The Department of Mathematics and Statistics has over 40 faculty members and staff who are active teachers, scholars, and mentors. They have a wide variety of professional and personal interests.
Faculty and Staff Profiles
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Full-Time Faculty
Nicholas Battista
Associate Professor, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Office: SCP 209, x-2445
Email: battistn
Research Interests – Dr. Battista’s research lies at the intersection of mathematical modeling and scientific computing, where he specializes in the realm of biological fluid dynamics. His lab of undergraduate researchers and him create fluid-structure interaction models for a variety of invertebrate swimmers, including jellyfish, siphonophores, tomopteris, krill, shrimp, and generalized anguilliform swimmers. They investigate the performance limits of each swimmer under variations in morphology and swimming kinematics, using high performance computing (TCNJ’s HPC). He also works on numerous other projects with students, such as opioid epidemics, collective behavior, and comparative biomechanics.
Teaching Interests – Dr. Battista has taught many introductory and advanced undergraduate courses, ranging from pre-calculus and calculus to numerical analysis, methods of applied math, mathematical biology, and computational mathematics. He has also mentored students from various scientific and engineering fields, such as math, biology, physics, computer science, mechanical engineering, and biomedical engineering, on a variety of research projects.
Website: http://battistn.pages.tcnj.edu
Karen Clark
Associate Professor, Ph.D., Courant Institute, New York University
Office: SCP 210, x-2019
Email: kclark
Research Interests – Mathematical modeling of composite materials, climate modeling.
Teaching Interests – I teach a wide variety of courses regularly – Calculus B, Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra. I also teach various upper level courses on a rotating basis – Topics in Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations, Numerical Analysis, and the Applied Capstone. I have taught an FSP on Voting Theory a couple of times and hope to be able to do that again some time in the future.
Andrew Clifford
Professor, Ph.D., State University of New York – Albany
Office: SCP 242, x-3060
Email: cliffan
Research Interests – Dr. Clifford’s field of mathematics is Combinatorial Group Theory. This branch of math is at the intersection of algebra and low-dimensional topology. His particular interests include equations over groups and automorphisms of free groups.
Teaching Interests – Dr. Clifford has taught a wide array of courses for the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Recently, his focus has been on the calculus sequence and various upper level courses in geometry and topology
Cynthia Curtis
Chair and Professor, Ph.D., Yale University
Office: SCP 233, x-2026
Email: ccurtis
Office Hours:
Mondays from 2:00 – 2:50 pm
Thursdays from 9:30 – 11:20 am
Please email Dr. Curtis to schedule.
email: mathstat@
Research Interests – Professor Curtis studies three-dimensional spaces (such as our universe) and knots. Interestingly, all three-dimensional spaces can be built from knots, so understanding knots and understanding 3-dimensional spaces are closely related. Most of her work involves trying to understand how we can recognize when two spaces or two knots are different from one another. (Imagine two different massively tangled shoe laces and ask yourself how you would know if they are tangled in exactly the same way!)
Teaching Interests – Dr. Curtis has taught a variety of courses in the department, especially multivariable calculus; linear algebra; various upper level courses in geometry and topology; and the math capstone course.
Undergraduate Research Interests – Dr. Curtis has supervised numerous students in undergraduate research projects in topology, most often on projects involving knots.
Pinches Dirnfeld
Visiting Assistant Professor
Office: SCP 213
Email: dirnfelp
Research Interests –
Teaching Interests –
William Franczak
Visiting Assistant Professor, Ph.D., Lehigh University
Office: SCP 216, x2209
Email: francza3
Research Interests –
Teaching Interests –
Jana Gevertz
Professor, Ph.D., Princeton University
Office: SCP 246, x-3314
Email: gevertz
Research Interests – Dr. Gevertz works in the field of mathematical biology, studying cancer progression using tools from applied and computational mathematics. In particular, Dr. Gevertz aims to synthesize data gathered by biologists and clinicians in order to quantify the complex multi-scale interactions that occur within a tumor, and between a tumor and its surrounding environment. By analyzing these mathematical models, Dr. Gevertz seeks to gain a better understanding of tumor growth and response to treatment.
Teaching Interests – Dr. Gevertz teaches introductory calculus courses and upper-level applied mathematics courses, including Differential Equations and Dynamical Systems. She regularly mentors students engaging in mathematical biology research projects.
Undergraduate Research/Guided Study – Dr. Gevertz is always excited to research with students passionate about answering medical questions using mathematical modeling. Typically she works with 2-4 students a semester, depending on the availability of research projects. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Gevertz if you want to talk more about research opportunities in her group.
