N’Djekornom Dara Laobeul

Ph.D. candidate, mathematics

Hometown and country?
N’Djamena, which is the capital city of Chad.

How long have you been at UM?
Two years.

Why did you come to UM?
I got my master’s at a university in Burkina Faso. I had a friend who applied here and he said I should try. So I did.

What’s your favorite place on campus?
The Grizzly statue on the Oval.

Why?
It’s a place where everyone can meet and socialize. In African culture in each town there is a place where everyone can meet and discuss the issues and life, and that statue reminds me of this place.

Describe any special projects or research you’re working on.
Right now I’m working on astronomic imaging. So if someone has an image from space and it is blurred and they need reconstruction.

How often do you visit the library?
About five times a semester.

Why do you go there?
To get books for my research.

What’s your best tip for saving money in college?
I don’t believe in saving. I believe in hard work. My philosophy is that you shouldn’t have more than you spend.

Are you are an early bird or a night owl?
I was a night owl but then I had to work so many hours I had to get up at like eight.

What’s your greatest hidden talent?
Drawing.

What’s the best thing about Missoula?
The outdoors.

What’s your favorite season?
Summer and the winter.

What’s the biggest accomplishment in your life?
I would say I have had several high points in my life, like having my tuition paid and having a kid, and now I’m working on helping my sister get admission. I have a big project here and there are many small steps, so whenever I get one of them done I feel really happy.

If you had all the money in the world what would you do?
I’d take care of my family. Also, I’m from N’Djamena but I’m not really from there. According to our standards you are from where your tribe is from and I am from the south. There are a lot of farmers there and mostly they have to sell their harvest before it is done and they sell it really cheap. I would like to form a cooperative so they don’t have to sell it right away; so they can wait and sell at a higher price and make more money.

What reading material is next to your bed?
None. I keep all my books at my office. When I go home I relax.

What’s your preferred mode of communication?
E-mail.

If you could have any superpower what would it be?
I’m told I’m a patient guy; maybe being even more patient.

-- Interview and photography by Winona Sorensen