Dania Hussein ’25 discovered her passion for math while taking Algebra 1 in eighth grade. After feeling slowed down by the pace of the class, Hussein began completing extra problem sets in her free time. Interested in learning geometry, Hussein picked up a competitive math book recommended by teacher Mark Norton. Although she didn’t realize the problems were catered toward math competitions, Hussein enjoyed the rigor that came with solving them.
Hussein attended her first math competition last November. Aiming to minimize the gender divide in competitive math, Hussein and her friends started an Iowa chapter of INTEGIRLS. INTEGIRLS is a global nonprofit organization that encourages female and nonbinary individuals to close the gender gap in competitive math and ultimately, STEM fields. The organization has chapters in most major U.S. cities and five other countries.
Hussein believes that math is a learned skill and relies heavily on conceptual understanding and taking the time to correct “dumb mistakes.” Upon reflecting on her journey with competitive math, Hussein said, “Try your best to fix those [mistakes], that’s how you go over that threshold from being average to getting a really good score. So first, it starts with the concepts, but then it goes to really honing in on your weaknesses and not writing them off.”
Hussein’s love for math also sparked her passion for physics and computer science. When taking AP Physics last year, Hussein was encouraged by teacher Matt Harding to compete in Drake University’s annual Physics Prize. Being the first West High student to score perfectly on the test, Hussein won the competition and received a full ride to the university, as well as a personalized trophy. In college, Hussein plans to study electrical and computer engineering.