Department of Mathematics
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA
USA 98926

e-mail: slewis@fulbrightweb.org
fax: (509) 963-3226
phone: (509) 963-1803
http://www.cwu.edu/~lewiss/ghost_bears.htm

Personal

Objective: seeking to participate in a community with traditional values: economic equity, social justice, respect for the landscape, and learning for its own sake.

Experience

Professor, Department of Mathematics, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, Washington, 1998 to present (Assistant Professor, CWU, 1988-1993, Associate Professor, CWU, 1993-1998, term as chair January 2002 - June 2004). Taught or teaching history of mathematics, linear algebra, modern algebra, sets and logic, non-Euclidean geometry, theory of numbers, the calculus sequence, problem solving, methods of teaching mathematics, and service courses. Supervising master's level research projects. Performing the usual duties of a university faculty member. Various leaves (see: 'Miscellaneous Experience' and 'Sabbaticals,' below).

Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, Trinity College, Burlington, Vermont, 1987-1988. Taught history of mathematics, linear algebra, statistics and service courses. Performed the usual duties of a college faculty member.

Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, 1985-1987. Taught abstract algebra, history of mathematics, and service courses. Served on colloquium committee and undergraduate curriculum committee, advised students.

Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Mathematics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 1982-1985 Taught differential and integral calculus, sequences and series, vector calculus and linear algebra. Tutor in the Mathematics and Science Learning Center.

Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Science and Mathematics Education, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 1983-1985 (concurrently with O.S.U. Mathematics assistantship). Taught BASIC and Logo programming to teachers and prospective teachers (secondary and elementary). Supervised student teachers in the field.

Lecturer in Mathematics, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, Wisconsin, 1980-1982. Taught group and ring theory, linear algebra, computer programming (Fortran and BASIC), computer concepts, and college algebra. Sponsored U.W. Stout Computing Team; ran Math Bowl at U.W. Stout Math Fair. Had experience with U.W. River Falls 16-inch reflecting telescope.

Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado, 1979-1980. Teacher and tutor of undergraduate mathematics. Ran astronomy lab for the Earth Science Department. Had experience with the 36-inch cassegrain reflecting telescope at Sommers-Bausch Observatory, Boulder, Colorado.

Mathematics Teacher, Gallup High School, Gallup, New Mexico 1976-1979. Taught full range of high school mathematics including: Math Lab (Navajo Indian junior high school students at least three grade-levels behind in mathematics). Served as Junior Varsity Wrestling Coach, All-Sports Trainer, and Ski Club sponsor. Active in Community recreation: Basketball, Volleyball, Powder-Puff football coach.

Miscellaneous Experience

Chair, Department of Mathematics, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, Washington, January 2002 - June 2004

Rector, 1998-2002 Rantasalmi International High School, Järviluonnonkeskus (Lakeland Centre), Rantasalmi, Finland. A two-week interdisciplinary short course in English and environmental studies for high school students of English from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Russia, Italy, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.

Professor of Mathematics, Division of Sciences, Green Mountain College, Poultney, Vermont 1999-2000. Taught literature, undergraduate mathematics and statistics at this forward-looking environmental liberal arts college.

Fulbright Professor of Environmental Education, University of Joensuu in Savonlinna, Finland,1996-97. Conducting graduate seminars in environmental education, lecturing at Järviluonnonkeskus (Lake Land Center), Rantasalmi, Finland.

Sabbatical, 1995-96: Investigating Place (described below).

Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 1992-1993.

Affiliate Faculty Member, University of Montana Mathematics Department Special Quarter in Mathematical Biology, spring quarter 1990. Topics of study include: Natural Resource Economics, Discrete Models in Biology, Chaos, Parameter Estimation, and Dynamic Stochastic Programming.

Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Science and Mathematics Education, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, Summer 1987. Taught Advanced Logo to teachers and prospective teachers.

Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, Western Oregon State University, Monmouth, Oregon, Summer 1986. Taught history of mathematics.

Mathematics Teacher, Upward Bound, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, Summer 1984. Taught beginning, intermediate, and advanced high school algebra to first-generation college-bound high school students.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Mathematics Education, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 1986. Dissertation topic: University Mathematics Students' Perception of Proof and its Relationship to Achievement.

Master of Arts (M.A.), Mathematics, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado, 1980. Course work in algebra, analysis, geometry, mathematics education, and astronomy.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Mathematics, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado, 1976. P.E. minor. Head resident, Wiebking Residence Hall, 1975-76. Played U.N.C. Men's Volleyball 1973-76. 1975-76 Colorado State Collegiate Champions.

High School Diploma, Trinity High School, Euless, Texas, 1972.

