Rate My Professor Andrew Nestler

Andrew Nestler is a full-time faculty member in the Mathematics Department at Santa Monica College. He earned his B.A. from Pomona College in 1993 and his Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Southern California in 2000. As Dr. Nestler, he instructs courses including Math 7 (Calculus 1), Math 4 and 4C (College Algebra for STEM Majors and concurrent support), and Calculus 2, supporting student success in transfer-level mathematics and preparation for STEM pathways. His service to the college includes chairing the Personnel Policies Committee of the Santa Monica College Academic Senate over multiple years from 2015 through 2022, with agendas documenting his leadership alongside vice-chairs like Sherri Lee-Lewis. Nestler also serves on the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges (FACCC) Publications Committee, participates in the SMC Faculty Association, and has received sabbatical awards. He has contributed to institutional efforts, including accreditation self-evaluations and board discussions on equity and professional development.

Nestler's academic interests focus on mathematics in popular culture, particularly The Simpsons. He co-created and maintains SimpsonsMath.com with Sarah J. Greenwald of Appalachian State University, providing a guide to mathematical content in the series for educators and students. Their collaboration produced the publication "Mathematical Content From the Simpsons" and the PRIMUS article "Engaging Students with Significant Mathematical Content from The Simpsons" (Vol. XIV, No. 1, March 2004, pp. 29-39). As a Project NExT Fellow for 2001-2002, a program for recent Ph.D.s in mathematics teaching, Nestler presented on "The Simpsons Rule: Mathematical Morsels from The Simpsons" at Mathematical Association of America sectional meetings. This work has influenced pedagogy by integrating entertainment with mathematical concepts, earning recognition in Science News for offering classroom resources and features in media discussions on math in animation.