Thomas Goller 
Visiting Assistant Professor
Office: SCP 202B, x3118
Email: gollert
Research Interests – I am especially interested in studying vector bundles on algebraic varieties over the complex numbers using tools from linear algebra and graph theory (for instance, sheaf cohomology, resolutions of sheaves, and quiver representations). Recently, I have been motivated by ideas related to dualities such as Le Potier’s strange duality conjecture.
Teaching Interests – My teaching interests are broad, including calculus of one variable (which I have been teaching this fall), multivariable calculus and proof-writing through discrete math (which I will teach in the spring), linear algebra, graph theory, and more advanced courses, especially those related to algebra and/or geometry. I also enjoy supervising undergraduate reading courses and research projects.
Undergraduate Research/Guided Study Interests – Graph theory, game theory, commutative algebra, introduction to algebraic geometry.
Tom Hagedorn
Professor, Ph.D. Harvard University
Office: SCP 240, x-3053
Email: hagedorn
Research Interests – Professor Hagedorn’s main research interests are in number theory and algebra, specifically elliptic curves, representation theory, and invariant theory. He has also worked on a number of problems in computational mathematics and some recent work has focused on extending the number of values known for various problems in algebra and number theory. This work is a combination of improved mathematical algorithms and efficient computer algorithms. Previously, he has worked in combinatorics and applied algebraic geometry (in phylogenetics to predict evolutionary trees in biology).
Teaching Interests – Professor Hagedorn primarily teaches courses in linear algebra, abstract algebra and number theory, but also has interests in the teaching of calculus and the use of technology in mathematics instruction. He has taught courses in cryptography, geometry, the mathematics of voting and choice, and the culture, politics and science of food (as part of the TCNJ’s FSP program). He has also mentored many independent study, independent research, and capstone projects on a diverse range of subjects including cryptography, the rank of elliptic curves, the circumference of an ellipse, Riemann surfaces, and moduli spaces in physics.
Judit Kardos
Associate Professor, Ph.D., University of Missouri – Kansas City
Office: SCP 241, x-2241
Email: kardosj
Research Interests – My research interests are focused on two areas: Real Analysis and the teaching of Real Analysis. In my research on Analysis, I have been studying Space Filling Curves (SFC) for the past few years. A space filling curve is a continuous function mapping the interval $[0,1]$ onto the unit square. Space filling curves, which first seemed like a mysterious aberration, signaling how far mathematics had strayed from the world of everyday experience, provide a perfect tool today for computer scientists who want to linearly order a multidimensional data set. In particular, Space Filling Curves provided an essential tool for decoding the human genome in bioinformatics.
Teaching Interests – I am teaching all my courses as discovery-based, problem-solving courses using elements of IBL and the Pósa-method, which is named after my teacher Lajos Pósa. Based on research by Bjork, I teach my classes using a low stake continuous testing environment with lots of online practice quizzes. I am very interested in using novel geometric approaches in teaching Real Analysis. My most recent paper on Constructing Continuous Functions describes a novel geometric construction method for the construction of continuous functions.
Cathy S. Liebars
Associate Chair & Associate Professor, Ph.D., Lehigh University
Office: SCP 234/SCP 212, x-3043
Email: liebars
Research Interests – For the last few years, Dr. Liebars has been interested in the use of simulations for preservice teachers to practice facilitating mathematical discussions.She is currently working on a project with ETS that uses online practice spaces and avatars for this purpose.
Teaching Interests – Dr. Liebars teaches content and methods courses for preservice teachers at all levels K-12. In particular, she has created and teaches a series of courses for students and teachers who wish to obtain the middle school endorsement in mathematics. She also supervises student teachers and is the Coordinator of Math Education for the department.
Steffen Marcus
Associate Professor, Ph.D., Brown University
Office: SCP 208, x-2605
Email: marcuss
On Sabbatical for Fall 2021 semester
Research Interests – My Research is in moduli theory and algebraic geometry. I work on questions related to moduli of curves, stable maps, Gromov-Witten theory of varieties and orbifolds, logarithmic geometry, and tropical geometry.
Teaching Interests – I am currently teaching Proof Writing through Discrete Mathematics (Math 200) and Number Theory (Math 301). Courses I have previously taught include Calculus, Discrete Mathematics, Number Theory, Geometry, and various topics courses.
Matthew Mizuhara
Associate Professor, Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University
Office: SCP 211, x-3057
Email: mizuharm
Research Interests – I am an applied mathematician with interests in nonlinear dynamics and mathematical biology. My research combines modeling, simulation, and analysis to better understand complex systems. My recent work has investigated the formation of spatio-temporal patterns in systems of coupled oscillators. Of particular interest is the role of the underlying network of interactions on the onset of pattern formation.
