Title:  Mathematics and Community Engagement

Time:  Saturday,  2:00 pM - 3:00 PM

Abstract: First-year seminars, learning communities, service-learning courses, undergraduate research projects, and capstone experiences are among a list of high-impact educational practices compiled by George Kuh (2008), which measurably influence students’ success in areas such as student engagement and retention. It is recommended that all college students participate in at least two of these HIPs to deepen their approaches to learning, as well as to increase the transference of knowledge (Gonyea, Kinzie, Kuh, & Laird, 2008). In Mathematics, if a student participates in service-learning, it is typically in the form of tutoring, in conjunction with a school or with an after-school program,  or modeling work or statistical analysis for non-profits. Today, I will discuss a number of service-learning projects developed for mathematics courses that do not involve these traditional opportunities. I will also describe my current research project which has a potential impact on my community and yours. 

Bio:  Lisa Marano is a Professor of Mathematics and former Associate Dean and Interim Dean of the College of the  Sciences and Mathematics at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. In the Mathematics Department, she was the  Founding Director of the Actuarial Science and Mathematical Finance Programs. She was also inaugural co-Director  of the university’s First-Year Experience program. Lisa serves on the Board of Directors for the Mathematical  Association of America, serving as the Chair of the Council on Sections. Her research interests include areas which  intersect probability theory, statistics, mathematical finance, and raptors.