Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics

The Roanoke College student chapter of the MAA (Mathematical Association of America) is shown. Activities include a Go Night, a Conversation Series talk, various Pi Day activities and student and faculty presentations at meetings. Officers are Alex Moore, Blaire Conner, Adam Peters and Mark Lucas.

The Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics at Roanoke College is dedicated to one-on-one interaction with students. Opportunities for student research include the Summer Scholar program, URAP and independent studies.

All spring 2008 course syllabi have been added to our Web site.

Department News:

Jake Bennett, a double major in physics and mathematics at Roanoke College, has been named a 2006-07 Goldwater Scholar. Jake is a rising senior from Lexington, Virginia. The scholarship is administered by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation, a federally endowed agency founded by Congress to foster outstanding students in mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering. The Goldwater Scholarship is the premier undergraduate award of its type.  See story. 

The MCSP Conversation Series has set its spring 2008 schedule. The Conversation Series includes talks by Roanoke College faculty, students, past graduates and invited speakers from other colleges. The opening talk was a timely presentation by Dr. Jeff Spielman on the statistics of national elections, in particular the failure of polls to accurately predict the outcome of the New Hampshire primary.

Roanoke College graduate Geoff Boyer, winner of his division of the U.S. Open at a 2007 Go Congress, brought his expertise to campus to teach Go, the ancient Chinese game of strategy. The event was sponsored by the student MAA chapter. Geoff had been featured in the Roanoke newspaper as one of several accomplished local players. His guidance and good humor got all of those present excited about this deceptively challenging game.

The Student Chapter of MAA celebrated Pi Day (3/14) by pie-ing professors. Getting pie-faced were faculty from math, computer science and biology as well as special guests from Admissions, Robbie Karim and our man President Maxey. Proceeds are going to charities associated with muscular distrophy and relief efforts for Darfur.

Matt Fleenor has launched Astronomy at Roanoke College, an astronomy club with student involvement and community outreach. A new astronomy course has been approved for Fall 2008, giving RC students an exciting choice for a laboratory science course. Courses for physics majors are being designed, and student research is underway. See story.

Dr. Bill Ergle retired after 44 years of outstanding service to Roanoke College and the MCSP department. A long time chair of the department, Bill has been fundamental in maintaining a strong statistics program, one that distinguishes Roanoke College from other schools of its size. We will continue to benefit from Bill's leadership and good humor.  See story.

Roanoke College hosted the spring meeting of the Maryland/DC/Virginia section of the Mathematical Association of America on April 13-14. The meeting included a variety of mathematical talks and student paper and poster competitions.  See pictures.

Jan Minton, Chris Lee, Jeff Spielman, Roland Minton and Mark Poore won the 2007 Roanoke College Innovation Award for changes in calculus. The group has introduced classroom response systems ("clickers") to help achieve a more interactive classroom. Other features such as a lab make calculus a unique experience at Roanoke College.

Senior mathematics major A.J. Haynes celebrated his December graduation earlier than expected. Dr. Lee's proof of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus in Real Analysis was interrupted by the familiar tune of Pomp and Circumstance,  followed by A.J. entering the room in full graduation regalia. The Fundamental Theorem remains unproven!

Learn more about our students and faculty!
Students: Jake Bennett, Hanan Dahche, Jessica Young, Ashley Francis
Faculty: Rama Balasubramanian (nanotech research), Matt Fleenor, Richard Grant, Steve Hughes, Roland Minton (faculty award)
Retired Faculty: Bill Ergle, Frank Munley (global warming research)