Leadership Team
Dr. Keith Emmert
Department Head; Professor
Email: emmert@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 142
Phone: 254-968-9167
More Info:
- Ph.D., Applied Mathematics, Texas Tech University, 2004
- M.S., Mathematics, Louisiana State University, 1999
- B.S., Applied Mathematics, Southeastern Louisiana University, 1996
Teaching Interests: I am interested in teaching both theoretical and applied classes, ranging from calculus through graduate level. Involving students in undergraduate as well as graduate research and thesis direction is another aspect of education that is important to me.
Research Interests: To date, my research has focused on developing new deterministic and stochastic epidemic models for the spread of disease in structured host populations. Past models have included differences as well as differential equations with either fixed or periodic coefficients. Current epidemic models include amphibian movement between ponds and competition/predation amongst different species. I use theory as well as simulations to investigate the richness of the models.
Ongoing interdepartmental collaborative work includes studying dairy mastitis and forecasting modeling of downy mildew on onions.
Future directions in research include investigating the robustness of stability results, animal movement models, patch models studying the spread and control of influenza, and population genetics. Parallel algorithms and genetic algorithms will most likely be of great use in exploring these new topics.
Dr. Courtney Holland
Associate Department Head; Assistant Professor
Email: cholland@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 142F
Phone: 254-968-1982
More Info:
- Ed.D., Educational Leadership, West Texas A&M University, 2025
- M.S., Curriculum and Instruction, Tarleton State University, 2017
- B.S., Mathematics, Tarleton State University, 2011
Teaching Interests: Precalculus, elementary statistics, and mathematics education, with an emphasis on student-centered instruction, conceptual understanding, and connecting mathematics to meaningful real-world applications.
Research Interests: Mathematics education in higher education, with a focus on faculty professional development, instructional practices, professional identity, motivation, and the factors that influence faculty adoption of evidence-based teaching practices.
Full-Time Faculty
Dr. Parker Adamson
Visiting Assistant Professor
Email: padamson@tarleton.edu
Office: Math 222
Phone:
PhD, Physics, Baylor University, 2026
M.A., Physics, Baylor University, 2022
B.S. Mathematics and Physics, Angelo State University, 2020
Teaching Interests: I am interested in teaching both theoretical and applied classes, especially calculus, ODE, PDE, Abstract Algebra and Real Analysis.
Research Interests: Complex (Dusty) Plasma Physics including self-assembling systems and apparently non-reciprocal dust-dust interactions, Dust accumulation and mitigation physics, and N-body simulation of physics phenomena. Check out my ORCID for a variety of recent publications: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6902-8218
Dr. Scott Cook
Associate Professor; Chief Data Scientist—Office of the President, University Strategy
Email: scook@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 222
Phone: 254-968-1958
More info:
- Ph.D. in Mathematics, Washington University in St. Louis, 2011
- B.S. in Chemistry & Physics, Southern Nazarene University, 2002
Teaching Interests: Data Science, Discrete Math, Dynamical Systems, Probability & Statistics, and directing student research at the undergraduate and graduate levels
Research Interests:
- Machine learning/artificial intelligence predictive models applied to:
- Higher Educational Leadership & Strategy,
- Crop Insurance Anomaly Detection
- Sustainable Development.
- Redistricting & Gerrymandering
- Bayesian Disease Modeling
- Billiard Dynamics
- Markov Chain Monte Carlo
- Applied Network Analysis
Visit Dr. Cook’s website
Dr. Jesse Crawford
Professor
Email: jcrawford@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 332
Phone: 254-968-9536
Ph.D. in Mathematics (2008) from Indiana University at Bloomington
Jesse Crawford earned his B.S. in Mathematics from Angelo State University in 2002 and Ph.D. in Mathematics from Indiana University at Bloomington in 2008, specializing in multivariate statistical analysis. In 2011, he worked with other Tarleton faculty to establish a master’s program in mathematics with emphasis in data science, shifting his research focus toward applied statistical models and machine learning. He enjoys teaching a variety of mathematics, statistics, and data science courses and working on interdisciplinary research projects, including previous partnerships with the Center for Agribusiness Excellence and Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Visit Dr. Crawford’s website.
