State U, and Robert L. Pastel is visiting from U of New Mexico. MTU just converted to semesters, and the department completely overhauled the curriculum. For example, incoming majors are Exploring Symmetry Groups, in addition to taking calculus. Other new courses are built around modern uses of mathematics, like cryptography and derivative securities. The Young Scholars Program gives promising young minority students with an interest in science, math, and engineering an early start to college and a chance to work with faculty mentors doing real research.
Faculty members invite students to be co-researchers on nationally funded projects.
This summer, four students participated in the program. At the end of the summer, students made presentations on their work to an audience of faculty and visitors, and each submitted a research paper. Robert McGinty retired at the end of the 1999-2000 academic year after over 30 years of service. Sue Hewitt is serving in a full-time adjunct instructor position this year. She is a retired teacher from Marquette Senior High School and taught part time at NMU last year.