'My brother showed me such a journey was possible'

Elina Soskina: Mathematics

5/15/2026

Elina Soskina

Mathematics
Kyiv, Ukraine

What are the most valuable skills you gained from your Arts & Sciences education?

The more I learn, the more I realize how much is still out there waiting to be discovered. No matter how many classes I take, I often feel the lack of some knowledge. So one of the most valuable skills I have gained from my Arts & Sciences education is learning how to learn – how to find the information I need and how to grasp the essence of a topic without getting buried in details. I am far from mastering this skill, but now I know what to reach for.

What is your main extracurricular activity and why is it important to you?

My main extracurricular activity is tutoring at the Math Support Center at Cornell. Helping others resolve their confusion and discover the beauty of mathematics is one of the most rewarding experiences for me.

What have you accomplished as a Cornell student that you are most proud of?

I am most proud of the research project I conducted under the supervision of Professor Yunan Yang. In this project, I studied two optimization algorithms for systems of particles governed by the Boltzmann differential equation, and I proved their equivalence for a small case. More than the result itself, what mattered most was how the experience helped me start transitioning into a research mindset.

Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most?

The person who influenced my Cornell education the most – before I even set foot on campus – is my older brother. I am deeply grateful to him for the fact that I arrived at Cornell in the first place. Growing up, I never imagined I would leave my family for another continent. But my brother had done it before me. He showed me that such a journey was possible, and he encouraged me every step of the way toward one of the best universities in the world.

What are your plans for next year?

Next year I am going to start a Ph.D. in mathematics at Penn State University, studying mathematical foundations of deep learning.

Every year, our faculty nominate graduating Arts & Sciences students to be featured as part of our Extraordinary Journeys series. Read more about the Class of 2026.