Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Mathematics

202 Ross Hall, (307) 766-4221
FAX: (307) 766-6838
Web site: www.uwyo.edu/mathstats/
Department Head: Jason Williford

Professors:

MYRON B. ALLEN III, A.B. Dartmouth College 1976; M.A. Princeton University 1978; Ph.D. 1983; Professor of Mathematics 1992, 1983.

HAKIMA BESSAIH, M.S. University of Algiers 1992; Ph.D. Scuola Normale Superiore of Pisa 1999; Professor of Mathematics 2015, 2004.

CRAIG C. DOUGLAS, B.A. University of Chicago 1977; M.S. Yale University 1978; M.Phil. 1981; Ph.D. 1982; SER Professor of Mathematics 2008.

VICTOR GINTING, B.S. Institut Teknologi Bandung Indonesia 1995; M.S. Texas A&M University 1998; Ph.D. 2004; Professor of Mathematics 2017, 2007.

STEFAN HEINZ, B.S. Humboldt University 1985; M.S. 1986; Ph.D. Heinrich-Hertz Institute 1990; Professor of Mathematics 2013, 2004.

FARHAD JAFARI, B.S. University of Wisconsin-Madison 1978; M.S. 1980; Ph.D. 1983; M.A. 1986; Ph.D. 1989; Professor of Mathematics 1999, 1991.

LONG LEE, B.S. National Taiwan University, Taipei 1988; M.A. University of Maryland 1998; Ph.D. University of Washington 2002; Professor of Mathematics 2018, 2005.

G. ERIC MOORHOUSE, B.S. University of Toronto 1980; M.S. 1984; Ph.D. 1987; Professor of Mathematics 2011, 1989.

BRYAN L. SHADER, B.S. University of Wyoming 1984; M.S. University of WisconsinMadison 1987; Ph.D. 1990; Professor of Mathematics 2000, 1990.

Associate Professors:

MICHELLE T. CHAMBERLIN, B.S. Colorado State University 1997; M.S. 1999; Ph.D. Purdue University 2002; Associate Professor of Mathematics 2012, 2007.

FREDERICO da CUNHA FURTADO, B.S. Federal University of Minas Gerais 1979; M.S. Federal University of Rio de Janeiro 1984; Ph.D. Courant Institute 1989; Associate Professor of Mathematics 2002, 1997.

RONGSONG LIU, B.A. Henan Normal University 1999; M.A. Fudan University 2002; Ph.D. York University 2006; Associate Professor of Mathematics and Program in Ecology 2015, 2009.

ZHUANG NIU, B.S. Wuhan University 1998; M.S. 2001; Ph.D. University of Toronto 2005; Associate Professor of Mathematics 2015, 2012.

TYRRELL McALLISTER, B.S. University of California, Davis 2001; Ph.D. 2006; Associate Professor of Mathematics 2015, 2009.

DAN STANESCU, B.Eng. Polytechnic Institute, Romania 1986; M.Eng. McGill University, 1994; Ph.D. Concordia University 1999; Associate Professor of Mathematics 2008, 2003.

JASON WILLIFORD, B.A. University of Pennsylvania 1998; Ph.D. University of Delaware 2004; Associate Professor Mathematics 2014, 2009.

MAN-CHUNG YEUNG, B.S. Jinan University, China 1986; M.Ph. University of Hong Kong 1990; Ph.D. University of California-Los Angeles 1997; Associate Professor of Mathematics 2005, 2001.

Assistant Professor:

PING ZHONG, B.S. Huanzhong University 2005; M.S. Peking University 2008; Ph.D. Indiana University 2014; Assistant Professor of Mathematics 2018.

Senior Lecturers:

DAVID ANTON, B.S. North Dakota State University 2001; M.S. University of Wyoming 2007; Senior Lecturer in Mathematics 2017, 2005.

WILLIAM WEBER, B.S. Colorado State University 1979; B.S. University of Wyoming 1988; M.S. 1992; Senior Lecturer in Mathematics 2012, 2001.

Associate Lecturer:

NATHAN CLEMENTS, B.S. Brigham Young University-Idaho 2007; M.S. Idaho State University 2009; D.A. 2012; Associate Lecturer in Mathematics 2019, 2012.

Assistant Lecturer:

ERIC QUADE, B.S. University of Wyoming 2005; Ph.D. 2012; Assistant Lecturer in Mathematics 2016.

