Participant Biographies

I am an Applied Mathematician with research focusing on mathematical modeling of biochemical and mechanical cell signaling. I have also been serving as the Mathematics Department chair since 2017. I am passionate about demonstrating the power of mathematics through applications, and making interdisciplinary connections.  In the past few years, I have been involved in developing the mathematics curriculum for the place-based learning communities.  Some of my other interdisciplinary collaborations in teaching have included co-developing and team-taught two upper division elective courses (“Cellular Neuroscience” and “Introductory Mathematical Modeling for Physiology, Cell Biology and Biotechnology”).  I believe in HSU’s ability to amplify the potential of our incoming students, especially those who are new to academia or new to the sciences.

Dr. Boyle is a mechanical engineer whose primary research focuses on reliability of solar energy systems and the intersection of renewable energy and air quality.  Dr. Boyle has taught across the engineering discipline at HSU. Recently, the Environmental Resources Engineering department has revamped the dynamics curriculum, applying large amounts of the Calculus I and Trigonometry curricula in the process. Dr. Boyle has completed a certificate in culturally responsive teaching with ESCALA, and the NETI effective engineering educator training. 

Dr. Saunders does both experimental and computational research in nanoscale Physics. Dr. Saunders is currently working with a group of undergraduate students to model the application of carbon nanotube networks as transistors and biosensors.  Dr. Saunders is also conducting studies in Physics Education Research examining how previous physics experience impacts student performance in the first introductory physics classes. She teaches one of the introductory physics courses each semester in which physics students are asked to use their math skills to approach physics problems. Because of her expertise in teaching this course, Dr. Saunders has a good perspective on the mathematical content and skills physics students require to be successful in their major. Dr Saunders is committed to issues around equity and inclusion in Science and Math. She has completed a certificate in culturally responsive teaching with ESCALA and is now working as a coach to guide other HSU faculty completing the certificate program.  

Ms. Manor is an experienced mathematics educator.  As Place-Based Math Coordinator at Humboldt State University, she has worked with faculty from across the university to develop interdisciplinary mathematics curriculum for incoming STEM students. These projects include revising the Klamath River Algal growth labs, authoring a Humboldt Bay Sea Level Rise modeling activity that incorporates local geology, and creating an ocean acidification lab which uses local pH data and compares the Humboldt Bay estuarine environment to nearby open coastal systems. These interdisciplinary units are central to the integrated place-based curriculum HSU has developed for incoming STEM students.  Ms. Manor recently completed an ESCALA certificate in teaching and learning for Hispanic Serving Institutions and has focused her 20-year teaching career on making mathematics meaningful and interesting with applications.  Ms. Manor believes that students are more motivated when their courses feel relevant and connected to other disciplines.