Georgetown College. Georgetown University.

Dr. Hans Engler

Getting our new Master's program in Mathematics and Statistics off to an excellent start. 

What is your idea of happiness?

Being with people I love, and having time for them.

Who or what was the greatest influence in your life that led to your career?

My academic teacher Willi Jaeger, who taught me about mathematics, the rewards of scientific breadth and interdisciplinary work, and the importance of kindness.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

I probably would have accepted that job offer from MIT. Just kidding. Altogether, I'm quite happy with my decisions, especially the big ones.

The challenge to come up with new approaches to familiar issues. Smart questions from students that open new perspectives for me.

Who are your favorite heroes/heroines in real life (and why)?

I thought hard about this, and I don't think I have any favorites among the many people I would consider heroes or heroines.  

Of all the musicians who ever lived? J.S. Bach.

Meriwether Lewis, to hear an eyewitness report of his journey.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

If you could change one thing at Georgetown, what would it be?

Double the endowment for financial aid.

If you could come back to life as a plant/animal/thing, what would it be?

A tree on my own grave, to check on who is visiting.

Finding a parking ticket under the windshield wiper.

Skating backward on the frozen C&O Canal, like last week.

What is the best piece of advice you could give to your students?

Don't be afraid of mistakes. Learn from them.

Never skip breakfast. Words to start the day by.

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