Mathematics
Dr. Rick Spellerberg
Professor of Mathematics
Carver Science 337
515-961-1838
Teaching Interests: I enjoy teaching just about every course our department has to offer. I enjoy working with majors and non-majors alike. I get a lot of satisfaction helping students gain confidence in their mathematical ability, whatever level that ability might be. My office door is always open for students who need additional help outside the classroom. WARNING: If you enroll in my class, you may leave as a math major!
Research Interests: I love doing research with undergraduates. My current research interests are in the field of Game Theory, more specifically Evolutionary Game Theory. I have found Game Theory to be the perfect field for promoting undergraduate research in that much of the mathematics is accessible to undergraduates. Currently, I have a number of undergraduates looking at different Game Theory models that shed light on how cooperative behavior may have evolved. I also have a student who has developed her own game theory model that sheds light on how the behavior of cow birds laying their eggs in other bird’s nests may have evolved and whether this strategy can survive the evolutionary process. To learn more about this research and other research opportunities in our department, please plan on attending the next annual Midwest Undergraduate Mathematics Symposium at Simpson College.
Other Interests: I am an avid hunter of upland game birds and enjoy getting outdoors with my two hunting dogs Jack and Saeg, both pointers. For your information, Saeg is the Persian word for dog. I also have become almost addicted to spring wild turkey hunting. There is nothing more challenging and exhilarating than trying to bag old tom turkey each spring. Also, if you take one of my classes in the fall, it will not take you long to realize I am an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings. I can only hope to still be alive when they get that first Super Bowl victory.
Contact Simpson College
800-362-2454 (toll-free)
or
515-961-6251 (locally)
Admissions:
800-362-1624 (toll-free)
or
515-961-1624 (locally)
Admissions office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon through Fri
