College of S.T.E.M. Student Spotlight: Isaac Seko
Published: June 04, 2026 | Read Time: 2 minutes
Originally from Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Issac Seko brings a global perspective to his academic journey at Southern Utah University. After graduating from Saint Joseph College in Kinshasa, where he built a strong foundation in mathematics and physics, Seko began his freshman year at SUU in the Fall of 2023. Despite missing Orientation Day traditions due to a delayed flight, he quickly found his place on campus.
Since arriving at SUU, Seko has immersed himself in research, spending the past year working in mathematical biology. His work focuses on predator-prey systems modeled through nonlinear ordinary differential equations, specifically the Rosenzweig-MacArthur model. Collaborating with faculty, he has helped prove key properties and develop a numerical scheme that improves approximations. Their work is set to be published this summer, marking an impressive milestone early in his academic career.
One of Seko's favorite aspects of studying at SUU is the accessibility of faculty. Whether through classroom learning or casual encounters around campus, he values the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with professors, often accompanied by what he describes as some of the best dad jokes around.
Beyond academics, he plays an active role in campus life. Currently, Seko serves as President of both the Mathematics Club and the Global Ambassadors Club (GLAM), as well as a Director of the International Student Ambassadors (ISA). In addition, he has worked as a tutor at the SUU Tutoring Center for the past three years, supporting fellow students while staying deeply connected to the university community. His dedication has been recognized with the "Outstanding Oral Presentation in Mathematics" award at the CSTEM Symposium following his first research presentation last fall.
Looking ahead, Seko plans to pursue a master's degree in quantitative finance and build a career in financial engineering. He is particularly interested in developing and refining pricing models for complex financial derivatives, drawing inspiration from pioneers in the field like Myron Scholes.SUU's Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CSTEM) offers diverse programs that are supported by over 100 dedicated faculty and staff members focused on student-centered and experiential learning. The College hosts an annual Research Symposium and maintains specialized centers like the Ashcroft Observatory, the SUU Water Lab, the Frehner Museum of Natural History, and more.
Contact Information
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu