Math Matters in the World

Dr. John D. Carter is a Professor of Mathematics in Seattle University’s College of Science and Engineering.

John grew up in The Dalles, Oregon on a cherry and apple orchard where he learned what it means to work and gained a love for the outdoors.  He completed his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at the University of Puget Sound and PhD in Applied Mathematics at the University of Colorado at Boulder.  John joined the Mathematics Department at Seattle University in September 2001.  He loves teaching differential equations, calculus, and upper-division applied math courses.  John values international travel and collaboration.  He has spent semesters at the Pontific Catholic University of Chile, Saint Louis University in Madrid, and the University of Bergen where he taught and collaborated with colleagues.  His research focuses on mathematical models of waves in the ocean.  He is currently studying models that predict how the seafloor impacts the evolution of waves on the surface of the ocean.

CENTERING WISDOM

1. Reflection:  What are some problems in the world that you know a basic understanding, but have no idea why they work or why they work? Is this frustrating? How do you deal with a lack of understanding?

2. Reflection: Think about a time you were completely lost on a solution for a problem. How could you move forward without a full solution to that problem? How could you work towards a solution?

3. Activity:  Write a  short, half-page, reflection on a problem in the world you have no low-level understanding about. What is it about this topic that interests you? How can you gain more information about it? What is it that this problem does in the world?

CHECK OUT THESE LINKS

Applications of Mathematics Links to an external site.

Understanding the World Through Math Links to an external site.

Math is the Hidden Secret for Understanding the World Links to an external site.