Activities and Awards

• CWU Distinguished Professor of the University - Teaching, 2008.
• Invited Rector, 2009-13 Rantasalmi International Summer High School, Järviluonnonkeskus (Lakeland Centre), Rantasalmi, Finland.
• Community Great Books Seminar Leader, Spring, 2008. Ellensburg Public Library.
• Teacher/Leader for the Great Books Foundation (http://www.greatbooks.org/). Participant in GBF core professional development courses in Shared Inquiry, Fall 2007.
• Nominated for the CWU Distinguished Professor Award - Teaching, 2006-7, 2007-08
• Regular member of various administrative efforts at CWU 1988-2004, including, but not limited to: search committees, curriculum development committees, and policy committees at the departmental, college, and university levels.
• Central Washington University William O. Douglas Honors College Seminar Leader, spring 1989 to 1999. Seminar leader in four-year Great Books reading program.
• Selected by students in a Central Washington University campus-wide survey as a person who goes above and beyond their assigned duties to assist students, 1996-98.
• Council of Faculty Representatives member 1995-97 term. Committee of faculty from each of the institutions of higher education in the state of Washington.
• Member of 1995 Assessment Project, Central Washington University
• Member of Advisory Board for 1993,1996 Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, Oregon State University.
• Mathematical Association of America committee member: Mathematics and the Environment, 1991-92.
• Participant in 1992-94 Environmental Education Association of Washington Annual Conference.
• Consultation with Bill Radke, Wildlife Biologist at Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, Othello, Washington, on local rattlesnake population. 1990 school year.
• Member of D.H.C. ad hoc committee on establishing a liberal arts program at C.W.U. 1990 school year.
• Regular participant in Northwest Mathematics Conference, yearly since 1989.
• Participant in Workshop on Modeling Methods in Biological Resource Management, Glacier Institute, Glacier National Park, Montana summer, 1989.
• Participant in Workshop on Modeling Methods in Biological Resource Management, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, summer 1988 .
• University participant in 1986 Montana TOTOM Conference (Teachers of Teachers of Mathematics).
• Member of MCTM (Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics) Mathematics Framework Committee, 1986.
• Judge at 1986 Montana Science Fair, University of Montana.
• Elected into the membership of the Scientific Research Society of Sigma Xi, associate member, 1986.
• University participant in 1986 MEIM grant (Mathematics Education In-service for Montana).
• Judge at 1985 Junior Academy Science Contest, Southern Oregon State University, Ashland, Oregon.
• Judge at 1985 Oregon Invitational Mathematics Contest, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon.
• Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Mathematics, Oregon State University, 1983-84.
• Awarded membership in Phi Delta Kappa, 1983-84.
• Organizer of the First Annual O.S.U. Department of Science and Mathematics Education Perseid Meteor Shower Watch, 1983.
• Panel member for U. W. Stout Department of History Ascent of Man series, 1981-82. Topic: Galileo and the Church.
• Panel member for U. W. Stout Department of History Ascent of Man series, 1980-81. Topic: Galileo and the Church.

Lectures and Speaking Engagements

• Presentation, 2008 Western Regional Honors Council Conference: Theory Into Practice: Incorporating The Great Books Across The Curriculum. Spring 2008.
• Speaker at 2000-2003 Summer Teacher Training Academy, Rantasalmi, Finland, 2000. Lecture topics vary around the theme: "The Rantasalmi International Summer High School." and "Constructing a Sense of Place: Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning."
• Regular speaker at Järviluonnonkeskus (Lakeland Centre), Rantasalmi, Finland, 1997-98. Topics include: "Coyote and Myth in the North American West," and "Constructing a Curriculum of Place"
• Speaker at the 1996 CWU Associates Retreat, Leavenworth, WA. Topic "Place Investigation Project."
• Speaker at the 1996 Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, Oregon State University. Topic "Order Out of Chaos: Modeling Natural Phenomena."
• Panel Member, Winter 1996 Environmental Education 348, University of Montana, "Earth-Centered Education."
• Speaker for 1995-96 CWU Natural Sciences Speakers Series. Topic: "The Tragedy of the Commons."
• Speaker at 1994 Environmental Education Association of Washington Annual Conference, Topic: "Bioregionalism and Education."
• Speaker at 1993 Environmental Education Association of Washington Annual Conference. Topic: "1992 Conservation Biology Workshop - Integrating Science and Mathematics."
• Speaker at 1992 Northwest Mathematics Conference, Spokane, Washington Topic: "1992 Conservation Biology Workshop - Integrating Science and Mathematics."
• Presented paper on 1990 Conservation Biology Workshop for High School Biology and Mathematics Teachers to 1989 Resource Modeling Workshop, Glacier Institute, Glacier National Park, Montana.
• Lectured for Central Washington University Elderhostel Program (older learners), Winter 1989. Topic: "Astronomy and Mathematics in Hellenistic Greece".
• Lectured for Walt Whitman High School Honors Calculus class, South Huntington, New York, Spring 1988. Topic: "Astronomy and Mathematics in Hellenistic Greece".
• Lectured for the University of Montana Department of Foreign Languages, Fall 1986 course- GRK 101, Elementary Greek. Topic: "Mathematics in Hellenistic Greece".
• Presenter at Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics Fall 1986 Meeting. Topic: "Curriculum in Mathematics - Content, Technique, and Context".
• Lectured for the University of Montana Department of History, Spring 1986 course- HST 395, Prophets of the Twentieth Century. Topic: "Albert Einstein".
• Colloquium speaker for the University of Montana Department of Mathematics, Winter 1986. Topic: "Halley's Comet - A Historical View".
• Lectured for the University of Montana Department of History, Winter 1986 course- HST 395, Halley's Comet: A Retrospective View. Topic: "Astronomical Aspects".
• Speaker at 1985 Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, Oregon State University. Topic: "Fruit from the Tree of Worthless Knowledge".
• Speaker at 1984 Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, Oregon State University. Topic: "History May Not Repeat Itself - But it Rhymes!"
• Speaker at 1983 Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, Oregon State University. Topic: "A History of Pi".
• Speaker at the 1982 U.W. Stout Department of Mathematics Centennial Celebration of the Proof of the Transcendence of Pi. Topic: "A Brief History of Pi".