Dr. Aria Dougherty
Assistant Professor
Email: adougherty@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 207
Phone: 254-968-1757
Dr. José Herrera-Diestra
Assistant Professor
Email: jherreradiestra@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 317
Phone: 254-595-7221
Dr. José L. Herrera-Diestra is a mathematical and computational scientist whose research focuses on complex systems, network science, and infectious disease modeling. His work combines data-driven analysis, machine learning, and mathematical modeling to study how social behavior, mobility, and socioeconomic factors influence the spread and control of infectious diseases. Drawing on a strong background in physics and extensive experience with interdisciplinary research teams at The University of Texas at Austin and Pennsylvania State University, Dr. Herrera-Diestra develops models that inform epidemic surveillance, vaccination strategies, and public health decision-making. At Tarleton State University, he leads efforts to integrate mathematics, data science, and epidemiology to better understand and mitigate the dynamics of disease in human populations.
Dr. Taylor Darwin
Visiting Assistant Professor- Fort Worth
Email: tdarwin@tarleton.edu
Office: 263E (Fort Worth)
Phone: 817-973-5927
Dr. Taylor Darwin is an experienced mathematics educator whose work spans secondary, two-year, and four-year educational settings. Her research focuses on improving mathematics learning experiences for rural and underserved populations, advancing developmental education reform through corequisite models, and supporting systemic change that increases student access and success in mathematics. She also investigates emerging areas in mathematics education, including the use of artificial intelligence to enhance personalized learning and faculty professional development, as well as university–school partnerships that strengthen teacher leadership and context-responsive instruction. Drawing on experience in teaching, research, and grant-funded STEM initiatives, Dr. Darwin is committed to creating active, student-centered learning environments and supporting innovative approaches to mathematics teaching and learning.
Dr. Matthew Mauntel
Assistant Professor
Email: mmauntel@tarleton.edu
Office: Math 235E
Phone: 254-968-1942
Dr. Matthew Mauntel received his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Mathematics Education from Florida State University and his B.S. in Mathematics and Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame. His research focuses on exploring student reasoning in linear algebra and the design, development, and implementation of technology for the classroom. This includes game-based learning and the use of Artificial Intelligence to aid in the instruction of pre-service teachers.
Dr. Oluwatosin Mewomo
Professor
Email: omewomo@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 309
Phone: 254-968-9161
Dr. Oluwatosin Temitope Mewomo is a mathematician whose research spans pure, applied, and computational mathematics, with particular expertise in analysis, nonlinear functional analysis, fixed point theory, operator theory, and optimization. His work focuses on the design and convergence analysis of iterative methods for solving problems in optimization and nonlinear analysis, using rigorous analytical and operator-theoretic techniques. He has made significant contributions to fixed point algorithms, variational inequalities, and optimization methods in Hilbert and Banach spaces, with applications in optimal control, image and signal processing, and machine learning models for disease prediction and diagnosis.
Dr. Ricardo Reyna
Assistant Professor
Email: rreyna@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 131
Phone: 254-968-9543
Dr. Beth Riggs
Professor
Email: eriggs@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 235D
Phone: 254-968-1978
More Info:
- Ed.D., in Curriculum & Instruction (Mathematics Education Emphasis), Baylor University, 2003
- M.S., in Mathematics, Tarleton State University, 1995
- B.S. in Mathematics, Tarleton State University, 1992
Teaching Interests: I enjoy teaching a variety of mathematics courses ranging from developmental mathematics through calculus II and geometry. In addition, I love working with pre-service teachers at the elementary, middle school, and secondary levels.
Dr. Claudia Rodriguez
Assistant Professor
Email: crodriguez1@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 235C
Phone: 254-968-9302
Dr. Claudia Rodriguez is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education at Tarleton State University. Her work sits at the intersection of mathematics education and educational policy, with a focus on expanding access to high-quality STEM learning opportunities for rural, first-generation, and historically underserved students. Her research examines mathematics teacher preparation, student success initiatives, educational ecosystems, and the integration of emerging technologies into teaching and learning. Dr. Rodriguez is committed to preparing future educators through innovative, student-centered instruction and actively engages in outreach efforts that connect K–12 schools, educators, and higher education institutions. She leads the Tarleton Math Scholars summer bridge program and collaborates on initiatives designed to strengthen pathways into STEM fields.
