I have to write an essay over a mathematician in my college algebra class and I was wonder if I would be able to choose Nikola Tesla?

Tesla wasn't really a mathematician as much as an engineer and scientist... obviously both require you to be a mathemetician, however, I feel like the point of a paper on a mathemetician would be to focus on their mathematical contribution.

I'd suggest looking up Giordano Bruno. Revolutionary, smart, a talent with numbers and patterns. Also a heretic who was burned at the stake by refusing to renounce his ideas. It would make for an interesting write.

"What the numbers suggest, and the concepts you shouldn't, circa 1700". That's my working title.

I was in NYC a couple of hours ago and was surprised to see a street sign at 40th and Avenue of the Americas labeled "Nikola Tesla Corner." Then I saw your question. If you believe in omens, go for it.

Although Tesla is best known for his engineering work, he was no slouch in other areas, including mathematics:
http://www.mathematicsmagazine.com/Articles/NicolaTesla.php#.Vtc-VMduLl8

Tesla was an electrical and mechanical engineer, rather than a mathematician. He had no qualifications in maths.

I'd suggest you check with your tutor before starting the essay.