Mathematics Department

In this section, Dr. Mark Colgan, department chair, covers your questions about mathematics. Don’t see an answer to your question? Contact Dr. Colgan today!

 

Why should I pick Taylor University for Mathematics?

Dr. Mummert spoke to this in his video (watch it here), but here are 3 reasons why:

• Whole-person education. We aren’t preparing you just for 4 years of success at Taylor, we are preparing you for the 40 years that follow graduation. We are equipping you to use Math as a tool to serve in the way that God has designed you to serve, where He wants you to serve.
• Community and Commitment. Our faculty are dedicated to seeing your success. While we can provide evidence of our success in and out of the classroom with our various distinctions, please note that what students have found most valuable is our availability. Our faculty and staff are available to help you with not just your academic workload, but also for your spiritual growth.
• Taylor Mathematics Lab –After over ten years of planning with architects, designers, and administration, the math faculty are very happy to have the new Euler Science Complex -- such a wonderful environment to work with students.  Highlights for our department include:
  • A spacious new Math Lab and resource room, math computer lab, math student lounge, seminar room, new math classrooms, and a large interactive office area.
  • A large interactive classroom adjacent to a resource room filled with math manipulatives.  Math students and student teachers can explore the resource room while math education classes are being held next door in the classroom.
  • The Math Lab will feature seating at tables for 32 students, four computer stations, an interactive smart board and projector system, a sink and cabinet area, and an impressive collection of hands-on math education resources.
  • The new Math Computer Lab down the hall will also provide students with many opportunities to explore the latest activities in mathematics and mathematics education.

You mention opportunities outside of the classroom. Can you give some examples?

• Math Competitions. Taylor students have consistently done well in several local and national math competitions.  Not only do our courses help students prepare for these competitions, we have “Pizza and Problem-Solving” sessions where we combine fun with serious preparation.
• Math Conferences. Students participate in the annual Mathematics & Statistics Conference at Miami University of Ohio during the fall semester. Recently several students also attended the Texas Instruments conference in Chicago and the Indiana Council of Teachers of Mathematics
• Math Club. As part of Taylor’s emphasis on serving each other as we live together, we prioritize getting students involved in our Math club to develop social connections and deepen spiritual development. Not only does this club allow you to have fun, but as you see with Aaron’s story, being a part of this club makes it easier to succeed academically as well.
• The Science Research Training program (SRTP) is a summer research opportunity where students participate in mathematical research, submit papers to research journals and make conference presentations. Recent projects and presentations have included knot theory and statistical analysis problems.
• East Allen County School Gifted and Talented (G/T) Program Intervention Partnership. We participate to encourage at-risk G/T students to pursue college aspirations.
• Teacher Assistants (TA) Math majors have opportunities to work closely with professors by serving as TAs. In this role, TAs can assist with in-class group work, explain solutions, hold study sessions, grade papers and sometimes give lectures. Math majors are also in high demand as tutors both on-campus and off-campus

What travel or off-campus programs are available?

• Students have participated in Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) at other institutions during the summer. In 2006, one of our math majors participated in an REU in Hong Kong, the first international REU offered. In the summer of 2008, two students were awarded REUs at Gordon College and Northern Kentucky University. In the summer of 2009, one of our math majors participated in an REU at SUNY Potsdam, and another did a practicum at the University of Illinois. In 2010 one of our students did an REU at the University of Iowa.
• Overseas student teaching is available for education majors. Recent math student teachers have done their student teaching in Spain, Taiwan, Australia, and Cameroon, West Africa.
• Lighthouse- Since 1972 Taylor's Lighthouse program has enabled students to gain unforgettable, life-changing experiences during Interterm studying and serving cross-culturally around the world. Recent Lighthouse destinations include: India, the Czech Republic, Paraguay, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Southeast Asia, Ecuador, Singapore and Thailand. Look at the Lighthouse website for more information.
  
• Spring Break Trips -- Taylor University Spring Break Missions Trips serve to enable students to learn, minister, and witness during their annual spring break. Trips reach around the world to numerous destinations serving in various ministries. Check out our 2012 blog for more information!