I believe that it is best for students to learn the concepts of mathematics, and then link those applications to their usefulness in jobs or in everyday aspects of their lives.”
Timothy Converse grew up in upstate New York and was inspired to incorporate math into his future career as a high school student. He earned his undergraduate degree in applied mathematics and a minor in physics from the University of Pittsburgh. “Math was always my favorite subject and I enjoyed seeing its applications to events and parts of my life.” Tim, an avid musician, played with the university’s Pitt Varsity Marching Band.
Tim went on to earn his master’s degree in oceanography from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, Calif. “It was amazing to discover the countless mathematical applications to this field, and the diversity of backgrounds and specialties from all over the world that brought people to Scripps.” He decided to change his career soon after graduation. “My experiences in high school and college and the interaction with local schools through volunteer work contributed to my decision to teach.”
Tim earned his master’s degree in education and his certification to teach secondary mathematics from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.