Return to:
Summer Camp
MCTP Home
Department Home
UNM
Participants and instructors for the MCTP Summer Math Camp at UNM, week 4, July 28- Aug 1, 2014. Here are the participants:
Marie Barger - Our Lady of Assumption, Albuquerque
Marie I am Marie Barger. I teach middle school math at Our Lady of Assumption. I have a Master's Degree in Curriculum & Instruction from New Mexico State University. I hate geometry and get headaches teaching it, so I hope this camp helps me learn ways of being enthusiastic about geometry or at least the best way to fake it! I have 2 children 19 and 18. The 18 knows it all and will probably enter the military. My 19 year old is a student at New Mexico Tech. Take care and have a great weekend. Have fun,Marie=)
Francesca Blueher - Montezuma Elementary School
Francesca Hello All! I am Francesca Blueher, elementary school teacher, education activist (much needed now), native New Mexican, tennis player, mother of two, wife of one, and hold a passion for art, math, puzzles, food, and social justice! I have just finished my 17th year of teaching in the Albuquerque Public Schools. I look forward to attending Math Camp, meeting fellow campers, and delving into some fun problems!
Teo Brandt - University of New Mexico
Teo My name is Teo Brandt. I am an undergraduate at the University of New Mexico majoring in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics. My long term goals include attending graduate school at the University of Colorado for Mathematics and pursuing a career in academia. I have always enjoyed mathematics and it is the only subject that I can truly say I am passionate towards. My hobbies include painting and other studio arts as well as skateboarding, hiking, and auto-cross.
Michael Brown - University of New Mexico
Michael Hi Everybody! My name is Michael Brown. I am an undergraduate here at the University of New Mexico and I am majoring in applied mathematics and physics. I would love to someday  become a mathematics professor and to teach a class. That sounds like so much fun! I think math is one of the best and most fun things to do. Physics is fun too! Mathematics and physics have always interested me and I knew going into college that I wanted to pursue these fields.  Outside of school, I love to ride motocross and bmx bikes, snowboarding, hiking, playing piano, and relaxing with friends and family. I am really excited for this math camp to start. Being able to work with math and meet new people, count me in. I am excited to meet all of you soon!
Brennan Collins - University of New Mexico
Brennan Hello all, my name is Brennan Collins and I am a senior at UNM studying computer science and computational math. I am deeply interested in how mathematics intertwines with programming and I really enjoy making computer applications that model ideas from math or science. When I graduate I plan to go to grad school for computer science to further my knowledge and skill in the field. In my off time I enjoy listening to/playing music, hanging out with friends, and anything else that might sound enjoyable at the moment. I'm looking forward to the camp next week and I'm excited to meet everyone.
Alex Cordova - University of New Mexico
Alex HI everyone, my name is Alex Cordova and I am a junior at UNM studying Pure Math and Physics.  I want to study fluid dynamics or Partial differential equations in general.  Mathematics and science is my passion so i try to do everything i can that involves either.  I want to go to grad school hopefully oversea's somewhere in the UK or Germany.  When im not doing school stuff i like to play video games and recently i've been playing tons of Mario Kart 8 and its awesome.  See everyone soon!!
Luke Davis - Baylor University, Waco, Texas
Luke Greetings, My name is Luke Davis. I am a general mathematics major, chemistry minor currently attending Baylor University in Waco, Texas. I was born and grew up in the Bronx, New York City and left for Texas to learn new cultures and gain a different perspective on life. Throughout my college years, my love for the mathematical field has grown. Now, more than ever, I appreciate math's utility in quantitative research and logical reasoning. After graduation, I plan to further my mathematical background via graduate school in the western United States and then delve into education and research.
In my free time, I love to hate the New York Yankees and New England Patriots. So if your a fan of either team, please always position yourself on the opposite side of the room from me at UNM. Otherwise, we should get along well this July. When I'm not being sarcastic (as I hope you noticed can sometimes be my tendency), I enjoy eating healthy and working out on a regular basis.
Gereltuya (Tuya) Erdenejargal - University of Colorado, Boulder
Tuya Greetings mathematicians! My name is Tuya. I am junior in University of Colorado Boulder, pursuing bachelors degree in mathematics and physics. I am originally from Mongolia, living in United States since 2008. Having switched my major from Molecular Biology, to Chemistry, and finally to Physics and Mathematics, it took me a couple of years in college to find out my passion for mathematics. I am also working towards completing my Colorado teaching license qualifications. In high school, I unbelievably was intimidated by math, but in college over time I developed love for it and ended up even majoring in it. When I am not doing math, I enjoy hiking, dancing, and archery. This summer, I also picked up bongo drumming after receiving one for my birthday in May. I look forward to visit UNM and meet everyone at the camp.
Rona Gomez - Madison Middle School, Albuquerque
Rona My name is Rona Gomez. I am a mother of 3 children, with only one still living at home, and have recently returned to teaching. I was an elementary school teacher, 4th and 5th grade, but have recently decided to move to middle school. My middle school assignment is English Language Arts. One of my goals within the English Language Arts curriculum is to bring a math unit into my classroom through the information texts standards. I believe that a good day teaching is better than a good day at any other job.
