Math, law and aiding fellow students were all part of the equation that enabled Boris Tadchiev to succeed.
From Queens, Tadchiev was born in Uzbekistan and lived in Israel for 10 years before moving to the United States at 13. The interactive and visual ways math is taught in Israel helped Tadchiev, as three-dimensional shapes and diagrams and blocks were used instead of problems on paper.
“What I like about math is the rush you get when you figure something out,” said Tadchiev, who was a double major in math and philosophy/politics/law. “You can work on something sometimes for days and weeks. That’s what attracts me to math.”
His math proficiency paid off with a Goldwater Scholarship honorable mention when he was at Binghamton. Tadchiev was recognized for work at a Research Experience for Undergraduates program at the College of William & Mary in the summer of 2007 on a math problem that examined matrices and graph theory. The paper was submitted to the Electronic Journal of Linear Algebra.
“He’s very modest,” math professor Alex Feingold said. “He’s willing to put the time and effort into his work. He gets results. The prospects for a math career are bright.”
Tadchiev spent one summer honing his law skills in Washington, D.C., with the Association of Jewish Aging Services, where he researched legislation that affected senior citizens and wrote to lawmakers about the bills. The atmosphere and experience in Washington had Tadchiev also considering a career in law.
The student experience at Binghamton played a major role in Tadchiev’s life. One year, he was the executive vice president of the Student Association. In the position, Tadchiev oversaw 140 student groups and community governments, offering guidance and helping with events.
“If you get involved, it helps (for the future),” he said. “You’re in contact with people. There’s a big aspect of leadership and compromise and those are skills you’re going to need in the future.”
