Robert J. Weaver

Kennedy-Schelkunoff Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science

Specialization: Periodic functions; lattice theory and partially ordered sets; digital logic; computer graphics; mathematical software design; ways in which the computer can become a major factor in the teaching of mathematics

Robert Weaver divides his teaching equally between mathematics and computer science. His scholarly interests also cross that gap—with significant parts of his work involving ways in which the computer can become a major factor in the teaching of mathematics (and other disciplines). He also loves his teaching of computer graphics using OpenGL, POV-Ray, and the powerful Maya graphics software.

Mathematically, Weaver is working on a set of problems involving an infinite collection of periodic functions that arise from the composing of standard periodic functions in an unconventional way. He has had a longtime interest in lattice theory and partially ordered sets and has several times taught an advanced-level course in lattice theory, as well as first- and second-year tutorials in that subject.

In computer science, Weaver's activities are in the areas of digital logic and computer graphics. He is also interested in designing and writing mathematical software, with a particular emphasis on flexible user interface design.

With the MHC mathematics department, Weaver is a coauthor of Laboratories in Mathematical Experimentation: A Bridge to Higher Mathematics (Springer-Verlag, New York, 1997). He is also the author of several software packages, including CALCWIN, which offers programs for use in teaching calculus and precalculus; and Chromatic Polynomial Calculator, for discussing coloring problems on maps or graphs. His research has been published in a variety of scholarly publications. He is currently working as coauthor with Professor Paul Dobosh on developing laboratory projects and notes for a textbook for Mount Holyoke's introductory computer science course for nonmajors (CS 100).

In addition to CS 100, Weaver teaches Computer Graphics, Problem Solving and Structured Programming, Data Structures, Accelerated Calculus, Discrete Mathematics, Calculus I, II, and III, Linear Algebra, Laboratories in Mathematical Experimentation, and Mathematical Analysis.

News Links:

Laboratories in Mathematical Experimentation: A Bridge to Higher Mathematics

“A Sad Day in the Neighborhood: Remembering Mr. Rogers,” College Street Journal, March 7, 2003