Dr. Houston Schuerger
Assistant Professor
Email: hshcuerger@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 330
Phone: 254-968-1954
Dr. Bryant Wyatt
Professor
Email: wyatt@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 342
Phone: 254-968-9530
Dr. Bryant Wyatt is a professor of mathematics at Tarleton State University and created and runs the department’s high-performance computing lab. The lab has become a hub for collaborative work across the university. Dr. Wyatt and his students have given hundreds of presentations and won numerous awards for their work utilizing the power of NVIDIA GPUs. This work spans a vast array of novel approaches to problems in astrophysics, engineering, biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
Dr. Yu Shi
Assistant Professor
Email: yshi@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 331
Phone: 254-968-1766
More Info:
Dr. Yu (Sophia) Shi is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Tarleton State University. Her research focuses on data-driven reliability analysis, remaining useful life prediction, structural health monitoring, and stochastic degradation modeling. She develops machine learning, deep learning, and information-theoretic methods for sensor-based prognostics, with recent work involving Fiber Bragg Grating sensor data, cumulative strain-based health indicators, LSTM models, and sparse sensor placement for infrastructure systems exposed to extreme wind and hurricane events. Her broader research interests include Lévy degradation processes, reliability modeling, anomaly detection, and applied data science. Dr. Shi also has industry experience in credit risk analytics and data analysis, and she is interested in connecting mathematical modeling, statistical learning, and real-world engineering applications.
Dr. Yao-Chi Yu
Assistant Professor
Email: yyu@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 326
Phone: 254-968-1770
More Info:
Dr. Yu earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, specializing in data science and machine learning. His research includes developing computational models for healthcare, such as an NLP algorithm for diagnosing monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and multiple myeloma (MM) using Veterans Health Administration records. Dr. Yu also works on health outcome prediction, insurance fraud detection, and urban decay, in collaboration with organizations like Blue Cross Blue Shield. At Tarleton State University, he teaches undergraduate mathematics courses and collaborates on interdisciplinary research with faculty in economics and other fields.
Instructors
Sandy Almon
Instructor
Email: salmon1@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 116
Phone: 254-968-1764
I am dedicated to making mathematics accessible, engaging, and relevant for all learners. With a student-centered approach, I emphasize conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and mathematical confidence, while fostering a supportive and encouraging classroom environment.
Amanda Azadah
Instructor
Email: aazadah@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 216
Phone: 254-968-1907
I am a mathematics instructor dedicated to building a welcoming and engaging classroom where every student is challenged to grow, build confidence, and develop problem solving skills essential for academic success.
Dr. Brentley Bendewald
Instructor; Math & Science Achievement Center Coordinator
Email: bbendewald@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 215
Phone: 254-968-9538
I am a mathematics instructor and the Coordinator of the Math and Science Achievement Centers. I am passionate about creating learning environments where students feel comfortable asking questions, exploring ideas, and developing confidence in mathematics. My professional interests include mathematics education, student engagement, and instructional practices that promote deep thinking, collaboration, and meaningful learning.
Sidne Erwin
Instructor
Email: serwin@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 117
Phone: 254-595-7110
I am a passionate educator committed to making mathematics accessible and engaging for all learners. I hold my undergraduate degree from Fort Hays State University, and master’s degree from Tarleton State University. As an instructor in the Mathematics Department, I strive to inspire curiosity and encourage critical thinking and problem solving. Every student can succeed with hard work and determination!
Matthew Etter
Instructor
Email: metter@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 115
Phone: 254-968-6113
Richard Kusi
Instructor
Email: rkusi@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 202
Phone:
Richard Kyei
Instructor
Email: rkyei@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 202
Phone: 254-595-7097
Richard Kyei earned his B.Sc. in Statistics from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and his M.S. in Mathematical Sciences with a concentration in Statistics from Stephen F. Austin State University. He is an Instructor of Statistics at Tarleton State University, where he teaches mathematics and statistics courses. His teaching emphasizes clear communication, visual learning, hands-on experiences, and real-world applications to foster student engagement, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. His research interests include statistics, data science, machine learning, and biostatistics.
