Rate My Professor Christian Hellings

Christian J. Hellings is an Assistant Professor, Academic General Faculty on the Teaching Track, in the Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science. He joined the faculty in October 2020 as an assistant professor of applied mathematics, initially in the Department of Engineering and Society before transitioning to Applied Mathematics. A UVA alumnus, Hellings earned his Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Virginia, where his dissertation, 'Two-isometries on Pontryagin spaces,' contributed to early developments in indefinite Kreïn space operator theory. He holds a B.A. in mathematics and physics from La Salle University in Philadelphia. Prior to his current role, Hellings served as an associate professor of mathematics at Gwynedd Mercy University from 2004 to 2020. There, he taught undergraduate mathematics courses at all levels, coordinated the mathematics program, and mentored students through the Student Association of Science. Earlier in his career, he worked as a mathematical analyst for Metron Inc., a consulting company in Northern Virginia.

Hellings' research specializations include operator theory, indefinite inner product spaces, complex function theory, and the mathematics of voting. He also focuses on undergraduate mathematics education, aligning with his teaching track position. At UVA, he teaches core courses such as APMA 2120 Multivariable Calculus and APMA 3100 Probability, supporting the applied mathematics curriculum that emphasizes analytical skills and practical applications for engineering students. Department chair W. Bernard Carlson praised Hellings' excellence as an educator, noting his ability to connect with students and prepare them for academic and professional success. Hellings maintains an office in Small Hall A112D. His professional trajectory reflects a commitment to blending rigorous mathematical theory with effective teaching and real-world applications, from industry analysis to academic mentorship and research in advanced operator theory topics.