Mathematics
& Statistics
 The study of mathematics is motivated by its intrinsic beauty as well as its applicability to everyday life. Studying mathematics also strengthens critical and analytical problem-solving skills.
A student graduating with a mathematics major from Hollins will be a logical thinker who is well educated in major areas of mathematics (calculus, linear algebra, statistics, algebra, and analysis), in the application of mathematical concepts to problem solving, and in the development and communication of applied and theoretical mathematics.
A recent survey of Hollins mathematics graduates shows careers as bankers, teachers, defense analysts, actuaries, and programmers; and graduate school placements in mathematics, forensic science, medicine, and law.
Teaching Students to Think Critically and Creatively
At Hollins, we use Maple, a mathematical/statistical software program designed to help college students learn mathematical concepts. It has packages for algebra, calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, statistics, probability, and much more. The plots, 3-D graphics, and animation make visualizing mathematics easier than ever before, and easier visualization goes hand in hand with a more concrete understanding of concepts.
Faculty members also use collaborative learning to promote the discovery method of learning. Our students enjoy learning because they actively participate in the process.
Research and Internships
All senior mathematics majors complete a research thesis under the direction of a member of the faculty. Recent student research has included the "Theory of Noncooperative Games," "Mathematics in the Fine Arts," "Beginnings of Public Key Cryptography," and "Ten Proofs of a Result about Tiling a Rectangle.
On-campus research by students is supplemented by off-campus internships. Some students choose to stay in the
Roanoke Valley, a metropolitan area of 225,000; others arrange internships in Washington, D.C., New York City, Atlanta, their hometowns…wherever the opportunity arises. Accounting firms, banks, and other corporations provide settings for students to put their learning to work.
Hollins Graduates: Where are they now?
Math majors compete successfully for places in corporations and other organizations:
- Caterina Au, management consultant to businesses in Beijing
- Bonney Hart Daves, mathematics teacher at a private school, Knoxville
- Pauline Felder, self-employed transliterator, San Francisco
- Rebecca Harte, chief information officer, BRTRC-Technology Research Corp., Fairfax, Va.
- Martha Walker Kwiterovich, statistician, Department of Labor
- Wei Li, assistant national director. Response Technology, Inc., Memphis
- Julie Brewer Pratt, software engineer, Compaq Computer Corp., Stow, Mass.
- Lian Zhu Roshner, senior actuarial analyst, Zurich, Baltimore, Md.
- Lauren McKee Spencer, actuary, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Owings Mills, Md.
- Katherine Moses Strosnider, teacher, Duval County Public Schools
- Carrie Tiernan Sweeney, admissions officer, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va.
…and in graduate schools or with graduate degrees:
- Elizabeth Davis Clark, M.B.A., Meredith College
- Barry Duke, M.B.A., University of Mississippi
- Carla Dunahoo, Ph.D. in clinical psychology, Kent State University
- Suzanne Rushton Harper, Ph.D. in mathematics education, University of Virginia
- Joanna Ruth Harris Marsland, M.S. in museum conservation, University of Delaware; M.B.A., Kenan-Flagler School of Business, University of North Carolina
- Angela O'Kernick, M.S. in mathematics, Virginia Tech
- Kimberly Kessler Parmer, law school, West Virginia University
You Should Know
Faculty
Left to right: Julie Clark, Phyllis Mellinger, Caren Diefenderfer, Trish Hammer
Julie M. Clark, (homepage) associate professor of mathematics and statistics; B.S., Davidson College; M.S., Ph.D., University of Virginia
Caren Diefenderfer, (homepage) professor of mathematics; A. B., Dartmouth College; M.A., Ph.D., University of California-Santa Barbara
Patricia Hammer, (homepage) associate professor of mathematics; B.S., M.S., Ph.D., Virginia Tech
Phyllis L. Mellinger, (homepage) director of quantitative reasoning and instructor of mathematics; B.S., M. Ed., Millersville University
|