Michelle Lee
Instructor- Fort Worth
Email: mlee@tarleton.edu
Office: CAB 263D (Fort Worth Campus)
Phone: 817-349-7385
A little bit about me: I didn’t go to college until I was 36 years old! I earned my undergraduate degree in Biology at The University of Texas at Arlington with a minor in Mathematics. I started teaching high school and after a few years I missed being a student, so I went back to The University of Texas at Arlington and earned my Masters in Mathematics. I love teaching math and I am here to help!
Jordan McCain
Instructor
Email: jmccain@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 107
Phone: 254-968-9533
Jordan McCain is a Mathematics Instructor at Tarleton State University. She is passionate about creating engaging learning environments that help students build confidence in mathematics, develop problem-solving skills, and achieve academic success. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership at West Texas A&M University.
Cailin Noble
Senior Instructor
Email: cnoble@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 325B
Phone:
Miriam Tenkorang
Instructor
Email: mtenkorang@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 216
Phone:
Joseph Aaron Morrison
Visiting Instructor
Email: jmorrison1@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 115
Phone: 254-968-6114
Dustin Neighbors
Visiting Instructor
Email: dneighbors@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 303
Phone: 254-968-1780
Dustin Neighbors is an Instructor of Mathematics at Tarleton State University and a doctoral student in Educational Leadership. He holds a Master of Science in Data Science and combines his interests in mathematics, data analytics, and educational research to create engaging, student-centered learning experiences. His research interests include data literacy in higher education, predictive analytics, and the use of data-informed decision-making to improve student outcomes. Prior to joining Tarleton State University, he taught secondary mathematics in Texas public schools.
Krystal Ostdiek
Visiting Instructor
Email: kostdiek@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 303
Phone:
David Osei
Instructor, GTA Coordinator
Email: dosei@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 327
Phone: 254-968-1768
Mary Peters
Instructor; Graduate Program Coordinator
Email: mpeters@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 132
Phone: 254-595-7018
Mary earned her M.A. in Mathematics from Texas Tech University in 1993 and her B.S. in Meteorology from Texas A&M University in 1988. She brings teaching experience from public schools and private schools in addition to university level. She also has served as advisor at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
John Robinett
Instructor
Email: jrobinett@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 217
Phone: 254-968-1722
More Info:
- M.S., Mathematics, Tarleton State University
- B.A., Mathematics, Texas A&M University
Teaching Interests: I am interested in teaching developmental and freshman-level math classes. I am also interested in finding, modifying, and/or developing effective pedagogies and activities to enable students to learn math efficiently and understand mathematical concepts. I enjoy using discovery and inquiry-based lessons, as well as interactive lessons designed to involve students in learning.
Imelda Salinas
Instructor
Email: isalinas@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 225
Phone: 254-968-1949
Mrs. Imelda Salinas is an Instructor in the Mathematics Department at Tarleton State University, where she has taught since 2017. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics, a master’s degree in Pure Mathematics earned in 2015, and a Master of Business Administration earned in 2026. Her background in both mathematics and business has strengthened her interest in connecting mathematical concepts to real-world business applications and helping students understand the relevance of mathematics to their future careers. Mrs. Salinas’ teaching philosophy is centered on engaging students in the concepts of mathematics and creating an open and supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, participating in discussions, and working through challenging problems. She believes that students develop stronger mathematical understanding and confidence when they are actively involved in the learning process rather than simply memorizing procedures. Through collaborative activities, practical applications, and meaningful connections between mathematics and business, she strives to help students see mathematics as a useful tool for analyzing problems, making informed decisions, and succeeding in their academic and professional careers.
