The Mathematics Program aims to serve students who (a) seek to fulfill core requirements in natural sciences/mathematics, or (b) wish to pursue minors in mathematics and computer science or (c) are completing mathematics requirements in the major programs in the sciences or mathematics/science/technology education (MST) or in the MST M.S. program, or (d) are majoring in either mathematics or computer science. In all its courses, the Mathematics Program aims to provide its students with a solid understanding of mathematical concepts and an appreciation for the power, structure and applicability of mathematics. The Department aims to provide its majors an excellent preparation for graduate study, teaching at the secondary level, and careers in business or industry.
The department works closely with several departments of the College in developing the necessary tools required by students in these disciplines.
The department offers both the B.A. and B.S. in Mathematics Both programs will prepare students for graduate study, as well as for employment.
The faculty possess a varied array of talents and expertise in their fields. All are engaged in scholarly activity. Additionally their work appears in refereed journals and they present papers at state, national and international conferences in mathematics and computer science.
In Mathematics, Dr. Arpaia has been a Visiting Lecturer in the Mathematical Association's program of visiting scholars. He and Dr. Cass and Dr. Wildenberg have published papers in notable journals. Dr. Muench has presented short courses in the national Chautauqua Short Courses program. All are regular conributors of papers at international, national and regional meetings. Dr. Blanton (Professor Emeritus) has published noteworthy papers on topology in noted journals and is known internationally as the translator of several of the works of Leonhard Euler. Dr. Freeman is nationally known as an innovative leader in mathematics education.
In computer science, both Professors Leboffe and Torsone have been actively and substantially involved in presentations at meetings and committees of the Eastern and Northeastern Small Colleges Computing Conferences, as well as the national ACM Special Interest Group in Computer Science Education.
Department members have been recognized for their teaching excellence, most notably Dr. Arpaia, the late Dr. Rakover, and Prof. Leboffe.
The graduating senior in the department (either in Mathematics or in Computer Science) who shows the most promise in the field, based on a number of criteria, is awarded the Boris David Rakover Award, named in memory of our distinguished colleague. Dr. Rakover had a long and distinguished career as a professor of mathematics in the former Soviet Union at the University of Khishinev in Moldova, emigrated to the United States and served on our faculty for a decade, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues.
Since over half of the mathematics majors have minors in Education or Psychology and seek teaching careers, the Department has committed to the development of a plan for introducing courses in the area of mathematics education. The department is currently collaborating with the School of Adult and Graduate Education (SAGE) on the introduction of the Master of Science in Mathematics/Science/Technology Education program.
In addition, the department has accepted a grant from the State of New York to develop a differential equations course that ties in closely with applications in the sciences (particularly physical chemistry). This course development will include appropriate technological tools used in applications of differential equations and physical chemistry.
The department is also working on grant proposals to the National Science Foundation for software and equipment. The proposal will be in collaboration with science departments at the College.
In Computer Science, the department has initiated a "closed " laboratory approach to the first two courses for majors. Each week two hours of structured and supervised laboratory activity are a required component of the course. Students perform a series of activities and can receive one-on-one help if they encounter some difficulties. A number of prestigious colleges and universities have also adopted this approach. The principal benefit of this is the improvement in the level of confidence and competence in program design and methodology.
Students in Computer Science have many opportunities for part-time employment at some of Rochester's companies, as well as for internships. Our students who qualify for internships work in local companies where the department has contacts. In some cases, students set up their own internships with contacts whom they know.
Present students have a lot to say. Here is a sampling from three students majoring in Mathematics who work in the Math Center, Fisher's tutorial service.
Steven Colabufo (Class of 1999) says: " There are a lot of perks for being a math major at Fisher. First, we have small, intimate class settings. With class sizes of about 10-15 at the most, professors get to know students on a first-name basis. Second, professors are easy to reach and welcome students to ask questions. Students can get help pretty much anytime. Third, the math students are in all of their math classes together, especially in the upper level classes. This allows the math majors to really get to know each other and make friendships. Fourth, the department allows math majors to gain experience and get paid for that experience, too! This experience is especially beneficial to education minors. At the Math Center students can go and get help on their math homework from student tutors. Tutoring is a great experience to provide a brief glimpse into the educational career. The Math Center is also a nice place to get to know other students. Tutors make friendships with the students that need help. Also students can interact with some of the professors at the Math Center. All in all, St. John Fisher College is a great environment for math majors."
Bethany Perry (Class of 1998) says, "The professors in Mathematics are committed to challenging their students to reach their fullest potential. They are very dedicated to their field and to their students, and this dedication has helped me gain confidence as a math major. I feel I will be thoroughly prepared for the career I may choose when I leave Fisher. As a Math major, I have the opportunity to tutor in the Math Center. This is a very rewarding experience. The positive learning environment at the College has generated an enthusiasm for a career in math."
