Relentlessly Rigorous Researcher

Math professor Dr. Heidi Berger praises America Jarillo-Montero ’26 for being “ridiculously hard working.” And there’s more than plenty of proof for such a claim.

At Simpson, Jarillo-Montero has engaged in high profile research opportunities at the Argonne National Laboratory, Youngstown State University and Columbia University, where her chemical engineering studies focused on “zombie lithium.” Such work is not nearly as scary as it sounds, especially with the strong faculty support she receives.

“Simpson’s math faculty have been instrumental in my development as a scholar and researcher,” said Jarillo-Montero. “Dr. Berger and other mentors have always believed in me when I did not. Their mentorship has enabled me to refine my analysis skills, extend my mathematical theory knowledge, and apply my coursework to real-world issues. Their commitment to student development made Simpson an institution where I was noticed, heard, and motivated to aim for great things.”

Support from Simpson faculty and TRIO advisers has been vital to helping Jarillo-Montero navigate many challenges as a first-generation college student. She has taken advantage of every opportunity here and is now well poised to pursue her doctorate in applied mathematics.

“I envision becoming a positive figure for women of color pursuing STEM careers. Being a first-generation college student, I want young students to have someone they can look up to and see someone who looks like them, speaks like them, and shares a similar cultural background, who can achieve greatness.”