Adjunct Professors:

Saman Aryana, Li Deng Douglas, Benedetta Ferrario, Maria Garrido-Atienda, John Hitchcock, Robert Kansky, David Meyer, Bjorn Schmalfuss, Gerald Schuster, Dongwoo Sheen, Marie-Agnés Tellier

Professors Emeriti:

Charles Angevine, Leonard Asimow, Robert Buschman, Benito M. Chen-Carpentier, George C. Gastl, John H. George, Sylvia A. Hobart, Syed Husain, Peter Polyakov, A. Duane Porter, Ben G. Roth, John Rowland, Chanyoung Lee Shader, Raymond Smithson, John Spitler.

“For the things of this world cannot be made known without a knowledge of mathematics.”–Roger Bacon

Virtually every student at UW will take one or more math courses to fulfill graduation requirements. The intent is to illustrate the esthetics inherent in mathematics, and to provide students with the quantitative skills needed for today’s careers.

Mathematics majors receive a broad and deep view of the mathematical sciences. They develop their mathematical thinking and communications skills in algebra, analysis, and applied math. They learn a variety of technological tools necessary for jobs in education, business, government, and industry. In addition to our math classes, the department offers a variety of opportunities to enrich the undergraduate experience. Students can participate in weekly seminars, summer research projects, Putnam Team competitions, and the math club.

Mathematics Placement

All UW math courses have prerequisites which are detailed in the course listings below. These are to assure that each student has the best possible opportunity for success in the course. In accordance with this, all students registering for a math course will have their records checked in order to determine whether the prerequisite is satisfied.

A computerized prerequisite check is run prior to the start of every semester. Students who preregistered for a math course but have not satisfied the prerequisites at the time of the check will be automatically dropped from the course.

Prerequisites for courses numbered 2200 or lower (except MATH 1105 and MATH 2120 ), and MATH 2350 - Business Calculus , may be satisfied in one of four ways:

Obtain a grade of C or better in a prerequisite course. Note that noncredit courses from out-of-state colleges are not accepted as prerequisites.
Pass the Mathematics Placement Exam (MPE) at the stated level within one year of the start of the course.
Obtain a sufficiently high score on one of the following standardized exams within three years of the start of the course: ACT math score or SAT quantitative score.
Obtain a sufficiently high score on one of the following standardized exams: AP Calculus, CLEP, or IB.

More information on mathematics placement may be obtained from 766-4221, or at www.uwyo.edu/mathstats/math-placement.

Duplication of Courses (MATH 1400, MATH 1405, MATH 1450)

To avoid loss of credit because of duplication of course content, please note the following: (a) students with credit for both MATH 1400 and MATH 1405 will not receive new credit by taking MATH 1450 ; (b) students with credit for one of MATH 1400 or MATH 1405 will receive only 2 additional credits by taking MATH 1450 ; (c) students with credit for MATH 1450 will receive only 1 additional credit by taking both MATH 1400 and MATH 1405 . Note that the GPA calculation for these situations is unusual, and students should ask the Registrar’s Office for details.

Note that MATH 1450 counts as one attempt at each of MATH 1400 and MATH 1405 for the purposes of repeating classes.

Graduate Study

The Mathematics Program offers programs leading to the degrees of master of arts, master of science, master of arts in teaching, master of science in teaching, and the doctor of philosophy.

The requirements for these degrees reflect our belief that mathematicians should have a broad foundation in the core areas of algebra, analysis, and applied mathematics as well as the experience of a more intensive investigation of a specialized area. We provide this within a flexible structure that recognizes the individual interests and varied backgrounds of our students.

Program Specific Admission Requirements

To be competitive for admission, applicants must have strong backgrounds in mathematics. Generally, this means a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or a closely related discipline. All applicants should have substantial coursework beyond the calculus sequence; courses in differential equations, linear algebra, and, in particular, courses in abstract algebra and analysis are highly recommended. A solid performance on the GRE Subject Test in Mathematics can demonstrate the applicant’s mastery of these subjects. The GRE Subject Test in Mathematics is therefore recommended but is not required.

The GRE General Test is required, with a minimum Quantitative Reasoning score of 157 and Verbal score of 143. International applicants need a composite TOEFL score of 76 or an IELTS score of 6.5.

ETS only reports TOEFL scores taken within two years of the date of request.

Graduate Assistantships

The mathematics program employs approximately 25 graduate assistants each year. Assistantships include a full tuition and fee waiver, a monthly living stipend, and health insurance. Ph.D. students normally receive a higher stipend than master’s students.

Teaching assistants teach or assist with the teaching of an undergraduate course each semester.

Students may also compete for research assistantships, provided that their interests align with an externally funded research project.

