Biography
Grew up in the Bay Area of CA and St. George, UT. Went to Tuacahn High School for the Performing Arts. Served in the Oklahoma Tulsa Mission. Married since 2017 to Noelle, and children born in 2018 (Eleanor) and 2021 (Soren). Served as an early morning Seminary Teacher from 2021-2025 while completing my PhD at Texas A&M University.
Research Interests
Computational Algebraic Geometry, mentoring students on experiential learning projects who have only a calculus and/or MATH 290 background.Teaching Interests
Teaching is my passion and primary interest, with the long-term goal of being a CFS-track professional teaching focused faculty member at BYU. I love all of mathematics, and would like to teach a wide variety of courses, even developing new courses. I love working with students at all levels, and also have a strong interest in community outreach and helping connect K-12 students to BYU and the wonderful math programs it offers.I use a hybrid reverse classroom model where I prepare videos for students to watch before each lecture. These videos cover basic content, motivation and history, as well as simple practice problems. I briefly review what is in the video, and have students work together at the beginning of each class to do a review problem. The time saved by covering the basics of the material in video form allows students to come prepared to each lecture, and allows me to dedicate more of lecture time to sharing spiritual insights, utilizing active learning strategies, sharing why the formulas/concepts we are learning are true, and focusing on the more difficult parts of the planned material.
I am a strong believer that you must engage with mathematics in a meaningful and consistent way in order to deeply learn the subject. My classes are not easy and push students, but are also supported by me teaching study strategies and techniques and empowering the students that they can do hard things. They have homework due every day except Sunday, and I demonstrate hard work and consistency through out of classroom resources and office hours, expecting my students to put in just as much effort. I firmly share that "The Lord loves effort", and that while they must ultimately demonstrate their knowledge on exams by themselves, I am there to help them as they put in the time to really learn. I also strongly encourage studying with others in the class.
I am also passionate about my classroom having a safe atmosphere, promoting faith and a sense of belonging. I start every class with prayer, and either share my own personal spiritual insights, testimony, and experiences at the start of class, or have the students discuss and share similar insights with one another, leading to a classroom discussion. When possible, I connect the math we learn in the classroom to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and have the students do "Spiritual Connection and Reflection" assignments periodically to track their spiritual progress throughout the semester. I read these assignments, which allow me to tailor my spiritual thoughts to the needs of the class, and to reach out to specific students in need.