Meet Dr. Duron!

Dr. Christina Duron is a postdoctoral researcher and instructor in the Department of Mathematics. Duron has collaborated with fellow postdocs, PhD students, and faculty throughout her three years at UArizona. Although her more recent work involves diagnosing burn-in for Markov Chains, Duron finds immense joy interacting with students in the classroom. "My experiences at UArizona have not only helped me grow as a professional, but they have also increased my desire to enter academia,” Duron said. And with three direct family members already enjoying successful careers in academia, you might say teaching is in her DNA. Duron is currently applying for tenure-track jobs at liberal arts institutions, but she knows she is going to miss the atmosphere at UArizona and around downtown Tucson. As a sports fan, Duron enjoys attending Wildcat sporting events and even stepping into the ring (the boxing ring) herself.

1. How long have you been a postdoc at UArizona? What made you decide to come here?

I am entering my third year at UArizona as a postdoc in the mathematics department. I joined in 2019 because I wanted to prepare myself for a career in teaching and working with students to develop new ways of solving complex problems involving network theory and analysis.

2. What research projects are you working on and with whom?

I am currently working on a research project with a fellow third-year postdoc, Ethan O’Brien, on diagnosing burn-in for Markov Chains. Additionally, I recently joined a project that Hannah Kravitz, a current PhD student in applied mathematics, and her advisor Moysey Brio are working on involving epidemics on metric graphs.

3. Are you teaching? If so, what classes? Are you enjoying it?

This semester, I am teaching one section of Math 464: Theory of Probability, and the UTA Seminar, as I am one of the coordinators for the UTA Program for Math/Stat majors. For each, I have a great group of students and have thoroughly enjoyed each class thus far. It has been so refreshing to be back teaching within the classroom!

4. What do you enjoy most about being at UArizona? What would you miss the most if you had to move away from Tucson?

As I am a huge sports fan, I enjoy being able to attend sporting events. I have gone to a few football games and am a season ticket holder for women’s basketball. I also love the atmosphere at the university and around downtown Tucson, and I will certainly miss this environment when I leave.

5. What resources have been important to your success as a UArizona postdoc? Have you ever taken advantage of the resources from Postdoctoral Affairs? If so, what do you find most helpful?

My mentor, Walter Piegorsch, has been instrumental; whether discussing research or teaching or life in general, his advice has helped me find much success during my time at UArizona. Unfortunately, I have not taken advantage of the resources from Postdoctoral Affairs, although I have only heard great things.

6. How has your time as a UArizona postdoc affected your personal and professional growth?

My experiences at UArizona have not only helped me grow as a professional, but they have also increased my desire to enter academia. Consequently, I am very excited to start the next chapter of my professional career.

7. What are your plans for after you complete your postdoc?

I am currently applying for tenure-track jobs at liberal arts institutions.