About the Instructor

I am excited about teaching Math here at UCDHSC. I began my career studying Mathematics in New Jersey at the Bachelor's level. In the years following, my research has grown into a combination of applied math and philosophy. However, I have recently realized that teaching mathematics is "what I do", but advising students to find their own solutions is "who I am".  I try to keep accessible office hours so students can seek advising in course content and career planning. Concerned faculty can make a profound difference to student success. I'm work to merge study habits of students who settle for average performance and students who excel.

Degrees Held

  • Ph.D. – Mathematics; Syracuse University – 1984.
  • M.A. – Philosophy; Syracuse University – 1980.
  • B.S. – Mathematics; University of New Jersey – 1977.

Research Interests

I have always had an acute interest in using mathematics and psychology to explain our world. I focus on analyzing exactly what all mathematical symbols represent outside of the classroom. Most recently I have studied children's natural reactions to markup symbols used by college students in calculus, college algebra and elementary statistics. The results are fascinating; an experimental paper should be published in 2007.

Professional Activities

In the past, I have moved steadily towards a teaching career at the University level while conducting research at the Charter School of Gifted Children (CSGC). Working for the CSGC has inspired my search for innate abilities in children for problem-solving. Children who aren't aware of high level math theory can still solve basic algebraic problems using their own intuiton of math symbols. That is fascinating to me. I frequently contribute to the Journal for Research in Mathematics Education (JRME) and National Teaching Committee in Mathematics (NTCM) Conference in Denver.

Professional Associations

Publications

  • S. Wilderkins, B. Smith (Fall, 2005) "Timed Experimenting using Cannonball Physics"; Newton Bi-monthy Review; Feb. 1994: 44.
  • "History of the Plus Symbol." - Symbolism Journal of Technology.
  • "Comparative analysis of Pluses and Minuses in a Numerical Society." September, 2005 - Women's Conference in Teaching Mathematics"
  • "The Squareroot of Socioeconomic Events Equals Binary Overload: a Mathematicians take on poverty." - New York Journal of the Impoverished.