Kate Sims
Instructor
Email: ksims1@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 107
Phone: 254-968-6115
I graduated from Tarleton State University in May 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a certification to teach 7–12 grade math. After graduation, I began working toward my master’s degree in mathematics, but life had other plans and pulled me away for a while. I spent the next 12 years teaching at two different high schools, where I gained invaluable experience and a deeper love for education. I then returned to Tarleton as an academic advisor—and it was during that time that I felt called to finish what I started. In December 2022, I proudly completed my Master’s in Mathematics! I am currently seeking my PhD in experimental psychology
Lauralee Tamplen
Visiting Instructor
Email: ltamplen@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 303
Phone:
Graduate Teaching Assistants & Specials
Abass Abubaker
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Email: sw_aabubaker@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 338
Phone: 254-968-1772
Noah Anderson
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Email: sw_nanderson@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 338
Phone: 254-968-1772
Afia Ansong
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Email: sw_aansong@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 338
Phone: 254-968-1772
Jonathan Dadzie
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Email: sw_jdadzie@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 338
Phone: 254-968-1772
Agatha Krumvieda
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Email: sw_akrumvieda@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 338
Phone:
Agatha Krumvieda is a Graduate Teaching Assistant and M.S. in Data Science student at Tarleton State University. She earned her B.S. in Mathematics from Tarleton and enjoys making mathematics less intimidating and more engaging for students. Her interests include data science, mathematics education, and psychology. She firmly believes that math is less about being a “math person” and more about persistence, curiosity, and occasionally staring at a problem until it decides to cooperate.
Aron Mack
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Email: sw_amack@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 338
Phone: 254-968-1772
I’ve been at Tarleton since Fall 2021 where I pursued my B.S. in Mathematics with a concentration in Data Analysis. I graduated in December 2024, and since January 2025 I have been pursuing my M.S. in Professional Mathematics
Jasmine Sims
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Email: sw_jsims@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 338
Phone: 254-968-1772
Tanner Wells
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Email: sw_twells1@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 338
Phone: 254-968-1772
Adjunct Faculty
Julia Biberdorf
Adjunct Instructor
Email: jbiberdorf@tarleton.edu
Julia Biberdorf is an Adjunct Instructor of Mathematics at Tarleton State University. She teaches a variety of mathematics courses and is passionate about helping students build confidence in their mathematical abilities. Her goal is to make mathematics approachable, engaging, and relevant while supporting students in their academic success.
Antonio Lopez
Instructor
Email: alopez1@tarleton.edu
Phone: NA
Office: NA
Graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with an Honors BA and Master of Science in Mathematics.
Katherine Romer
Instructor
Email: Kromer@tarleton.edu
Phone: 512-820-7856
I am a mathematics educator currently teaching high school mathematics and serving as an adjunct instructor of Business Mathematics. I am passionate about helping students develop confidence, critical thinking skills, and a strong conceptual understanding of mathematics. I strive to create supportive learning environments where students feel comfortable asking questions, taking academic risks, and growing as learners! My professional interests include mathematics education, student engagement, and the use of technology to make learning more accessible and meaningful.
Office Staff
Maricela Otero
Administrative Associate
Email: motero@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 142
Phone: 254-968-0797
Grace Egbe
Student Worker
Email: sw_gegbe@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 142
Phone: 254-968-9168
Jenna Emmert
Student Worker
Email: sw_jemmert@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 142
Phone: 254-968-9168
Sadie Shudde
Student Worker I
Email: sw_sshudde@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 142
Phone: 254-968-9168
Mary Gosdin
Student Worker I
Email: sw_mgosdin@tarleton.edu
Office: MATH 142
Phone: 254-968-9168
Retired Faculty
Dr. Kathy Smith
Professor Emeritus
More Info:
- Ph.D., Georgia State University, 2000
- M. Ed., Tarleton State University, 1990
- B.S., Tarleton State University, 1984
Teaching Interests: Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Education, Integration of Mathematics and Science
Research Interests: Development of Academic Language in Mathematics and Development of Numerical Fluency
Nancy Summer
Senior Instructor
Email: summer@tarleton.edu
Dr. Peter White
Professor
More Info:
- Ph.D, Mathematics (Numerical Analysis), 1994, Oregon State University, advisor: Andre Weideman
- M.S., Mathematics (Applied PDEs), 1990, Oregon State University
- B.S., Mathematics (Applied Option), 1987, Cal. State Univ. at Chico (CSUC)
- B.S., Computer Science (Science Option), 1987, CSUC.
Teaching Interests: Numerical Analysis/Nonlinear PDEs, Computational Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling/Analysis of Biological Systems, Computational Biology, Internet Delivery Systems for Mathematics
Research Interests: Biomathematics and Simulations
Visit Dr. White’s Website.