Uncategorized – Mathematics

Stepping Up for Fellow Red Hawks

wiesea — Thu, 07 May 2026 16:29:33 +0000

In a testament to the collaborative spirit that makes ��vlog special, students enrolled in answered that call. Under the guidance of their professor, Dr. Nina Bailey, these students took on a meaningful challenge: creating multiple instructional videos focusing on the distributive property, solving multi-step equations, and log and ln concepts. These videos were designed to help their fellow Red Hawks review and master the mathematical topics most essential to success in introductory chemistry. From foundational formulas to more complex problem-solving techniques, the videos walk students through concepts in a clear, approachable way, from student to student.

But this was no small feat, and it was far from a solo effort. In addition to collaborating closely with Dr. Bailey, the MATH 370 students received detailed feedback and guidance from faculty across the Chemistry Department, including Dr. Yvonne Gindt, Dr. Hendrik Eshuis, and Dr. Nina Goodey. Their involvement ensured that the videos were not only mathematically sound, but precisely tailored to what chemistry students actually need.

The result? The , a dedicated resource now available exclusively to current Montclair State students through its own website. It stands as a living example of what becomes possible when departments work together with students at the center.

We are incredibly proud of the students who made this happen. A heartfelt congratulations to Alex Brown, Lauren Khalil, Veronica Rodriguez, Christian Romito, Lisbeth Rosario Burdier, Melissa Sanchez Casa, and Tracy Tobar. We also wanted to give a special shoutout to Lauren Khalil for designing the logo for the video series. Your hard work and dedication will help your fellow Red Hawks succeed for semesters to come!

This is Montclair State at its best, students lifting each other up, faculty bridging disciplines, and a community coming together in the spirit of learning. Well done, Red Hawks!

Math Meets Motion at Montclair State’s Math & Sports Day

wiesea — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:06:33 +0000

61 high school students and six educators from , , and joined our community on campus for a hands-on exploration of how mathematics shapes the world of sports.

Students rotated through interactive sessions across campus, beginning with a welcome from faculty member Dr. Bodgan Nita, who introduced ��vlog, the College of Science and Mathematics, and academic opportunities within the Department of Mathematics. One session ran by Dr. Ashwin Vaidya explored how mathematics models real-world sports phenomena, from the parabolic motion of balls to the effects of wind, friction, and spin on athletic performance.

In another session led by Dr. Steven Greenstein, students examined how mathematical thinking informs the design of sports equipment. Participants learned about 3D-printing applications in athletics and watched a hockey puck being printed live in the CELS Atrium, connecting abstract concepts to tangible outcomes.

The day also included a visit to the , where students engaged with the history of sports and participated in baseball throwing drills led by museum staff. With support from faculty members, and student ambassadors Ryan Avalon, Preston Pietruzewski, Vlad Nita, Alex Brown and Nyaisha Green, Math & Sports Day showcased how mathematics extends far beyond the classroom.

Student ambassadors Ryan Avalon, Preston Pietruzewski, Vlad Nita, Alex Brown and Nyaisha Green

University Hosts Graph Theory Day

wiesea — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:47:18 +0000

On Friday, November 7, we hosted the here at Montclair. Graph Theory Day of New York is a long-running, one-day mathematics conference held once or twice a year in the greater NYC area. The goal of the conference is to provide a learning and sharing experience on recent developments in graph theory. The day included a welcome reception, presentations by Drs. Garth Isaak (Lehigh University) and Katie Haymaker (Villanova University), and a poster session with several informative research posters. Our very own math student Preston Pietruszewski even presented his own original poster! Special thanks to Drs. Deepak Bal, Jonathan Cutler, and Aihua Li for helping organize and host the event at Montclair. It was a great day for all!

Poster Session
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Katie Haymaker speaking
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Garth Isaak speaking
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Mathematics Career Night a Success

wiesea — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 14:56:27 +0000

The Department of Mathematics recently hosted a Career Night, during which graduates of our programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels returned to Montclair to discuss their mathematical professions and inspire our current students. Invited speakers included:

Dr. Gurkan Kose (PhD 2021), Chief Academic Officer,
Oscar Salas (BS 2011, MBA 2024), Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis,
Jeffrey Rotenberg (MS 2021), Director – Portfolio Manager,
Katie Ruddy, Data Analyst II,
Keba-Gabriella Nelson (MS 2020), Model Risk Associate,
Julian Putnam (BS 2023), Social Media and Communications Assistant,
Miguel Elias Zegarra Rodriguez (BS 2023), Mathematics Teacher,

A truly great night for our current students to chat with leaders in the industry and make connections.

LASER Math and Art Day

wiesea — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 14:02:20 +0000

We had 22 participants from six different schools including:

Parsippany High School
Parsippany Hills High School
Livingston High School
Montville High School
Kearney High School
West Milford High School

Four Math Ambassadors (Kaitlyn Cohan, Vlad Nita, Preston Pietruszewski, Ryan Avallone) helped with several aspects of the event, including a campus walk for all attendees and organizing a math-contest for them. Students listened to talks about math and music which was the focus of this year’s event and built flute-like instruments and performed calculations during the afternoon workshop by utilizing appropriate mathematical and physical principles. Overall this was a very successful event and students were very engaged and excited. In fact, many of them expressed their desire to return to the program next year.

The agenda for the day was as follows:

10am – 10:30 am: Welcome by Chair + breakfast + internet setup
10:30 – 11:30 am: Math & Music talk by Dr. Denis Sheeran
11:30 – 12:00 pm: Math Jeopardy – Math Ambassadors 30 mins
12:00 – 12:30 pm: Lunch Break
12:30 – 1:00 pm: Campus walk
1:00 – 2:30 pm: Math and Music Workshop by Dr. Bogdan Nita
2:30 – 2:50 pm: Awards and certificates
2:50 – 3:00 pm: Group picture

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in the Mathematics Department

wiesea — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 19:35:20 +0000

Advancements in technology are great, but there is something about the look and feel of a blackboard that appeals to so many lovers of mathematics. Faculty and students got together to have some fun and put these blackboards to good use. A good time was had by all. Come to the first floor department suite in CCIS to check them out!

Click the images below to view the full images

Mo Math in NYC

wiesea — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 13:00:35 +0000

Check out a video slideshow of the trip

Math Jam Session!

wiesea — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 18:46:28 +0000

Dr. Bogdan Nita, the math department’s resident rockstar, hosted a music jam session earlier this semester in CCIS 425A. Members of the math community came to talk music, enjoy some snacks, and jam! Thanks to everyone who was involved in creating this fun event, and we hope to do it again soon!

Congrats to our Graduates!

wiesea — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 16:30:18 +0000

Congratulations to all of our Mathematics Department 2021 graduates! This isn’t the end, just the beginning of your story. You’ve all made us immensely proud and we are looking forward to your successes in the future. Go celebrate!

Welcome Back!

wiesea — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 21:15:28 +0000

From the entire MSU Department of Mathematics: welcome back! Although we know that the spring semester will look different than normal in some ways, our excitement to work with our great mathematics students always remains the same. Have a wonderful start to the semester, everyone!

We can do this!