She joined the Department of Mathematics following a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Geology.

Anais Bardyn joined the Brin Mathematics Research Center (Brin MRC) in May 2023 following a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Geology, saying she knew by that point that UMD was a great place to work.

Bardyn shared her experiences and insights managing and coordinating the activities that take place in the Brin MRC in an interview below, which has been edited for length and clarity.

What is your favorite thing about working in the Brin MRC?

Working in a research center! I enjoy supporting scientists interacting with each other and discussing their results by helping to organize activities such as workshops and summer schools.

Did you always think you’d work in academia?

Yes. I enjoyed teaching and doing my research during my Ph.D. in France. As a result, I always envisioned myself working in a similar environment. UMD was the first American university I visited and it had a great impact on me. It’s a beautiful campus with so many students; I feel lucky to be part of it.

What does your day-to-day look like in your job?

It varies a lot. At the Brin MRC, we organize on average a one-week workshop every two weeks. Prior to a workshop, I work on the overall planning: interacting with the organizers and the participants, sending invitation letters, booking the hotel, creating the poster and the schedule, placing catering orders, and much more. During and after a workshop, I coordinate catering and work to reimburse participants’ travel expenses. In addition to the workshops and summer schools, I manage the Brin MRC Distinguished Lectures and visitors to the Brin MRC throughout the year.

What do you like most about your job?

The variety of my responsibilities and the organization they require, the management of the Brin MRC, and the fact that the Brin MRC supports researchers from all over the world.

What is your favorite UMD memory?

Seeing students return to campus after the pandemic. I was able to come to UMD during the pandemic to do my research during my postdoc, and it was a very empty place without students.

What do you like to do outside work?

I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter, doing yoga, cooking and working in our garden.