Teaching Interests – I have taught a range of courses at TCNJ including calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, real analysis, and partial differential equations.
Undergraduate Research Interests – I am happy to work with students on a wide range of problems in applied mathematics. Recent student projects have included pattern formation and synchronization in systems of coupled oscillators, model recovery from data, modeling and simulation of cell motility, and differential equation modeling of math anxiety. I typically ask that students have taken MAT 326 (Differential equations) before starting a research project with me.
John Nardini
Assistant Professor, Ph.D., University of Colorado, Boulder
Office: SCP 239
Email: nardinij
Research Interests – Dr. Nardini develops mathematical tools and models to answer biological questions involving wound healing, cancer progression, and medicine. He is particularly interested in the development of novel methods that inform how we can best use data to inform the mathematical modeling process. Some of his favorite tools and methods include agent-based modeling, differential equations, equation learning algorithms, and topological data analysis.
Teaching Interests – Dr. Nardini uses both metacognitive and active learning-based pedagogical methods in the classroom. In metacognition, students reflect on their learning process over time and better understand themselves. With active-based learning, students spend time actively engaging with material during class. Dr. Nardini has successfully used these methods in pre-calculus, Calculus, and Introductory Proofs courses.
Website: https://nardini.pages.tcnj.edu/
Sharon Navard
Assistant Professor, Ph.D., The University of Southwestern Louisiana
Office: SCP 244, x-3040
Email: navard
Research Interests – Instrument Calibration, Reliability, Variance Bounds, Quality Control.
Teaching Interests – Probability, Mathematical Statistics, Quality Control, Operations Research
Michael Ochs
Professor, Ph.D., Brandeis University
Office: SCP 245, x-2189
Email: ochsm
Research Interests – Dr. Ochs focused his research initially on inferring signaling processes in cancer from genome-wide biomolecular data, utilizing Bayesian Nonnegative Matrix Factorization, which he developed in the late 1990’s. Presently, he studies pattern formation in biological systems, linking statistical models in image measure space to mathematical models of melanocyte formation. Dr. Ochs’ Erdös number is 4, with at least two paths.
Teaching Interests – Dr. Ochs teaches introductory and applied statistics courses. His research and teaching intersect most strongly in STA307 Data Mining and STA404 Computational and Bayesian Statistics. Dr. Ochs focuses all courses on developing an ability to choose statistical approaches and techniques for real world problems, relying on R to carry out required computations.
Aigli Papantonopoulou
Professor, Ph.D., University of California at Berkeley
Office: SCP 207, x-2704
Email: aigli
Research Interests – Dr. Papantonopoulou has worked on classification problems in Algebraic Geometry and Commutative Algebra, specifically on algebraic curves and surfaces over the complex numbers.
Teaching Interests – Dr. Papantonopoulou has taught a broad range of courses in mathematics, starting with Calculus, Number Theory, Complex variables, and Abstract Algebra. She has taught senior seminars in Group Theory and in Galois Theory. Her textbook Algebra: Pure and Applied has been published by Prentice Hall.
Dave Reimer
Associate Professor, Ph.D., Rutgers University
Office: SCP 214, x-2382
Email: dreimer
Research Interests – Combinatorics, Graph Theory.
Teaching Interests – Combinatorics, Calculus, Math History, and Graph Theory
Susan Schmoyer
Lecturer, Ph.D., University of Maryland, College Park
Office: SCP 202A x-3042 
Email: schmoyes
Rachel Snider
Associate Professor, Ph.D., University of Michigan
Office: SCP 204, x-2099
Email: sniderr
Instructor Schedule
Research Interests – Dr. Snider’s research focuses on mathematics teacher knowledge and teacher education. In particular, she considers the knowledge and reasoning entailed in carrying out particular teaching practices, such as selecting examples and giving explanations. She is also interested in how teachers develop their knowledge and reasoning in mathematics methods and content courses, as well as in professional development.
Teaching Interests – Drawing on her own experience as a secondary mathematics teacher, Dr. Snider teaches content and methods courses for elementary and secondary pre-service teachers. She also has experience supervising student teachers and teaching in informal settings. In her teaching, she emphasizes knowledge for teaching, the development of teaching practices, and engaging students in disciplinary practices.
