Dru Horne, President
Dru is a 2nd year doctoral student in Mathematics Education. His research interest includes the ways that students understand and conceive of mathematics as well as the ways teachers can support students in creating these meanings. Erin chose Mathematics Education because he enjoys thinking about and doing mathematics and believes that all students should have a chance to engage with mathematics in meaningful ways. Dru’s teaching experience includes three years of teaching AP Statistics, AP Calculus AB, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, and Accelerate Pre-Calculus in Lexington, GA. He also taught GED classes in Spanish to native Spanish speakers in the local Athens community. Dru’s favorite thing about UGA is the amount of things to do: “There are so many people and so many things going on. You can always find someone somewhere, doing something you’re interested in”. An interesting fact about Dru is he’s a juggler (one of things he learned as a UGA undergrad)–he can juggle 5 balls, he can juggle fire, but he has never juggled chainsaws.
Aida Alibek, Vice President
Aida is a 3rd year doctoral student in Mathematics Education. Her research interest is in RUME (research in undergraduate mathematics education). Aida chose to pursue Mathematics Education because she believes that all people are capable of succeeding in math if they put in the work and if they have the desire. However, the learning environments (broadly defined) that mathematics is taught in are often not conducive to the process. Aida believes that through research in math ed. and building a community of researchers, teacher educators, K-12 teachers, and college instructors we can work to create environments where our students can explore, learn, experience the joy of mathematics, and realize their potential. Aida’s teaching experience includes being at Mathematics Teaching assistant at the University of Illinois Chicago (USA) and Suleyman Demirel University (Kazakhstan) as well as a Mathematics Lecturer at the International IT University (Kazakhstan). Aida’s favorite thing about UGA is the people: “Everyone is very welcoming, supportive, and you instantly feel like you are a part of this Bulldawg community”. A fun fact about Aida is she used to boxing and at one point her coach was persuading her to train for the Olympics. She decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Mathematics instead!
Erin Wood, Treasurer
Erin is a 2nd year doctoral student in Mathematics Education. Her research interest includes postsecondary mathematics education. Erin chose Mathematics Education because she has always enjoyed math and found herself looking for a career where she could combine her passion for mathematics with a desire to help people. Erin’s teaching experience includes one year of teaching precalculus at UGA. Erin’s favorite thing about UGA is how active and vibrant the research community is: “There are always talks to go to and workshops to participate in, on an incredibly broad range of topics. Some of Erin’s fun facts are she loves to bake, ride horses, and garden in her free time. She also fosters cats and kittens for a local shelter.
Kelly Kulp, Secretary
Kelly is a 2nd year doctoral student in Mathematics Education. Prior to attending UGA she taught Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and AP Calculus AB at a high school in Tucson, Arizona. Her research interests include teacher preparation and teacher professional development especially with alternatively certified teachers. Kelly’s favorite thing about UGA is the culture of respect and compassion. Some of Kelly’s fun facts are she loves to hike, travel, cook, bake, and do DIY home projects in her free time. She obtained her SCUBA certification last year and is looking forward to traveling and diving in the coming year.
Marsha Fields, Co-Colloquium Chair
Anna Bloodworth, Co-Colloquium Chair
Laura Clifford, Undergraduate Representative
Laura is a 4th year undergraduate student and is in her second year in the Mathematics Education undergraduate program. She chose to pursue Mathematics Education because she loves mathematics and has so much fun navigating different solutions/possibilities. She also wants to give students the best opportunity to discover how practical and fun math can be. Laura’s favorite thing about UGA “is definitely the community”. A fun fact about Laura is that she has a beautiful pet leopard gecko named Noodle.