Sharon McCathern, PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics

Phone: (626) 815-6000, Ext. 6617
Photo of Sharon McCathern, PhD

Biography

Sharon McCathern, PhD, teaches many mathematics courses at all levels, primarily on the algebraic side of pure math. She loves making personal and intellectual connections with her students at APU and helping them expand their ideas of what math really is. Her favorite part of teaching is seeing students make connections between new and old ideas, so that they understand both even better!

McCathern studied finite group theory in graduate school; her thesis is about the relationship between p-groups and Lie p-algebras. At APU, she has worked with colleagues and students on research in combinatorial matrix theory. She is also working on projects in the scholarship of teaching and learning mathematics (SoTL). She is interested in innovative pedagogy and developing students' writing abilities.

Her other interests include reading anything and everything, playing the violin, and trying to keep up with her husband and three sons (especially in the realm of video games).

Education

  • PhD, University of Chicago
  • MS, University of Chicago
  • BA, Rice University

Academic Area

  • College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
    • Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics

Expertise

  • Algebra
  • Finite Group Theory
  • Math Education
  • Mathematics

Courses Taught

  • GE 100 - First-Year Seminar
  • MATH 95 - Intermediate Algebra
  • MATH 99 - Self-Paced Mathematics Lab
  • MATH 110 – College Algebra
  • MATH 130 - Introduction to Statistics
  • MATH 165 – Calculus I
  • MATH 201 - Mathematics Concepts for Elementary Teachers
  • MATH 280 - Discrete Mathematics and Proof
  • MATH 290 – Linear Algebra
  • MATH 390 – Number Theory
  • MATH 400 – Abstract Algebra
  • MATH 450 - Real Analysis
  • MATH 470 – Complex Analysis
  • MATH 495 - Advanced Topics in Mathematics
  • WRIT 243 - Writing 2: Mathematical Careers and Calling

Office Hours

Online appointments on Monday & Friday 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM and Thursday 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM. Contact professor for Zoom links.

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