Applied Mathematics

Faculty

Joseph Johnson

jjohnson@mbc.edu

I hold a master’s degree and PhD in mathematics from University of Virginia. My area is algebraic topology, the study of general geometric shapes. Specifically, I am interested in both equivariant K-theory and homotopy type theory. K-theory gives us a way to add, subtract, and multiply geometric shapes. By studying this, one gets a lot of information about properties of the shape. K-theory shows up in physics quite often, especially in grand unified theories, ideas first championed by Einstein. Homotopy type theory is a way to examine logic, the basis of all mathematics, using topology and algebra. In graduate school, I taught in both the ITE and BRIDGE summer programs in the engineering department at University of Virginia. In my free time I am an avid cyclist and vacationer.

Jodie Miller

jmiller@mbc.edu

I hold an EdD in mathematics education from Montclair State University in New Jersey, along with a master’s degree in secondary mathematics education, and bachelor’s degrees in theater and accounting.  I have been teaching at both the high school and college levels since 1996, and am particularly interested in issues surrounding the transition from school to college mathematics, including quantitative literacy, the subject of my dissertation.  Other research interests include distance learning, technology in mathematics education, and applied mathematics.  I am very active in professional organizations, having served as an editor for Mathematics Teacher, published by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and as a member of the Committee on Graduate Students for the Mathematical Association of America.  During my summers, I teach professional development workshops for high school teachers in the area of AP Statistics.  In my spare time, I love to spend time with family and friends, read, and shoot sporting clays, and have been active in community groups including arts organizations and Girl Scouting for most of my adult life.

John Ong

jong@mbc.edu

I hold a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Kansas, a master’s degree in mathematics from Virginia Tech, and a PhD in applied mathematics from the University of Virginia. I am technically trained in the area of Functional Analytic Methods in Partial Differential Equations. At present my interests have expanded to include the Modeling of HIV Dynamics. I spend a lot of time mentoring women who are interested in graduate school in mathematics or who are going to graduate school in a discipline where mathematics is an indispensable tool. Other important facets in my life are family, friends, Tai Chi, serious travel, and the advancement of LGBTQ issues. Personal philosophy: "This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."