A message from the chair: Fall 2022
Change is constant. What's unchanged in the Wayne State University Department of Mathematics is our commitment to excellence in mathematical research and education, student success, public engagement, and an inclusive community where all students, faculty, and staff can thrive.
The Department of Mathematics hosts a renowned faculty dedicated to the highest standards of excellence in research, teaching and service. We are home to diverse and vigorous research in theoretical and applied mathematics and statistics. We support STEM research in both academic and industrial settings through mathematical/ statistical consulting and collaborations at local, national, and international scales. We provide and strengthen mathematical education at all levels within the University through major, minor, Master's, Ph.D., and general math programs with diverse options. We fulfill our urban mission by actively engaging and motivating children and youth of Detroit through teaching and outreach programs.
Over the past few years, despite pandemic disruption, the faculty, staff, and students in the math department have worked diligently toward some challenging goals, and have obtained outstanding results in a variety of areas essential to advance our mission. For example, we have seen professors and students push the frontiers of knowledge through increased research activities, exciting research breakthroughs, and emerging interdisciplinary collaborations; we have established new degree programs in statistics, actuarial mathematics, and data science; we have updated existing curriculum with new courses, policies, and innovative pedagogical approaches; and we have enhanced our efforts in marketing and outreach, in advising and student career development, in alumni and donor relations, and in collaborations with other units across the campus.
It's been my pleasure collaborating with our exceptional colleagues and students on different projects. With renewed energy and enthusiasm, I am looking forward to working with everyone to continue this endeavor.
Meanwhile, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Catherine Lebiedzik has accepted the appointment as the new associate chair effective August 18, 2022. Catherine has a broad vision for the department and is committed to excellence in pursuing our missions in higher education. Please join me in welcoming Catherine to her new position!
I would like to close with a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Daniel Drucker and Dr. Rohini Kumar for their work and leadership in the associate chair's role to help us sustain a culture of excellence, innovation, inclusion, and collaboration. As you page through our recent newsletter, I hope you take a moment to feel pride in yourself, in the Department of Mathematics, and in Wayne State University. Go, Warriors!
Hengguang Li
Professor and Chair Department of Mathematics
Wayne State University