Jonathan Mousley: the math whiz
Most students wouldn’t consider math to be a stress reliever, but that’s just part of what makes senior Jonathan Mousley unique. Mousley, who will be graduating this spring with a degree in mathematics and a minor in mechanical engineering, has dedicated his time here at Utah State University to helping his fellow students and community.
“My very first week of classes I interviewed for a tutoring position in the math center,” Mousley said. “And that was really fun. University was a somewhat stressful transition for me, but I’ve always had a knack for math so being able to relieve that stress for my peers really allowed me to forget about my problems and focus on helping them.”
The real turning point, according to Mousley, was during his sophomore year when he became a recitation leader and had the opportunity to work with professors and students as a teacher himself.
“That’s been one of the hallmark pieces of my experience here at USU and something I really look forward to each week,” Mousley said. “I’ve developed a passion for teaching and communicating things that I care about. And it’s taught me that it’s important to balance your life in terms of what helps you and what helps others.”
Next on Mousley’s list of achievements is his time serving as a College of Science senator for the 2021-2022 school year. Sophia May worked as his USUSA adviser during that time.
“I would describe Jonathan as bright, hardworking, kind and resilient,” May said. “I have been so impressed with his work as science senator this year. From an amazing Science Week, to spearheading the Rapid Fire Research event, to advocating for better wages for students in the college, his desire to serve his constituents and help his fellow students shines through in all he does.”
James Mullen, who has known Mousley for four years now, agreed with May.
“I think he’s one of the most brilliant people I’ve ever met,” Mullen said. “One thing that really stands out is he’s always willing to help other people out, and that’s really fascinating.”
Mousley said his time as a senator has helped him gain a different perspective of leadership and an appreciation for how the university is run.
“I’ve learned a lot about interacting with different people, different colleges and majors and interests,” Mousley said. “And I’m left with the impression that Utah State is a really wonderful place for a lot of reasons. Sometimes it can feel like there’s no one looking out for you but there hasn’t been a moment where I felt the administration didn’t genuinely care about their students.”
Graduation is only the first step for Mousley. He plans to go to graduate school and pursue a career in applied mathematics research. Although he is still looking at different programs, it’s not the first time he has left the decision until the last minute.
“For better or for worse, I think I made my decision on literally the last day possible. Somehow, I have a tendency to be very uncertain about my future until the last moment,” Mousley said. “My main question when I was considering Utah State was, ‘Will I be happy there?’ And USU has been a great opportunity and a good place to be. Now that I’m looking at graduate schools, I’m just asking the same question.”
-Maggie.Erekson@usu.edu
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