Title: Mathematics lecturer, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Years at GCU: 9 (2 in this position, all previous years as an instructional assistant)
Academic degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts in Classics and Anthropology, University of Arizona
- Master of Arts in Anthropology, Stony Brook University
- Master of Science in Mathematics, Grand Canyon University
What is your most notable accomplishment in your field, and why was it important?
I came into mathematics later in my academic career, so my biggest accomplishment thus far has been turning that passion I always had for math into a career that I love. I really enjoy teaching math and trying to spark that same interest in my students.
What are you most passionate about in your field and why?
In my teaching, I'm most passionate about trying to get students to see that math is not something to fear. So many students grow up fearing math or thinking it's not important, and I want to change that. I like them to see the ways that math gets worked into our lives every day, even if they don't notice it.
What is a memorable moment you had in class, and what does that reveal about your teaching style?
My most memorable moments are always those where students tell me about the direct impact something we've done in class has had on them. For example, in our College Mathematics class, MAT-144, we spend several weeks talking about the basics of financial math, such as loans or investments. I've had many students come up to me after class and tell me they didn't know how their credit cards or student loans worked regarding interest or paying down their balance and that what we did in class really helped them. That's a small thing but something that really can have a long lasting impact.
What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?
I have a 4-year-old son and a 2-year-old daughter, so most of my free time is spent with them. When I do get time for myself, I like to go on long runs. I really look forward to the day when big, group races can be held again post-COVID. It's one of the things I miss the most.
What is something interesting about you that most people don't know?
Being a math instructor, most people don't know I came up through the social sciences. Anthropology and classical history really were my first academic passions. I still teach cultural anthropology here at GCU when the opportunity presents itself and try to keep up with new developments in the field.
