About the Author Sr . Nicholas M . Polkowska , O . P .
I
was born in Warsaw , Poland , in 1976 . Early on I discovered deep interests in mathematics and science which were encouraged by my parents Aleksandra and Krzysztof who both shared my love of mathematics and the sciences . I moved to the United States in 1996 because of my father ' s assignment to the Polish Embassy in Washington , D . C . I continued my study of mathematics at the University of the District of Columbia ( 1996-1997 ), Indiana University of Pennsylvania ( 1997-1999 ) and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign ( 1999-2005 ). I defended my doctorate at the University of Illinois in 2005 writing a dissertation in model theory , a branch of mathematical logic .
The Newman Center at UIUC was instrumental in my rediscovery of the Catholic faith and I owe great gratitude to Sr . Raffaella Cavallin from the Apostles of Interior Life and Msgr . Swetland for their spiritual guidance .
They also supported my vocational discernment which resulted in my entrance to the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of St . Cecilia in 2005 . As a Dominican Sister I have taught mathematics and religion at St . Cecilia Academy in Nashville and Mount de Sales Academy in Baltimore . I also spent 4 years in northern Scotland ministering to youth and young adults of the Diocese of Aberdeen .
Writing my Master ' s thesis for the Catholic Distance University on infinity was a blessing and the completion of a long adventure . I first encountered Cantor ' s approach to infinity in an undergraduate course in the history of mathematics . Cantor ' s proofs had a deep impact on my mathematical formation , and I returned to them throughout my graduate studies even though my research was concerned with different topics . My studies of theology introduced me to philosophical approach to infinity and a long history of paradoxes , conflicts and mystery . I ' m grateful to my religious community for giving me the time to wrap my mind around the relations between mathematical and philosophical approaches to the concept of infinity . Finally , I thank my thesis advisor , Fr . Bevil Bramwell , for his help and patience .