Well-known Albanian mathematician in the US, Fioralba Cakoni: I did not hesitate to achieve my goals

 

 Co-founder of one of the newest mathematics disciplines, described as a world-class mathematician, Rutgers University professor Fioralba Cakoni talks about her great passion for mathematics. She has been appointed a second level professor at the University where she works, a title given to professors who have contributed to the profession beyond the duties of a professor.

"When we started college it was the first time we were 11 people in a group and we were two girls,  just me and a friend, Mimoza. When I was a student I dreamed of going to France because a group in college went to France and there I was inspired. The frontier of the imagination at the time was France, but not America. The moment that introduced me to the path of mathematics was in the early years of high school, also inspired by my math teacher in high school math. I have always kept in touch with the high school teacher, even now when I return to Albania I meet her every time. The education we received in Albania was very valuable and very efficient."

For Cakoni, the important thing was her career and profession, so she dared to do everything to make her dreams come true.

Professor Fioralba Cakoni has published four books: “These books address the results I have had with my collaborators. In all the books the co-author is David Colton. To move forward in mathematics it is very important to have a mentor who is heard in the field where you will continue and is interested in guiding you. "I was lucky that my mentor was David Colton", says mathematician Cakoni in an interview with Aneta Xhiku.

Fioralba Cakoni is the author of four books, but also of 120 scientific articles “Scientific writings are intertwined with our work and teaching and help each other. I have been fortunate to work with very smart students and they have motivated me to work and write more. Specialized teaching and scientific research are intertwined", says Cakoni.

Fioralba Cakoni tells how her week starts, always focused on the profession: “My week is normal, I go to work every morning, sometimes even on weekends. If I have a lesson I get ready for the lecture, if not I do research. Discussions with students, lessons, I sit for hours to solve problems, so my 7 days of the week go away. My husband’s support has been great and he has always followed me on my professional path. My daughter Eni is passionate about creativity and literary analysis.”