Teaching Statement

Undergrad Algorithms
Grad Algorithms
Grad Students

Undergrad Algorithms

I do love teaching. When I started, I was very bad at it. Finding the material easy myself, I could not grasp just how hard they find it. I have worked very hard at figuring out what it is they are missing and how I can reach them. Towards this goal, I produced a text book and 2382 dynamic power point slides for 3101. I am not sure anyone else will want to use them, but having started as a poor teacher and a poor writer, these projects have made me much better at each. My style is an attempt to capture the big picture magic while sliding over the details. Instead of focusing on the differences between the algorithms, I try to reveal how most are fundamentally the same. For years, along with the students who really loved this style, there were plenty who hated it with equal passion. Luckily, I was co-teaching with Andy during these days so that the students could get the detailed code and proofs as well. However, I am very proud that every year my teaching evaluations get better. I think I am finally able to tell my stories about Fairy Godmothers and Friends in a way that that actually reaches many of them. My fantasy is that long after the details have faded from their minds, some of this big picture magic will remain. One thing that continued to depress me was that about one third have never gotten it and I pass them anyway. I have new hope now however. The last time I taught it, I told them that I would do what ever I could to help fight with them so that they learn it, but that if they did not get it I would fail every one of that third. To all of their delight they did quite well and I failed fewer than before. I am excited about pushing this further next year by having lots of little tests instead of one midterm. Some question why I keep wanting to teach the same course every year. I keep pouring lots of work into it to get it better. My idea is to keep doing this until I get it perfect.

Grad Algorithms

Most all of our grad students are not interested in theoretical computer science, but they each must take a course in it. I put together the course that caters to them. Every two weeks we cover a new topic in theoretical computer science. It would be an embarrassment to graduate a student if he did not know the foundations of these topics. Despite how much they struggle with it, they seem to enjoy it and think that it is useful. I am embarrassed at times, however, how similar it is to 3101.

Grad Students

I have very much enjoyed the grad students I have had and am looking for more. Theoretical computer science, however, is hard and it is hard getting good students who want to do it. I am also interested in co-supervising or helping out students who want a little help with the theoretical side of their work.

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