Education

• B.S. in Mathematics and Secondary Education, Wisconsin Lutheran College
• M.S. in Theological Studies, Martin Luther 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

“Why Won’t My Students Collaborate?” Mathematical Association of America MathFest; Indianapolis, IN; August 2024.

“Standards-Based Grading in the College Classroom” (with Tova Brown and Joel Davis); Lutheran College Conference; Mankato, MN; August 2023.

“Play in the Abstract Algebra Classroom.” Mathematical Association of America MathFest; Tampa, FL; August 2023.

“Standards-Based Grading in the Calculus Classroom.” Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics Spring Meeting; Duluth, MN; April 2023 & April 2024.

“Roles of Men and Women: Separating ‘Can’ from ‘Should’ (and Why It Matters).” Issues in Lutheran Education; November 2022.

“Reflections on our Unique Callings: Men, Women, and the Body of Christ.” WELS Devotions (project coordinator and contributing author); Summer 2021.

“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 – 2021), Exam Leader (2022 - 2023), Assistant to the Chief Reader (2024 - present)
• Curriculum Committee Chair (May 2008 – May 2011, May 2013 – May 2019, and May 2020 - present)
• Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (September 2016 – present)
• Worship & Services Committee at St. John’s, Wauwatosa (September 2008 – present)
• WELS Women’s Ministry Executive Committee (January 2020 – present)
• CLEP Precalculus Committee (July 2019 – 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)