Undergraduate
George Ashline
Title:
Professor of Mathematics
Education:
B.S. St. Lawrence University; M.S., Ph.D. University of Notre Dame
Areas of Expertise/Research Interests:
Mathematics education and mathematics pedagogy; mathematical preparation of in-service and pre-service teachers; complex analysis
Testimonial:
The typical Saint Michael's student is hard-working, respectful and caring.
What do you like most about teaching/working at Saint Michael's College?
I enjoy the nurturing community at Saint Michael's and the relationships which naturally develop in this small community setting.
What inspires students the most in your classes and/or your academic area? I think that students are inspired by the inherent beauty of mathematics and its logical foundations. The language of mathematics found in its arguments and proofs can be challenging, but very attractive and powerful. Furthermore, students find appealing the applicability of mathematics in the liberal arts and sciences. Also, students are inspired by others who work in mathematics, ranging from their own teachers and peers to great mathematicians that have come before them. For instance, the tercentenary of the great 18th century Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler was celebrated in 2007, and he made foundational, inspirational contributions in many areas as the most prolific writer of mathematics of all time.
What inspires students the most in your classes and/or your academic area? I think that students are inspired by the inherent beauty of mathematics and its logical foundations. The language of mathematics found in its arguments and proofs can be challenging, but very attractive and powerful. Furthermore, students find appealing the applicability of mathematics in the liberal arts and sciences. Also, students are inspired by others who work in mathematics, ranging from their own teachers and peers to great mathematicians that have come before them. For instance, the tercentenary of the great 18th century Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler was celebrated in 2007, and he made foundational, inspirational contributions in many areas as the most prolific writer of mathematics of all time.
What is your favorite class to teach, and why?
If I had to choose one, I would pick the History of Mathematics. I enjoy that students see the historical contexts for the mathematics that they have been learning and they are able to explore research topics of their own choosing. I have had students write papers on diverse, interesting topics; here is a small sample: "Mozart's Music, da Vinci's Art, and Fibonacci's Pineapple," "The Abacus: The Ancient Calculator" and "Development of Cartography."
What kinds of unique opportunities are available to students in your classes or department?
It is wonderful to see students who may initially lack self confidence mature during their undergraduate career to the point that they successfully give conference talks on mathematical work that they have done! Many of our students present at the Hudson River Undergraduate Mathematics Conference, in which Saint Michael's participates each spring.
Favorite quotes: "What science can there be more noble, more excellent, more useful for men, more admirably high and demonstrative, than this of the mathematics." - Benjamin Franklin
"One thing I have learned in a long life: that all our science measured against reality is primitive and childlike - and yet it is the most precious thing we have." - Albert Einstein
Personal Web site
Favorite quotes: "What science can there be more noble, more excellent, more useful for men, more admirably high and demonstrative, than this of the mathematics." - Benjamin Franklin
"One thing I have learned in a long life: that all our science measured against reality is primitive and childlike - and yet it is the most precious thing we have." - Albert Einstein
Personal Web site
E-mail Address: gashilne@smcvt.edu
