Nate Stambaugh, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
My teaching philosophy begins with trying to answer the question: "How is this material going to deepen a student's understanding of their world?" Students often misunderstand the importance of Mathematics, assuming that it is an archaic discipline subsumed by the advent of computers. I believe that mathematics is an invaluable part of preparing students to develop the ability to think about their world and to critically evaluate important decisions in their life.
Dr. Stambaugh received his BS degree magna cum laude from Bates College in 2006, triple majoring in Math, Physics, and Chemistry. He received his M.A. (2008) and Ph.D. (2011) from Brandeis University, both in Mathematics. Despite his aspirations to be a college professor from a young age, he took summer internships in many fields, including a researcher at a hedge fund, curriculum development for Middle School science, held a Top Secret security clearance in Signals Intelligence with the Department of Defense, and did research in a Chemistry Lab. Finding nothing which rivaled the thrill of sharing his love for Mathematics with eager young minds, he started his career at Florida Southern College in fall 2011.
Dr. Stambaugh has taught a number of courses in the department and enjoys teaching topics ranging from Calculus, to Social World Algorithms, to Algebraic Structures. He is an active participant in the FSC Math Club, and has spent his “extra” time leading a reading course in Vector Calculus. Always eager to indulge the curiosities of his students, he also offered a course in Mathematical Methods in Chemistry and Physics in fall 2012.
The common theme of his research interests is the use of symmetry. Taken literally this is a useful way to simplify calculations and understand fundamental concepts in the natural world, and when made abstract yields a beautiful and powerful tool to tackle many complex problems. Current research projects involve vibrating membranes (like drums), the geometry behind Special and General Relativity, and Geometric Group Theory.
Courses Taught
College Algebra; Precalculus; Dierential Calculus; Integral Calculus; Linear Algebra; Multivariable Calculus
Education
Ph.D., M.S., Mathematics, Brandeis University
B. S., Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Bates College
Recent Publications
Stambaugh, N., Charney, R., Ruane, K., Vijayan, A., The automorphism group of graph products with no SILs. Illinois J. Math. Volume 54, Number 1 (2010), 249-262.
Toward an Outer Space for Right Angled Artin Groups. Ph.D. Dissertation. Accepted by Brandeis University in August, 2011.
Stambaugh, N., Semon, M. Standing Waves: The Equilateral Triangle. Preprint.