Jennifer Morse

Though I am now known for spending a decade on a single problem in theoretical mathematics, no one would have predicted this. I grew up as a grubby kid on a farm, escaping the classroom and learning from people with little formal education but deep practical knowledge. Watching them solve tricky fencing problems, care for injured animals, and fix broken tractors taught me the value of curiosity, careful observation, and asking the right questions. It was not until I finished college that I stumbled upon a math class and discovered a passion that became my career. These experiences led me to see that more important than having a clear direction is approaching information with curiosity and reflection. One question leads to another, and another, until you find answers or discover something even more interesting.

That belief drew me to UVA’s Engagements program, which challenges students to explore topics outside their content area. In Uncommon Sense, mathematical puzzles and examples of numerical missteps serve as a platform for showing the consequences of not questioning. They show how easy it is to be misled, make poor decisions, or overlook better solutions. By seeing these pitfalls firsthand, we start to recognize that curiosity is not optional: it sharpens thinking, fosters openness to different perspectives, and equips us to navigate challenges with creativity and confidence.