Dr. Sam Vandervelde
St. Lawrence University News
Submitted by svanderv on Fri, 05/16/2008 - 09:22.
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Courses I teach regularly:
Multivariable Calculus, Number Theory, Bridge to Higher Mathematics, College Geometry, Combinatorics
My research interests:
I am currently working on a theoretical problem involving graph theory, number theory, and combinatorics. I am also investigating a certain partition identity involving triangular numbers, along with an intriguing open question known as the "Lonely Runner Problem." My broader mathematical interests include Mahler measure and Euclidean geometry.
Sample student projects I have supervised:
Eternal Vision of Leonard Euler, a mathematical film documentary.
The Golden Ratio, the Most Irrational Among Irrational Numbers.
Deranged Socks, an investigation involving the Principle of Inclusion-Exclusion.
Examples of presentations, exhibitions, performances and published work:
"Everyone Loves a Bijection," talk given on Dec 7, 2008 at the Combinatory Analysis Conference, Penn State University, State College, PA. Content of talk later published as Balanced Partitions in the Ramanujan Journal.
Bridge to Higher Mathematics, book written for the St. Lawrence course of the same name. Self-published on lulu.com in January, 2010.
Circle in a Box, a book commissioned by MSRI (Mathematical Sciences Research Institute) as a resource for individuals and institutions interested in beginning a math circle in their community, published by the AMS in January 2009.
Aspects of my teaching that students find most effective and interesting:
I am a strong advocate of incorporating peer learning into my classes. I create original explorations to introduce new topics in Calculus, conduct novel scratch-and-win group quizzes in Bridge to Higher Mathematics, and have students work together on journal problems in Number Theory. Geometry students enjoy our investigations using the Geometer's Sketchpad software, and Calculus students have fun with our multiple choice review games which are based on questions generated by the students.
Some ways I connect with students outside the classroom:
During the fall I hold a weekly seminar for students interested in honing their problem solving skills and preparing for the William Lowell Putnam Competition. I also work with a team of ten students several times each winter to evaluate papers for the Mandelbrot Competition, a nationwide contest that I write and coordinate.
Ways I offer service to my discipline and/or the University:
I have chaired the Festival of Science Committee for the past two years. This committee organizes St. Lawrence's annual conference to showcase student work in the sciences.
I have performed extensive work on the departmental web site. This project has included creating and organizing content, incorporating images into the pages, and converting old content into the current Drupal 6 format.
I am working with the Admissions Office to attract top finishers on the Mandelbrot Competition to St. Lawrence.
My hobbies and/or personal interests:
I enjoy playing pick-up soccer, cooking, skiing, participating in outdoors activities, and playing with my boys.
External Links: