Juliet Mendoza
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Computer Science junior Christian Barrientes took his self taught computer science skills to the next level and snatched a first place Pathways research award Nov. 4, in the Mathematics category. It was his first time doing formal research.
Each year students from the Texas A&M University System have the opportunity to participate in The Pathways A&M System Student Research Symposium contest, where students showcase their research in hopes of taking home the honor of winning top place in their category.
“I am lucky, too! It’s my first time ever doing research formally,” Barrientes said. “There are plenty of science fairs but this is serious research.”
Barrientes took almost the entire semester to put his research project for the symposium together.
His research demonstrates how random numbers, when pulled by a code that he developed, can track algorithms. Proving that random numbers actually have patterns.
“I had to refine the code and pull myself ahead about a month and a half of my programing class to learn how to output a file, let alone how to pull multiples,” Barrientes said after a long sigh. “That was fun.”
All his time and effort soon paid off. Barrientes placed first at the Student Research Symposium in the undergraduate mathematics category for his study titled A Practical Understanding of the Mysterious Central Limit Theorem.
Barrientes said he drove three hours to Texas A&M-Prairie View to participate in the Research Symposium.
Along with him was his number one fan, his dad Robert Barrientes, a retired lieutenant colonel army vet and recently retired JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) senior army instructor of East Central High School.
Barrientes dad shares his trip experience.
“It was great! I enjoyed it. I have never been there. He worked on it every evening and would say, ‘look at this dad,’ I would just encourage him to keep working,” Richard said. “I am very proud of him.”
Barrientes college tuition is covered by the Hazlewood Act. A benefit he receives from his retired army vet father, which pays for the 150 college hours at a public institution for spouses and dependant children.
Barrientes research was based on the work of Dr. Bob Stephenson, “AP STATS,” and The Central Limit Theorem. Barrientes applied the theorem to random numbers to test the theory that there is something not so random to the selection of “random” numbers.
The encouragement and guidance of Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Dr. Ummugul Bulut helped Barrientes enter the competition.
Bulut seeks for talent at the beginning of each semester.
“After I give the first exam, I ask my students to show their classmates about their solution,” Bulut said. “Christian really did a good job when he was explaining his solution, so I asked him if he was interested in doing research and he was very interested.”
Bulut helped Barrientes combine his passion for computer science and apply them to mathematical statistics.
“I am so proud of him,” Bulut said.
“She was the largest inspiration for me to get started and I owe her a big thanks for everything that has happened,” Barrientes said. “It was a honor to represent and to bring honor back to this institution.”
Barrientes said he feels honored and extremely flattered to have won the award.
Winning the award has changed Barrientes path. He intends to continue his education and pursue a master’s as well as a doctorate degree while continuing in the path of research.
“A&M San Antonio has a great tech program and I wanted to stay in the A&M System because it has that camaraderie, that faith you have towards the school that you don’t get at other institutions,” said the proud award winner. “I want to become Dr. Barrientes.”
