Benjamin Paul Berman

Graduate Student Instructor

Tucson, AZ

University of Arizona

Instructor of College Algebra, Precalculus, and Calculus I

• For four semesters, I was entirely responsible for running a section of the course - lecturing, lesson planning, grading, creating tests, etc.
• In College Algebra, students learn the concepts and applications related to different types of functions and strengthen their problem solving skills.
• In Precalculus, students develop the critical thinking needed for success in calculus, in the context of algebra and trigonometry
• In Calculus I, students are introduced to limits, derivatives, and integrals in a the context of applications. These applications are used to motivate very rigorous mathematical discussions.

 

S-STEM Teaching Assistant

• During the fall semester of 2009, I assisted with the instruction of a section of College Algebra, observed an experienced instructor and practiced various teaching techniques.

 

Math Lab, College Level Tutoring

Ann Arbor, MI

University of Michigan

Tutor

• I helped fellow students learn calculus (single and multi-variable), differential equations, probability,and linear algebra.
• In addition to tutoring, I also assisted with the proctoring of computerized tests and final exams.

 

UA Independent Research

Tucson, AZ

Prof. Ali Bilgin

Research Assistant

• We are working on the development and implementation of algorithms for designing measurements that are optimal for sparse signal reconstruction.
• One application of interest is MRI, where there is the fast collection of data, made possible by compressed sensing, could significantly improve the utility of MR.

 

UA VIGRE Summer Program

Tucson, AZ

Prof. Moysey Brio

Research Assistant

• By utilizing high precision and symbolic computer calculation, we verified a method of evaluating Post's formula using sequence acceleration.
• Finding the fastest and most accurate acceleration allowed for a simplified version of inversion of the Laplace formula as it applied to dispersion of light in dielectric materials.

 

UM Independent Research and REU

Ann Arbor, MI

Prof. Aaron King

Research Assistant

• Using extensive computer simulations, we studied mathematical models of host-parasitoid metapopulation interactions in nature, and the role of globally coupled dispersal in multiple species coexistence.
• Our results show that dispersal promotes coexistence; this result and its methodology should both be relevant to future studies of predator-prey systems. As part of the REU program, we compiled a written report of our research.

 

NCSU REU Summer Program

Raleigh, NC

Prof. Alun Lloyd

Research Assistant

• We developed and analyzed mathematical models for the spread of infectious disease in a locally coupled population. Our goal was to determine which methods of containment/quarantine were best suited to such a population.
• We found that a small frequency of disease transmission to random locations in a population causes some containment to be ineffective. One application of our results is to diseases that spread through a crop field, where transmission is mainly local, but may also occur in non-neighboring plants due to insects or weather.