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Contact UsInnovating through Curiosity and Code
Falling in Love with Learning at MSU Denver
Alex Clarke entered MSU Denver in the spring of 2014, unsure what to expect from university life after high school. What he found, however, was a place that would ignite his passion for learning. Initially planning to pursue only a Computer Science major with a math minor, Alex soon discovered that his interest in mathematics went far deeper than he anticipated.
“Calculus made me fall in love with math,” Alex recalls. “I realized I had never truly hated it—I just hadn’t been taught it in a way that clicked. From there, I kept enrolling in more math classes, and eventually, my advisor suggested I declare a double major. That’s how I came to love both Computer Science and Theoretical Mathematics.”
Among his favorite courses were Abstract Algebra 1 and 2 with Dr. Mandi Schaeffer-Fry, whose teaching style left a lasting impression. “Every professor I had at MSU was an incredible resource,” Alex says. “They didn’t just answer questions—they sparked curiosity, guided research, and helped me see possibilities I wouldn’t have found on my own.”
Turning Knowledge into Innovation
A year before graduation, Alex secured an internship at Bandwidth, a telecom company, where he worked alongside some of the industry’s best engineers. That experience provided him a foundation for evaluating complex problems, collaborating with high-level teams, and innovating effectively—skills that continue to shape his career today.
After graduation, Alex joined a company that manufactures components for Electric Vehicle chargers, stepping into an R&D role where he could apply his passion for mathematics and computer science. There, he designed algorithms and systems that led to substantial company wins, including a project valued at $65 million currently in the process of being patented.
A Lifelong Learner
For Alex, learning has never stopped. He continues to explore cutting-edge technology, including AI and machine learning, while building personal technical projects that challenge and excite him—from creating innovative software tools to experimenting with 3D printing and personal AI servers. “I love that I get to spend my days learning new things constantly,” he says.
MSU Denver was instrumental in shaping his approach to learning, problem-solving, and collaboration. “MSU taught me how to teach myself and how to value those who know far more than me,” Alex says. “It taught me resilience, how to work with people, and how to handle challenges with patience and creativity.”
Advice for Current Students and Alumni
Alex encourages students to embrace curiosity and balance:
“Remember that challenges are temporary and that balance is key. Take breaks, be compassionate with yourself, and know when to seek guidance. Learning is lifelong, and there’s always a way forward.”
MSU Denver’s Lasting Impact
From discovering a love of mathematics to creating algorithms with real-world impact, Alex Clarke’s story exemplifies the power of an MSU Denver education. His journey reflects the university’s commitment to fostering curiosity, resilience, and innovation—and proves that with passion and perseverance, the possibilities are limitless.