NEWS

Louisiana Tech University Mathematics Instructor Ann Clifton has coauthored a chapter in the book Mathematics Research for the Beginning Student, Volume 1: Accessible Projects for Students before Calculus.

Clifton coauthored “But Who Should Have Won? Simulating Outcomes of Judging Protocols and Ranking Systems” with Dr. Allison Lewis, Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Lafayette College, in Easton, Pennsylvania.

The book, part of Springer Publications’ Foundations for Undergraduate Research in Mathematics series, provides students and their faculty advisors with examples of basic mathematics research projects that can be applied to real-world situations. It includes projects on graphing games, biological systems modeling, mosaics and virtual knots, math for sustainability, and mathematics epidemiology.

“I’m proud of the work that Ann produces both as an instructor and as a researcher,” said Dr. Hisham Hegab, College of Engineering and Science Dean. “This publication is just one example of her efforts to provide math educators and students with the tools to build positive experiences with the subject. She also spends a great deal of time engaged in outreach to high schools on this front. Her commitment to improving math education will increase recruitment and retention of math students in programs beyond Louisiana Tech, which will help prepare a larger number of young adults for the increasing number of jobs that require some math skills.”

Clifton’s research interests are in graph theory and knowledge representation and reasoning.  She believes that students at all levels are capable of and can benefit from participating in mathematics research. Clifton mentored several undergraduate projects in graph theory and number theory prior to joining Tech, and has supervised research projects in introductory statistics classes at Tech.

“Ann is an example of the quintessential professor – a researcher who engages students at every level in the research habits of mind of the scientist and mathematician.  Ann’s effort to engage undergraduate students in research is excellent, and I appreciate her continued participation in the community,” Academic Director, Dr. Galen Turner, said. “Her insights and leadership in this area will continue to help Louisiana Tech’s Mathematics program and programs throughout the nation as we develop and re-imagine undergraduate courses that serve all populations of students.”

The book is available for purchase on the SpringerLink website.