Thom Salter(Class of 1998, and a double major also in Physics) says that Fisher presents a unique learning environment. "Small classes mean a lot of personal attention, a chance to work with professors one-on-one and to tackle challenging insightful problems together, both with other students and professors. Working in the Math Center has given me a chance to develop my expertise while helping others grasp mathematical concepts."
Graduates of our programs have distinguished themselves as mathematicians and computer scientists and can be found on the faculties of the University of Pittsburgh, University of Tennessee, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Monroe Community College. Many of our graduates have gone on for advanced degrees and have distinguished themselves at companies such as Kodak, Xerox, and Paychex, among others. We point with pride to those who have entered the field of secondary education and are noted for their distinguished service as teachers. Others have become scientific programmers, statisticians, and actuaries.
Since classes are small, typically 10-15 in junior and senior classes, there is ample opportunity for the professors and students to work closely together. A recent Computer Science graduate sums up what is true for students in both major programs.
"Fisher's student-to-professor ratio made it easy to get to know the professors very well. This provided a great learning environment and made the process a whole lot more enjoyable. It was a very positive experience." Gay Green (Class of 1997, B.S., Computer Science, Rakover Award Winner, member of the Web-Page Team, now employed at Eastman Kodak Company)
Amelia Harer Fedyk (Class of 1995, B.S. Computer Science, software engineer at Raytheon in Massachusetts) says: "My experience at SJFC was challenging and rewarding. Not once did a professor turn me away because s/he didn't have time to answer a question. I felt the teaching staff was responsive to the needs of the class as opposed to simply fulfilling the syllabus."
Sharon Roberts Rivais (Class of 1982, B.S., Mathematics, an actuary with Finger Lakes Blue Cross/Blue Shield) expresses her satisfaction with the Mathematics major program: "The SJFC math dept. challanged me. I learned to expand myself and try new things. They gave me a can-do attitude which has been a valuable asset in my career."
Stacy White (Class of 1997, B.S. Computer Science, contractor with Kodak) talks about the faculty: "The Computer Science faculty are there for you if you have a question and do their best to help you out. I always felt welcome to speak to them after class or drop by their offices with any concerns I had with an assignment or something covered in class." She then goes on to say, "SJFC's Computer Science program adapts to changing trends by updating its programming courses and course selection to meet current needs."
Joanna Taylor-Lathen (Class of 1995), Computer Science, now at Eastman Kodak Company) has expressed very well her satisfaction with her education: "The computer science department is composed of very patient and knowledgeable instructors. I know one could say that this is true about any school and/or department, but I feel that this is especially true when commenting about this particular department. The instructors model an open door policy. The convenience and dedication emulated in the Comp. Sci. department could not be gotten in any other college or university. Although the curriculum is extremely challenging, the format in which it is presented provides an enjoyable learning atmosphere conducive to molding open, probing minds. This superior instruction assisted me in graduating with a G.P.A. above 3.7. In addition to the exceptional instruction, the school provided the department with state of the art equipment on which to learn. Upon graduation, I felt confident that I had been outfitted with all the right ingredients to embark upon a successful career. Since I have been at Kodak, I have been given two promotions. So, when people ask me whether I would trade my St. John Fisher experience for any other, my answer would be an unequivocal no, because you can't get any better than that."
Joe Miskey (Class of 1994, B.S., Mathematics, now an actuarial consultant with Burke Group in Honeoye Falls, Rakover Award Winner) says, "The St. John Fisher Math Department and Career Services Department helped me set up an actuarial internship with Blue Cross/Blue Shield that was very beneficial to me in finding a job in the actuarial filed upon graduation."
Pasquale J. Arpaia : Ph.D. Adelphi University. Specialty: Mathematics (Number Theory, Abstract Algebra).
John D. Blanton (emeritus) : Ph.D. University of Illinois. Specialty: Mathematics (Topology, Differential Geometry, Real Analysis)
Daniel M. Cass : Ph.D. SUNY Stony Brook. Specialty: Mathematics (Classical Number Theory).
Allen Emerson : Ph.D. Western Michigan University. Specialty: Mathematics Education.
Carol L. Freeman, Chairman : Ph.D. St. Louis University. Specialty: Mathematics Education, Mathematics (Operations Research, Statistics).
Elizabeth M. Leboffe : M.S. Rochester Institute of Technology. Specialty: Computer Science.
Donald L. Muench : D.A., Idaho State University. Specialty: Mathematics (Linear Algebra, Matrix Theory, Learning Abstract Mathematics with Computers), Computer Science (Computer Science Education).
John A. Poluikis, C.S.B. (emeritus): D.A., Idaho State University. Specialty: Mathematics (Linear Algebra).
Gerald Wildenberg: Ph.D. Clark University. Specialty: Mathematics (Analysis), Computer Science (Systems Programming).
Maintained by: Don Muench