engineering. This fit very well with my co-op job and is a perfect fit for my current position. I have always been interested in mathematics. I really enjoy applying mathematics to mechanical engineering problems.

-Jeremy Plenzler



Robert J. Mitchell graduated in 2000 with a concentration in Applied Statistics. Robert was a co-op with West Valley Nuclear Services Company (WVNSCO), located in the Buffalo, N.Y. area. He worked in the Strategic Planning Department of WVNSCO where he helped develop a procedure to quantify project risk, and he established contingency procedures. Upon graduation Mr. Mitchell accepted a position as an Environmental Scientist/Project Management Consultant with URS, a global design, engineering, planning \& consultant company. URS is a subcontractor to WVNSCO and as a consultant Mr. Mitchell has had the opportunity to complete and expand upon many of the projects and ideas he initiated at WVNSCO as a co-op student.

I found the quality of teaching in the program ranged from adequate to Excellent(!) with a majority of professors in the program being very good teachers. Overall, th Mathematics Program was very good and offered me a unique, well-rounded education. At times I feel that there is very little connection between some of the higher-level mathematics courses and my professional duties. However these courses helped develop logical thought process, analytical skills, and problem solving skills, all of which have served me well in my professional career. If you can make it through this program, I believe you can do just about anything.

-Robert Mitchell


Erik Poppe graduated in 2001 with a concentration in Applied Statistics. Erik was a co-op with Actuarial Systems Corporation. As a co-op, his duties included system support and the development of software associated with retirement planning. After graduating Mr. Poppe accepted a position as a Software Engineer at a consulting company that designs retirement systems for public sector pension plans. He is responsible for managing and developing software for clients of the company.

I found the statistics concentration to be very well structured. In particular, I was able to take a number of elective classes in computer science and industrial engineering, which have benefited my career. I also appreciated the relatively small class size in many of the upper-level mathematics classes. Perhaps the biggest difference between the Applied Mathematics Program at Kettering University and other schools is the "irreplaceable co-op experience". That, coupled with the excellent advisement I received made all the difference in my career today.

-Erik Poppe

Eric Sligay graduated in 2003 with a concentration in Applied Statistics. He was a co-op at General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) Insurance in the Actuarial Department where he was involved with extended warranty pricing. Upon graduation Mr. Sligay accepted a position at GMAC Insurance as an Associate Statistician/Analyst in the Actuarial Department. His responsibilities include the analysis of extended contract pricing and warranty pricing.

The course structure of the statistical concentration gave me an in-depth knowledge of many topics and a comprehensive understanding of statistics and its application. My course work allowed me to pass the first actuarial examinations, set a sound foundation for future examinations, and gave me an understanding of statistical applications in a broad engineering context. I found the Mathematics Program at Kettering extremely well run with teachers and administrators aiding the student to succeed. The combination of good teachers, great courses, and the co-op work experience proved to be a great combination for me - perhaps it can do the same for you.

-Eric Sligay