Suriza Van der Sandt
Professor, Ph.D., Potchefstroom University (South Africa)
Office: SCP 243, x-3061
Email: vandersa
Research Interests – Dr. Van der Sandt conducts research in the broad area of pre-service mathematics teacher education. Her research interests include geometry teaching and learning, focusing on spatial orientation and spatial insight. More recently she has also conducted research on factors influencing teaching and learning of pre-service mathematics teachers (e.g. mathematics anxiety) as well as factors affecting observational learning (e.g. self-efficacy and outcome expectations).
Teaching Interests – Dr. Van der Sandt’s teaching covers both pure mathematics and mathematics education. Pure mathematics courses include Calculus and Applied Liberal Art Mathematics. Mathematics education courses include both content courses and methodology courses specifically designed for education students: e.g. Mathematical Structures and Algorithms for Educators; Perspectives on the Development of Mathematics; Teaching Mathematics in the Early Childhood and the Elementary Classroom; Patterns, Functions, and Algebra for Middle School Teachers and regularly visits schools to observe senior mathematics education majors during their student teaching.
Qifu Zheng
Associate Professor, Ph.D., University of Vermont
Office: SCP 206, x-2137
Email: zheng
Research Interests – Group Representations, Integral Transformations, Multivariate Statistics.
Teaching Interests –
Adjunct Faculty
Mark Angelo
Office: SCP 203, x-2976
Email: angelom
Charlie Ashton
Office: SCP 217, x-2976
Email: ashton
Jillian Bershtein
Office: SCP 203 or 217, x-2976
Email: baden2
Carlos Bovell
Office: SCP 217, x-2976
Email: bovellc1
Robert Boyce
Office: SCP 203 or 217, x-2976
Email: boycer
Stacye Chen
Office: SCP 203 or 217, x-2976
Email: chens
Polly Dell’Omo
Office: SCP 203 or 217, x-2976
Email: dellomop
Judith Fraivillig
Office: SCP 217, x-2976
Email: fraivilj
Laura Holloway
Office: SCP 203 or 217, x-2976
Email: hollowal
Chris Holston
Office: SCP 217, x2976
Email: holstonc
Maskell, Jeanne
Office: SCP 203 or 217, x-2976
Email: jmaskell
Kellie Mckinney
Office: SCP 203 or 217, x-2976
Email: kellie.mckinney
Amanda Nicol
Office: SCP 203, x-2976
Email: nicola1
Stephanie Niemis
Office: SCP 203, x-2976
Email: allen37
Bright Nsowaa
Office: SCP 203, x-2976
Email: nsowaab
Larry Ottman
Office: SCP 203, x-2976
Email: ottmanl
George Pangalos
Office: SCP 217, x-2976
Email: pangalos
Deoki Sharma
Office: SCP 203 or 217, x-2976
Email: sharmad1
Adam Shrager
Office: SCP 203 or 217, x-2976
Email: shragera
Daniel Twisler
Office: SCP 217, x-2976
Email: twisled1
Eric Wasserman
Office: SCP 217, x-2976
Email: wasserma
Judith Winogron
Office: SCP 203 or 217, x-2976
Email: winogrj1
Faculty from Other Departments
James Beyers
Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education (EECE)
Assistant Professor, Ph.D. University of Delaware
Office: EDU 300, x-3422
Email: beyers
Staff
Program Assistant
Laurie Wanat
Office: Science Complex P231
Phone: (609) 771-2269
Email: wanatl
Secretary
Regina Littwin
Office: Science Complex P231
Phone: (609) 771-2534
Email: littwin
Student Workers
Kendra Ebke (Tutor)
John Figueroa (Tutor)
Robbie Rust (Tutor)
Faculty Emeriti
Carlos Alves
Associate Professor (1989-2017), Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University
Ed Conjura
Professor (1968-2018), Ph.D., Rutgers University
Robert Cunningham
Professor ( -2021), Professor, Ed.D., Temple University
Nancy Hingston
Professor (-2021), Professor, Ph.D., Harvard University
David I. Holmes
Professor (1997-2016), Ph.D., King’s College, University of London (UK)
Mike Iannone
Professor (1968-2012), Ed.D., Rutgers University
Boo Sang Lee
Associate Professor (1972-2011), Ph.D. Washington University
Jack Irwin
(1964-1994)
Siegfried Haenisch
(1962-1999)
Jane Ann McLaughlin
(1961-1997), Ed.D., Columbia University
David Boliver
(1967-1993), Ed.D., Rutgers University
George Pawlikowski
(1964-1991)
Edythe Woodruff
Associate Professor (1971-1990), Ph. D. in Mathematics, SUNY/Binghamton, 1971
Walter Ehrenpreis
(1958-1987), Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Retired Staff
Dee Moyer
Email: dmoyer@tcnj.edu
Jane Levandusky
Email: levandus@tcnj.edu