Education

• B.S. in Mathematics and Secondary Education, Wisconsin Lutheran College
• Ph.D. in Mathematics, Iowa State University

Background

Since second grade, I’ve known that I wanted to teach math, and I am blessed to be able to do that at Wisconsin Lutheran College. I love arriving in my office in the morning and looking over the math that I get to teach and discuss with my students that day. The personal relationships that I’ve developed at WLC over the years – with fellow faculty members and with students – are some of my most treasured friendships and one of the wonderful benefits of being a professor at a small college.

In addition to serving in the mathematics department, I also direct the WLC handbell choir. When I’m not on campus, you will probably find me volunteering at church, playing handbells, out for a run or a bike ride, or spending time with family.

Teaching

• MAT 221 – Calculus 1
• MAT 222 – Calculus 2
• MAT 223 – Calculus 3
• MAT 224 – Ordinary Differential Equations
• MAT 230 – Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
• MAT 231 – Foundations of Higher Mathematics
• MAT 333 – Introduction to Linear Algebra
• MAT 351 – Introduction to Probability
• MAT 352 – Introduction to Statistics
• MAT 373 – Introduction to Cryptography
• MAT 431 – Abstract Algebra 1
• MAT 432 – Abstract Algebra 2

Research Interests

My primary research interest in the area of cryptography: secret codes, hidden messages, and data integrity. Since beginning to teach at WLC, I have also become interested in the scholarship of teaching and learning, especially standards-based grading. I am thankful for the opportunity to try innovative teaching techniques in my classroom and receive honest and productive feedback from my students.

Scholarly Works

“From Small to Large: Adapting Techniques in the Face of Increasing Class Sizes.” Mathematical Association of America National Meeting; Denver, CO; January 2020

“Proofs? But I Can’t Do Proofs!” Mathematical Association of America National Meeting; Baltimore, MD; January 2019

“Why I Am a Lutheran: Perspectives from Three College Professors.” With Angela Ebeling and Rebecca Parker Fedewa. Logia, Reformation 2017

“Standards-Based Grading in the Calculus Classroom.” Mathematical Association of America Wisconsin Section Meeting; Milwaukee, WI; April 2017

“Reading, Writing, and ‘Rithmetic in the Abstract Algebra Classroom.” Mathematical Association of America National Meeting; Atlanta, GA; January 2017

“More Than ‘Just Math’: The Historic Side of Cryptography.” Mathematical Association of America National Meeting; San Antonio, TX; January 2015

“Tell Me What You Know: Oral Exams in the Mathematics Classroom.” Mathematical Association of America National Meeting; Baltimore, MD; January 2014

“Making Cryptography Come Alive.” Mathematical Association of America National Meeting; New Orleans, LA; January 2011

“Are You Talking to Me? An Introduction to Identity-Based Encryption” American Mathematical Society National Meeting; San Diego, CA; January 2008

“Eliminating Eve’s Eavesdropping – or How to Stop a Snoop.” American Mathematical Society National Meeting; New Orleans, LA, January 2007

Service

• Advanced Placement Examination Reader (2007 – 2011), Table Leader (2012 – 2017), and Question Leader (2018 – present)
• Curriculum Committee Chair (May 2008 – May 2011 and May 2013 – May 2019)
• Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (September 2016 – present)
• Worship & Services Committee at St. John’s, Wauwatosa (September 2008 – present)
• Program Prioritization Task Force (September 2014 – May 2015)
• Higher Learning Commission Criterion Subcommittee Chair (January 2013 – May 2015)
• Faculty Senate Chair (May 2011 – May 2013)