Catherine Crockett, Ph.D.

Professor of Mathematics

Dr. Crockett earned her Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of California, Riverside. Prior to doctoral work, she earned an MS and BS in Mathematics (with a concentration in Applied Math) form Cal Poly Pomona. Her specialization is topology with an emphasis in knot theory. She has mentored graduate and undergraduate students. She also has served as a judge of research presentations at the American Mathematical Society's national meetings.

Dr. Crockett's research interests include working with braid and knot invariant and improving education in quantitative literacy. She is currently serving as the secretary/treasurer of a national quantitative literacy group called SIGMMA-QL.

Dr. Crockett enjoys reading, gardening, cooking and exploring San Diego with her dog, Cooper.

Education

  • Ph.D., Mathematics, University of California, Riverside
  • M.S., Mathematics with concentration in Applied Math, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
  • B.S., Mathematics with concentration in Applied Math, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Courses Taught

  • Elementary Algebra – MTH 0099
  • Intermediate Algebra – MTH 1013
  • Calculus and Modeling – MTH 1021
  • Computer Aided Calculus – MTH 1031
  • Pre-Calculus – MTH 1033
  • Calculus with Applications – MTH 1044
  • Mathematical Analysis for Business and Economics – MTH 1053
  • Calculus I – MTH 1064
  • Calculus II – MTH 1074
  • Introduction to Statistics – MTH 2003
  • Fundamentals of Elementary Mathematics I – MTH 2013
  • Fundamentals of Elementary Mathematics II – MTH 2023
  • Calculus III – MTH 2074
  • Problem Solving – MTH 3003
  • Mathematical Probability and Statistics – MTH 3083
  • Topics in Geometry – MTH 4002
  • Complex Analysis – MTH 4013
  • Real Analysis I – MTH 4024
  • Abstract Algebra – MTH 4044
  • Senior Seminar – CSC/ISS/MTH 4081
  • Special Topics in Mathematics – MTH 4092
  • Service Learning - CSC/ISS/MTH 4133

Experience in Field

  • Associate Professor of Mathematics, Point Loma Nazarene University, Fall 2016 – Present

Professional and Community Involvement

  • SIGMAA QL: Secretary/Treasurer of SIGMAA QL, 2016 – Present

Undergraduate Student Research Supervised:

  • Joy Chen, May 2012 – May 2013, Title of Honors project “On the Alexander Polynomial and Related Invariants”.
  • Amy Hinds, May 2012 – July 2012, Topic: Finding the connection between the degrees of Alexander polynomials and unknotting numbers.
  • Wileen Chiu, May 2011 – August 2011, Topic: Researching the ingredients necessary to make a strong computational science program.
  • Antony Wright, May 2010 – August 2010, Topic: Using a computer to search for patterns in Brunnian links and braid words
  • Kristen LoPresti, May 2009 – May 2010, Title of Honors project “Searching for Patterns in Brunnian links”.

Dissertations, Presentations, and Publications

Publications:

  • L. Carter, R. Botts and C. Crockett (2012) "Computational Science Program: the Background Research", Paper published in the 2012 Frontiers in Education Conference refereed proceedings, Seattle, Washington  October 3-6, pp.1091-1096


Talks:

  • C. Crockett, April 2006, "Loop Braid Category, AMS Sectional Meeting, Special Session on Quantum Invariants, University of New Hampshire
  • C. Crockett, January 2015, "The Impact of a Blended Course Format on Student Learning and Attitudes in a Quantitative Literacy Course", Joint Mathematics Meeting, San Antonio, TX