Here is information about the courses I am teaching during the Spring 2008 semester. Each course will be linked to a web page that will record important information for the students in that course.

Calculus and Analytic Geometry II (Math 263, MTWThF 8:30am)

This course continues the study of Calculus and Analytic Geometry that was begun in the first semester course, Math 198. After a head spinningly quick review of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, we study techniques of integration, the theory of sequences, the theory of series, and then we apply the Calculus that we've learned to understand the geometry of curves and surfaces in 3-space.

Here is information about the courses I am teaching during the Fall 2005 semester. Each course is linked to the Blackboard page that will record important information for the students in that course.

Freshman Seminar in Mathematics (Math 101, time and location TBA)

This course is an introduction to Truman and its Mathematics program. Students who enroll in this course will learn a little about a lot of things, including: what a person can do with a mathematics major; what skills it takes to succeed as a mathematics major; study abroad programs; course requirements for the major, for the minor, and for the MAE in mathematics programs; the assessment program at Truman and its value.

College Algebra (Math 357, time and location TBA)

[Forthcoming]

There are many topic in or related to mathematics for which Truman does not offer a course. If such a topic interests you, consider working one-on-one or with a small group of students with a faculty member who has some expertise in (or is willing to learn about) that area. Credit for such independent studies or readings courses is available in the form of the MATH 489 course (Undergraduates Readings in Mathematics).

Topics that I would considered leading include the following. Suggested prerequisites for the courses are italicized.

1. mathematical biology (esp., modeling things such as the cell cycle, vasculogenesis, and signaling) in general; some interest in game theoretic models of evolution and competition; at least Calculus II and Differential Equations
2. image analysis and processing using ImageJ (open source) and Matlab's Image Processing Toolbox (proprietary); Foundations of Mathematics and Linear Algebra
3. differential geometry of curves and surfaces, either an introduction to the topic in which we take things from where Calculus III leaves off, or a focused reading and practicum on singularities of curves and families of curves; Advanced Calculus
4. using abstract algebra to study generic properties of curve singularities; Algebraic Structures

If you are looking for a Capstone project or a project to propose to get a Truman research stipend (early spring semester every year), then the following describes the types of problems that I'm eager to work on with a talented student.

• exploring the geometry of functions and the space of symmetric matrices: we will use matlab or mathmatica to create tools that will calculate a functin's ridge-valley-connector sets. This project would require some programming experience and linear algebra. Advanced Calculus would be a plus, too.
• modeling the cell cycle in epidermis: I would like to learn more about modeling the cell cycle, and I have access to data on the cell cycle in the epidermis
• (anything having to do with modeling biological processes)
• understanding properties of networks (esp. vascular networks) that relate to robustness of function; relate this to graph theoretic properties
• applications of wavelet theory and signal processing to the identifiation of bat species from acoustic data
• applications of scientific programming (in matlab) to biological processes