Summer support is not guaranteed but is usually available through teaching and research opportunities.

Renewal of funding and continuation in the mathematics graduate program is dependent upon the student’s adequate progress towards graduation and satisfactory completion of assistantship duties.

Statistics

223 Ross Hall, (307) 766-4221
FAX: (307) 766-6838
Web site: www.uwyo.edu/mathstats
Program Director: Ken Gerow

Professors:

RICHARD ANDERSON-SPRECHER, B.A. Carleton College 1974; M.A. University of Minnesota 1976; Ph.D. University of Iowa 1990; Professor of Statistics 2006, 1990.

KENNETH G. GEROW, B.S. University of Guelph, Canada 1981; M.Sc. 1984; Ph.D. Cornell University 1992; Professor of Statistics 2007, 1993.

TIMOTHY J. ROBINSON, B.S. James Madison University 1989; M.S. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 1994; Ph.D. 1997; Professor of Statistics 2012

SHAUN S. WULFF, B.S. Montana State University 1991; M.S. 1994; Ph.D. Oregon State University 1999; Professor of Statistics 2019, 1999.

Assistant Professors:

PAVEL CHERNYAVSKIY, Ph.D. University of Nebraska-Lincoln 2018; Assistant Professor of Statistics 2018.

ANNALISA PICCORELLI, B.A. Miami University of Ohio 2003; M.S. Case Western Reserve University 2007; Ph.D. 2010. Assistant Professor of Statistics 2015.

Assistant Lecturer:

MICHELE BIRD, B.A. University of Nevada, Las Vegas 1996; M.A. 2000; Assistant Lecturer of Statistics 2019.

Adjunct Professors:

Legg, L. McDonald, T. McDonald, Nychka, Sain

Emeriti Faculty:

Stephen L. Bieber, Burke Grandjean

The curriculum in statistics includes a firm foundation in mathematics and computer science, in addition to course work in statistical theory and methodology. Statistics majors are also required to obtain a minor in an area of application. The nature of statistical work is to design and analyze research projects through the application of the principles of mathematics, computer science, and statistics.

The student who wishes to make valid inferences from empirical data will find the field of statistics fascinating and rewarding. The study of statistics as a separate professional field is comparatively recent. The wide demand for graduates with special training in research and development techniques has fostered development of statistical curricula in colleges and universities. A pioneer in this field, the University of Wyoming is one of the few schools in the nation where a coordinated undergraduate training program in statistics is available.

We expect that students graduating with a statistics degree will be able to: 1) recognize the importance of variation and uncertainty in the world, 2) understand how statistics improves decisions when faced with uncertainty, 3) become proficient with a broad range of statistical tools, 4) develop critical thinking skills that enable application of statistics in new and unusual settings, and 5) communicate effectively. With these skills, graduates will be able to work effectively as statistical professionals and, if desired, successfully pursue further training at the master’s and doctorate levels.

Graduates with statistical training are employed in a broad spectrum of areas which include the business world, the sciences (social, biological, physical and health), as well as engineering and education. For this reason, an area of application is required of each student.

The statistics program also offers graduate programs leading to a minor in statistics, and to a Master of Science (Plan A, Plan B), and Doctor of Philosophy in statistics.

Graduate Study

The Statistics Program offers graduate programs leading to a minor in statistics, to a master of science in applied statistics (Plan B Option 1), and to a doctor of philosophy in statistics. Students wishing to pursue a master of science in statistics with a thesis option (Plan A), should contact the department directly. The minor is designed to enhance the M.S. or Ph.D. program of any student enrolled in one of the graduate programs at the University of Wyoming. All of these programs emphasize the understanding and application of a broad variety of statistical methods on real projects. Students will be provided with numerous opportunities to perform analyses and communicate findings. The M.S. and Ph.D. programs in statistics are grounded in statistical theory.

Program Specific Admission Requirements

The prerequisite for admission to graduate study is an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, including work in mathematics through calculus III, Linear Algebra and at least one second-level class in statistical methods. Prospective students are encouraged to have had Math Analysis and upper level introduction to probability and mathematical statistics. A score of at least 150 on the verbal reasoning section and a score of at least 141 on the quantitative reasoning section is required for the Master’s Degree and the TOEFL exam is required for international students. The minimum score for the TOEFL is 540 (76 Internet-based Test) or for IELTS minimum score is 6.5. Students who do not have prerequisites in mathematics and statistics may make up this deficiency at the beginning of their graduate program; however, such work does not count toward graduation requirements.