Publications

• (In Progress) Environmental Education and The Liberal Arts: The Rantasalmi International Summer High School, intended for the Scandanavian Journal for Environmental Education.
• Small Potatoes: Educational Reform from the Ground Up , Wild Earth, Spring 1994 (with Lee H. Metzgar)
• Small Potatoes: Fostering Grass Roots Educational Reform , Clearing - Environmental Education in the Pacific Northwest, March/April 1993 (with Lee H. Metzgar)
• Hammerin' Hank, the College Boards, and Uncle Charlie, The Computing Teacher, May 1991. Answering questions, posed in English, using basic descriptive statistics.
• Aristarchus on the Sizes and Distances of the Sun and Moon, The Oregon Mathematics Teacher, March-April 1990. Description of the work of Aristarchus of Samos regarding some interesting, ancient astronomical observations.
• Eye on Io, The Science Teacher, May 1985. Laboratory activity to determine the approximate time of greatest elongation of the innermost Galilean satellite of Jupiter using a least squares quadratic and modest astronomical equipment.

Funded Grants

• 2002 COTS Research Grant Internal CWU grant: The Kepler Problem: An Integrated Capstone Course for Pre-Service Secondary Mathematics Teachers ($3,000)
• Rector, 1998-2002 Rantasalmi International Summer High School. Funded on a yearly basis for each of the past five years through Järviluonnonkeskus (Lakeland Centre), Rantasalmi, Finland. I design the curriculum, coordinate the instruction and carry out a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the project each summer, see: Miscellaneous Experience, above (approximately $25,000 for each of the past five years to fund the entire project).
• 1996-97 J. William Fulbright Fellow, Council for International Exchange of Scholars, Lecturing and Research in Environmental and Outdoor Education. Nine-month appointment as Professor of Environmental Education at the Savonlinna Department of Teacher Education, University of Joensuu, Finland. Conducted graduate seminars in environmental education and lectures at Järviluonnonkeskus (Lakeland Centre), Rantasalmi, Finland.
• Principal Investigator, National Endowment for the Humanities Study Grant. A History of Environmental Thought. A small, summer study grant for the summer of 1995 (NEH# FJ-21955-95, $3,000).
• 1994 CWU Foundation Small Grants Program. Internal CWU grant: Desktop Computer Enhancement ($909).
• Principal Investigator (with Lee Metzgar, University of Montana Division of Biological Sciences), 1992-94 Conservation Biology Workshop for secondary biology, history, English, and mathematics teachers. An interdisciplinary workshop held at the University of Montana with major funding from the National Science Foundation. Initial funding period: Summer 1992 through Summer 1994 (NSF# 90-55-349, $306,159).

Sabbaticals

2004-05, The Kepler Problem. Curriculum development project based on my notes from teaching junior-level History of Mathematics at a variety of universities.A contextualdevelopment of the solution to the 'problem of the planets,' from prehistory to Newton's analytical basis for the concept of a universal gravitational force, thus describing the nature of the force required to keep the planets on their elliptical path around the sun (the 'Kepler Problem'). Activities include: a lecture series, astronomical observations, and readings in original texts from Plato's Timaeus through the first three chapters of the first edition of Newton's Principia Mathematica.

1995-96, Place Investigation Project. A direct extension of completed and on-going scholarly work and teaching activities including:

--enhancement of the presentation of another on-going project, The Conservation Biology Workshop (a National Science Foundation funded workshop described above), and

--suggesting paths for further research.

Interests

Art, astronomy, bicycling, camping, chess, classics, computers, cross-country skiing, darts, environmental studies, guitar, history of science and mathematics, horseback riding, liberal arts, photography, snow-shoeing, soccer, tennis, Registered Yoga Teacher (Kripalu tradition, 200-hour level, Yoga Alliance ID# 16938).

Full references will be furnished on request.