Category Archives: mathematics

Finding Gratitude in a Gridlock

I knew Saturday night had the potential for being a horrible ride home from Seattle. On my northbound journey towards the city at 3:30 pm that afternoon, I saw that all southbound lanes of I-5 were shut down. Traffic was backed up for miles being diverted onto surface streets. The Washington State Department of TransportationContinue reading “Finding Gratitude in a Gridlock”

Time to Re-engage with Writing

Hello friends. It’s been a while since I’ve written. Maybe that’s because the stated purpose of this blog was to get through the pandemic whole, healthy, and sane as we madly raced to figure out new technologies, new methods of engagement, and new students—while maintaining our humanity. Corona is still here but the urgency hasContinue reading “Time to Re-engage with Writing”

June 18: Reflections and Perspectives

When my kids were young, we would frequently visit Science and Natural History Museums while visiting other cities. I haven’t done it as much since they are now grown men. This past week, while my husband attended the ASM Microbe conference in Atlanta, what did I do? Visit Museums specifically to look for presentations ofContinue reading “June 18: Reflections and Perspectives”

June 8: Endings are Just New Beginnings

I just finished computing final grades for what is in all likelihood is the last course of my academic career. This feels big. I have been a college professor for more than 30 years. This is what I know and this is where I have succeeded. I am drawn to opportunities to build something meaningful.Continue reading “June 8: Endings are Just New Beginnings”

SUMM Exciting News

April 12, 2024. You might have noticed I haven’t posted in over two months. It’s not because I didn’t want to share. It’s more like I didn’t want to jinx anything. Now everything is official. I can announce with excitement and gratitude that beginning in June 2024, I will become the Executive Director for theContinue reading “SUMM Exciting News”

January 24 Day 1417: Manifesting Goodness

For the past two days, I have come home after long days at work with a smile on my face and bounce in my step. Tuesday was focused on students. I wanted my Matrix Algebra class to explore topics that were definition heavy and considered by many to be dry and process-oriented. Rather than curatingContinue reading “January 24 Day 1417: Manifesting Goodness”

January 7 Day 1400: Milestones

First a quick update: I never tested positive for COVID–only Mark. He had few (if any) symptoms and is now testing clear. We can get back to life as usual. Phew! Only 1400 days since the start of the COVID pandemic experience. After teaching my first classes of the quarter last Thursday, I followed throughContinue reading “January 7 Day 1400: Milestones”

October 11 Day 1312: What are the Odds?

I am teaching Foundations of Mathematical Reasoning this quarter and it’s all about reading proofs, writing proofs, and revising proofs. It is one of my favorite classes to teach because of the topic and the people. We genuinely build community. Partly because as the students are struggling to develop their proof writing chops, they bondContinue reading “October 11 Day 1312: What are the Odds?”

October 2 Day 1303: ICYMI Summer’s Sweet Successes

Today was the first Monday of classes for the Autumn 2023 academic quarter at University of Washington. Wet and rainy, there was no doubt that summer was over. I enjoyed working with my students at UW Tacoma but was grateful for these sweet reminders of warmer, more relaxing times today. Prepared samples arrived from ourContinue reading “October 2 Day 1303: ICYMI Summer’s Sweet Successes”