Daniel Alcala
Applied Mathematician
Albuquerque
Summary
Diligent Applied Mathematics student with strong analytical and statistical expertise, adept at managing complex projects and collaborating with diverse teams. Proficient in discrete mathematics, computational science, and engineering principles, with hands-on experience using MATLAB, Python, and Linux command line tools. Committed to innovative, multidisciplinary teaching methods—particularly integrating Primary Historical Sources (PHS) to enrich students’ understanding of the social and technical foundations of mathematics. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and a passion for leveraging mathematics and the social sciences to make a meaningful impact in education, guiding learners toward greater insight and success and make a difference in people's lives.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
16
16
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Teaching Assistant
UNM Math and Statistics Department
01.2022 - Current
- Teach recitation sections for Calculus I, II, III, and Linear Algebra.
- Hold regular office hours and tutoring sessions to support student learning.
- Assist in grading assignments and exams, and provide feedback
- Foster engaging learning environments for diverse student cohorts.
Research Development Intern
Sandia National Labs, Eubank Blvd SE
05.2022 - 08.2022
- I work at the Inertia Confinement Fusion group with the design team.
- My Project consisted in Magnetohydrodynamics MHD plasma physics.
- I work with four proposed models that describe the dynamics of waves in plasmas.
- My Project goal was to make a comparison between the four plasmas models in terms of wave dynamics.
- Tools I used for this project MATLAB, Microsoft Office Suite, and LATEX.
Research & Qualitative Data Analyst
UNM College of Arts and Sciences
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Developed and administered surveys to identify factors influencing student retention.
- Analyzed qualitative data to inform strategic interventions for improving student success.
- Authored detailed reports documenting key findings and recommendations
Managing the Finance
Cielo Azul Restaurant (Family Business)
01.2021 - Current
- Im responsible for managing the financial health of the business in order growth and plan future investments. Some of my duties is analyzing quarterly and annual profits and expenses, in order to determine how to pay off liabilities and the maintenance of the business. I also review all financial documents to ensure tax-compliance.
STEM Tutor
NMSU Math Success Center
08.2018 - 01.2020
- Tutored students in Calculus, ODEs, and Trigonometry across various STEM fields.
- I gain experience working with students from various STEM fields to help them develop both conceptual understanding and computational skills needed to succeed in their math and stat courses.
- Created lesson materials, visuals and digital presentations to supplement lesson plans.
Residential Advisor and Recreational Coordinator
UNM Engineering Student Services
06.2017 - 08.2017
- Mentored high school students in summer engineering programs.
- Developed leadership skills by coordinating events and group activities.
- Had the opportunity to meet kids from all walks of life, very grateful.
- Gain work experience working with HS students all inspire to be future engineers, but it also gave me the opportunity to grow as a leader.
Commercial Roofer & General Construction Labor
Roofing Contractor
07.2011 - 08.2015
- Roofing Construction In and General Construction. Gain comprehensive knowledge of hazards and safety requirements.
- Communicated clearly and positively with coworkers and management.
- Removed and disposed of old roofing materials.
- Adhered to all safety practices for personal and team protection.
Team Member Cashier
McDonald's
05.2009 - 08.2009
- Provide great customer service each and every time and learn the art of multitasking in a face pace working environment.
Team Member Cashier
Burger King
05.2008 - 08.2008
- Responsible for providing exceptional guest service and support, while working closely with the restaurant managers and other team members.
Education
Master of Science - Applied Mathematics
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 08.2021 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Applied Mathematics
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 08.2011 - 05.2017
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 08.2011 - 05.2017
Skills
Hard-Working
Team-Work
Works Well Independently
Listener and Communicator
Highly Analytical Thinker and Problem Solver
Ability to communicate (verbal and written) well in a professional and scientific context
Programmer (Matlab, Python, C, C, and java)
Student assessments and helping students with special needs
Assignment grading
Teaching pedagogy
Software
MATLAB
Microsoft Office Suite
Latex Type Setting system; design of production of technical and scientific documentation
Object-Oriented Programming Languages (eg, Java, python, and C\C)
UI and UX Developer (Adobe XD and Sketch)
SPSS and SAS programming skills
HTML, TextWrangler
Certification
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program)
Hobbies and Interests
- Gethsemane Church 3901 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105. Assisted with planning and coordination for weekly services as needed. It has allowed me to meet many people from different walks of life.
- Coach. Youth Soccer League, City of Albuquerque, NM Summer 2015. As a Sports Coach in this small local soccer team, it was my duty to find and train players. I would have to set the training field up, run drills, and then take the group through local competitions.
- Cycling, I am a strong believer in personal wellness, nutrition, vegan, love Beagles, outdoors, and reading philosophical books.
Timeline
Research Development Intern
Sandia National Labs, Eubank Blvd SE
05.2022 - 08.2022
Teaching Assistant
UNM Math and Statistics Department
01.2022 - Current
Research & Qualitative Data Analyst
UNM College of Arts and Sciences
08.2021 - 05.2022
Master of Science - Applied Mathematics
University of New Mexico
08.2021 - Current
Managing the Finance
Cielo Azul Restaurant (Family Business)
01.2021 - Current
Graduate Students Teaching Workshops (National Science Foundation)
07-2019
STEM Tutor
NMSU Math Success Center
08.2018 - 01.2020
Residential Advisor and Recreational Coordinator
UNM Engineering Student Services
06.2017 - 08.2017
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program)
05-2017
Bachelor of Science - Applied Mathematics
University of New Mexico
08.2011 - 05.2017
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of New Mexico
08.2011 - 05.2017
Commercial Roofer & General Construction Labor
Roofing Contractor
07.2011 - 08.2015
Team Member Cashier
McDonald's
05.2009 - 08.2009
Team Member Cashier
Burger King
05.2008 - 08.2008