First Year Students

Creating Mathematics

Simpson Colloquium SC 101 D: Creating Mathematics
T TH  11:20AM - 12:50PM

Most students do not have the opportunity to experience non-textbook mathematics in high school. In textbook mathematics, every question has a correct answer and it is in the back of the textbook. However, mathematicians do not simply solve algebra or calculus problems all day. Instead, they solve real world, open-ended problems that may have multiple solutions. This course will give you the opportunity to see this exciting side of mathematics.

This course will explore several topics in graph theory. The class will learn the basics of each topic and then formulate and attempt to answer questions involving the topics. The class will also talk about how mathematics, and graph theory in particular, can relate to other fields of study like biology, chemistry, computer science, and sociology. Students will learn to write and typeset mathematics. Emphasis will also be placed on oral communication of mathematics.

This course will be different than most mathematics courses. For example, we will probably never solve an equation during the entire semester. There will be minimal lecture and lots of experimentation. We will look at numerous examples to try to find patterns and then try to determine if the patterns always hold. Students will be encouraged to think creatively. In some cases, no one (including the professor and the larger mathematics community) will know the answers to the questions that we will explore.

Note that no previous experience with mathematical research or graph theory is required or expected.

Meet Your Professor    Deb Czarneski                                                             
Debra Czarneski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Mathematics

I grew up on a diary farm outside of Green Bay, Wisconsin. I received my Ph.D. in mathematics from Louisiana State University in 2005. I am currently in my seventh year of teaching Mathematics at Simpson College. I advise the Math Club and I enjoy talking with students about undergraduate research opportunities.

I live southeast of Indianola with my husband, who is also a mathematics professor at Simpson, and my two year old daughter. I enjoy traveling (usually visiting family), reading (best way to use any free time), and watching football. As a fan of the LSU Tigers and the Green Bay Packers, watching football over the last few years has been very enjoyable.

This is the third first-year course that I have taught at Simpson. I really enjoy getting to know the students in my first-year classes and watching them mature as students and individuals. I hope to see you in my class in the fall! 

Meet Your Destination LeaderKylie Van Houten
Kylie Van Houten

Hello everyone! My name is Kylie Van Houten and I will be the Destination Leader for the class Creating Mathematics. I am from Des Moines and attended Hoover High School. In high school I was involved in softball, basketball, volleyball, track, cheerleading, dance team, drama, choir, Best Buddies, yearbook, NHS, NCYL, and student council. I am on the Softball Team here at Simpson and I am involved with Wesley Service Scholars as well.

I will be a junior during the 2012-2013 school year. I am a Math and Computer Science major with a minor in Psychology, and hopefully I will soon have my coaching certification as well. I have taken classes in a variety of subjects, so don’t feel bad if you don’t have it all figured out yet because a lot of people don’t!

I am a huge movie buff and could probably still recite every line to many of the 90s songs I grew up with. I like to work out and stay active; sports have always been a big part of my life. My favorite baseball teams are the Cubs, of course, and the Rays. I love to read and I am obsessed with One Tree Hill, Friday Night Lights, and Castle.

I can’t wait to meet you all! Your first year of college is exciting and I’m glad I get to be a part of it and help you with this transition. Please contact me if you have any questions, or if you just want to chat! See you in the summer!

Meet Your Writing FellowHeather Malbon
Heather Malbon

My hometown is Guthrie Center, IA, even though I was born in Massachusetts. I am going to be a junior this year and I am double majoring in Mathematics and Economics with specialty in Finance along with a minor in Computer Science.

 I love watching movies with my friends, playing frisbee and just hanging out.
 

Last Updated: 5/10/12