Discovering the Heart of Academic Excellence in Mathematics and Statistics

The Department of Mathematics and Data Sciences at Aquinas College stands as a beacon for those passionate about numbers, patterns, and data-driven insights. Nestled in the vibrant city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, this department offers a unique blend of rigorous academics, collaborative research, and a supportive community that makes working here particularly appealing for educators and researchers. Faculty members engage in teaching future mathematicians, guiding student research projects, and contributing to innovative programs that bridge pure mathematics with applied data science, including essential statistics coursework.

Aquinas College itself is a private Catholic liberal arts institution founded on Dominican traditions, emphasizing holistic education where intellectual pursuit meets personal growth. With a student-faculty ratio of about 10:1, professors in the mathematics and statistics areas enjoy close interactions with students, fostering mentorship that extends beyond the classroom. This environment not only enhances teaching effectiveness but also enriches professional satisfaction for those working in the department.

Programs and Curriculum: Shaping Tomorrow's Innovators

The department offers a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, alongside minors in mathematics and data science. The Secondary Mathematics Education program prepares educators for certification in grades 6-12, combining pedagogical training with deep mathematical content knowledge. Data science, which heavily incorporates statistics, equips students with skills in programming, statistical analysis, and machine learning to tackle real-world data challenges from artificial intelligence to social media analytics.

Courses span foundational topics like calculus, linear algebra, and abstract algebra to advanced applied statistics with tools like R programming. Faculty design these curricula to promote creative problem-solving, precise communication of mathematical ideas, and technology integration. For instance, the MS 282 Applied Statistics with R course serves as a cornerstone for data analytics majors, emphasizing practical statistical modeling.

Working here means constantly evolving the curriculum based on cutting-edge developments. Recent updates include insights from faculty-student research integrated into core classes, ensuring instructors stay at the forefront of their fields while inspiring students.

Faculty Profiles: Dedicated Experts and Mentors

The department boasts a talented team of professors whose expertise spans pure mathematics, geometry, algebra, and data sciences. Dr. Joseph Fox, Professor and Department Chair, holds a Ph.D. and has published in prestigious journals like Communications in Algebra on topics such as characters of nullcone related to reductive groups. His leadership fosters a collaborative atmosphere where faculty pursue both teaching excellence and scholarly output.

Associate Professor Joseph Spencer, Ph.D., leads summer research on intriguing projects like the Mancala Mechanism, exploring game theory patterns. Assistant Professor Kelsey Brouwer, with her recent Ph.D., brings fresh perspectives on advanced topics. Other key members include Associate Professor Yashowanto N. Ghosh, Ph.D. from Purdue, Dr. Michael McDaniel, known for elliptic geometry research, and Dr. Shari McCarty, contributing to mathematics education innovations.

Adjuncts like Thomas Kress supplement the team, providing specialized courses. This mix creates a dynamic workplace where full-time faculty mentor early-career colleagues, share teaching loads of around 12-15 credits per semester, and collaborate on interdisciplinary initiatives.

Research Opportunities: Fueling Intellectual Curiosity

One of the most rewarding aspects of working at the department is the emphasis on undergraduate research. The Mohler-Thompson Summer Research Program pairs faculty with students on projects like analyzing Wallace-Simson lines in elliptic geometry or studying anemone genes for coral bleaching applications—blending math with biology.

In 2022, teams produced conference presentations, publications, and even curriculum enhancements, such as a new secondary math education major launching in Fall 2024. Data Analytics Project classes develop predictive models, like forecasting student performance for the registrar's office, presented at national events like MathFest.

Faculty benefit from institutional support for travel, publishing, and grants. This research culture not only advances personal scholarship but also builds resumes for tenure-track positions or promotions, with recent alumni pursuing Ph.D.s at Bowling Green State University and master's in biostatistics at top programs. Explore more on department research.

Photo by Hakim Menikh on Unsplash

Teaching and Student Engagement: The Core of Daily Work

Teaching forms the heartbeat of faculty roles, with classes ranging from introductory statistics for non-majors to senior seminars in abstract algebra. Professors use interactive methods, like board games on Fridays led by Dr. Spencer, to make abstract concepts accessible and fun. The Math Club and Pi Mu Epsilon honor society host events that strengthen community ties.

The Juan Olivarez STEM Scholars Program supports underrepresented students, offering faculty opportunities to lead cohorts, build confidence, and connect with professionals. Student testimonials praise the department's supportive vibe: "The community here prepared me for grad school and beyond," notes a recent alum.

With small class sizes, instructors provide personalized feedback, advise majors, and supervise capstones. This hands-on approach leads to high graduate school acceptance rates and careers in tech, finance, and academia.

Career Paths and Professional Growth

Entry-level positions often start as adjuncts or visiting professors, transitioning to tenure-track roles like assistant professor. Full professors like Dr. Fox exemplify long-term commitment, balancing teaching, research, and service.

Aquinas supports growth through workshops, sabbaticals, and the AQ 2030 Strategic Plan focusing on faculty development. Interdisciplinary work with nursing, business, and sciences opens doors. Alumni like Aaron Hendricks, double major in math and accounting, credit the department for versatile careers.Read his story.

• Advancement to associate/full professor based on scholarship and teaching.
• Opportunities for study abroad program leadership.
• Professional networks via conferences and Instagram @aqmathdepartment.

Compensation, Benefits, and Work-Life Balance

Average faculty salaries hover around $72,500 annually, competitive for a liberal arts college, with full professors earning upwards of $80,000-$90,000 depending on experience. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, tuition remission for dependents, and professional development funds.

Glassdoor reviews rate the workplace 3.6/5, praising flexibility and student interactions while noting room for pay growth. The urban campus offers a wooded 100-acre setting two miles from downtown Grand Rapids, with activities like intramurals enhancing balance.

HR emphasizes diversity hiring and inclusive policies, creating a caring environment. Student employment via Handshake integrates work-study roles, easing faculty administrative loads.

Campus Culture and Community Impact

Aquinas fosters a close-knit, faith-informed community where faculty participate in chapel, service trips to New Zealand and Africa, and historical commissions honoring figures like Sr. Ann Mason. The Natural Sciences, Nursing, and Math division celebrates high med school acceptance rates, boosting departmental pride.

Challenges include balancing research with teaching, but rewards like seeing students thrive—such as Matt Richmond's national presentation—outweigh them. The department's Instagram showcases fun events, reinforcing a joyful work atmosphere.

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Challenges, Rewards, and Future Outlook

Like many small colleges, funding for research can be competitive, but grants and partnerships mitigate this. Rewards include impactful mentorship and publications. Looking ahead, expanding data science amid AI growth promises more hires and interdisciplinary collaborations.

With a new math education major and ongoing research, the department is poised for expansion, attracting global talent—including from regions like New Zealand seeking U.S. academic experiences.

Steps to Join the Department

Monitor HR openings and Handshake for adjunct/full-time roles. Prepare a CV highlighting Ph.D., teaching philosophy, and research agenda. Networking via MathFest or regional conferences helps. Aquinas values diverse candidates committed to liberal arts excellence.

Joining means contributing to a legacy of transforming lives through mathematics and statistics.