Alicia Gonzales - Eldorado High School, Albuquerque
Alicia Hi everyone, I'm Alicia Gonzales. I just received my MA in Educational Psychology at the University of New Mexico. I'll be moving to Massachusetts in the fall to begin my PhD in Math, Science and Learning Technologies at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. My undergraduate degree was in Math Education. I really enjoy working with high school students and am a licensed NM high school math teacher. I've taught geometry for Upward Bound in the summer and have worked in various settings with students and math. I've done some math SBA prep workshops and taught some freshmen math academies. I've also been a substitute teacher with APS for a couple of years. I have never been in my own traditional high school classroom (other than my student teaching). I know that students struggle with math, and I definitely identify with their struggles. Math was not always something that came easy, and it still doesn't. I'm constantly pushing myself to gain deeper understanding and working with my students to increase theirs. That's why I'm excited about this camp. I'm not sure where my future will take me, but I would like to pursue a career in academia, and I am hopeful there will be room to continue working with high school students in some capacity. I like to watch movies, drink coffee, and read a good book when I'm not busy studying and working.
Jessica Griffith - Escuela Luz del Mundo, Albuquerque
Jessica Hi everyone! My name is Jessica Griffith. I am getting ready to begin my 7th year as a math and science teacher at a small middle school called Escuela Luz del Mundo. This will also be my second year as a part time administrator. I got my degree in Biology from Reed College in Portland, OR. I greatly enjoy serving my middle schoolers and getting the freedom to teach them at their level. When I am not teaching, I am either working with youth of all ages in a program called Juntos, out roaming the Sandias, or in the kitchen. I am looking forward to working with others excited about math education! Also, this picture is old- I do have hair now. I just do not have a more recent picture. This was when I shaved my head for St. Baldrick's foundation.
Parker Hibbett - Albuquerque Academy
Parker Hi! My name is Parker Hibbett. I am a recent graduate of Albuquerque Academy, and I will be heading to Stanford University in the fall, likely to major in Math (pure, not applied) and Linguistics. I enjoy learning languages, as well as High Jumping. I am looking forward to participating in this camp and exploring the options that a degree in math could make available. I'm also looking forward to meeting all of you.
Marilou Joson - University of New Mexico, Gallup
Marilou Hello everybody, My name is Marilou Joson, I am currently working at UNM-Gallup as an adjunct faculty in the Department of Arts and Sciences.  I teach Developmental math classes for traditional and non-traditional students in our campus.  I like traveling, hiking and working in any volunteer position during my spare time.  I am looking forward of working with all you.
Joshua Kirtley - Wilson Middle School, Albuquerque
Josh My name is Josh Kirtley, and I am a new teacher currently working at Wilson Middle School. I am originally from San Antonio, TX, but have lived in Albuquerque for the past 6 years. I am fond of many things: biking, woodworking, metalworking, craftiness in general, hiking, backpacking, general outdoorsiness, and much more… I genuinely love mathematics, and spend much of my waking time thinking about it. I only wish I had discovered how much I liked math before I got a bachelor’s degree in foreign languages, studying Spanish, Italian, French, Ancient Greek, and Latin. I hope at some point in the not too distant future, I can nab a PhD in pure math. I’m genuinely looking forward to this UNM math shindig and working with y’all!
This was the only photo I could find with just me in it. It was taken moments before I jumped off that active train bridge.
Bruce Lewis - Thoreau High School, Navajo Reservation
Bruce Hi... I'm Bruce Lewis... I am a high school mathematics teacher from Thoreau, NM.  I have spent the majority of my teaching career as a high school mathematics teacher here on the Navajo Reservation.  I am currently teaching 1 geometry class, 3 algebra 2 classes, and 1 precalculus class.  I have also taught at UNM-Gallup and also Navajo Technical University.  I am married to my wife Carol and we have 5 children and a new grandchild.  I look forward to this summer minicourse. 
Carol Leyendecker - O'Keeffe Elementary School, Abq
Carol I am beginning my fifth year of teaching. I am a teacher of gifted students and taught elementary school until this year. I am moving to Van Buren Middle School where I will teach gifted Social Studies to 6th, 7th and 8th graders. I participated in the summer camp in Taos two years ago, and have been videoed teaching math to my elementary students (thanks Mike!). I am not a math person (my degree was in journalism and my masters in education), but I do believe it is important to encourage students ALWAYS in math. So, you probably don't want to be in my group (hee hee), but I do listen well! Looking forward to meet everyone. Carol
Marila Mancha-Garcia - Jimmy Carter Middle School, Albuquerque
Marila Hello! My name is Marila and I just graduated this past May from UNM with a bachelors in Secondary Education. I did my student teaching last year at McKinley Middle School and got to teach 8th Grade Math, Algebra I, and Math Strategies. This year I’ll be teaching 8th Grade Math again at Jimmy Carter Middle School, and I couldn’t be more excited to have my own classroom!
I was born in Havana, Cuba, but have lived in Albuquerque since I can remember. In my spare time I play music, video games (I’m waiting to finally start having an income again to finally get a PS4!), and read graphic novels. I can’t wait to meet you all and mooch off of your math and teaching expertise!
Kyle Nix - LBJ Middle School, Albuquerque
Kyle I am Kyle Nix.  This coming year will be only my second year of teaching.  Last year I taught math intervention at Wilson middle school for one quarter and 8th grade math and algebra at lbj middle school for the remainder of the school year, both in Albuquerque.  This coming year I will teach math intervention at lbj middle school.  Teaching is a second career for me.  I was a church youth group leader for 10 years.  I have 4 children ages 4, 7, 9, and 11 and my lovely wife is a pediatric nurse.  I'm lookin forward to learning some engaging ways to teach geometry at the camp. 
Trace Norris - University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
Trace Hello everyone, My name is Trace Norris. I started at UNM years ago as a music major, dropped out for a while and cooked in fine dining restaurants for 5 years. Now I'm a pure math / philosophy double major (with almost a CS minor) undergrad here at UNM. I'm closing in on graduating and I'd like to go on to grad school once I'm done here. I'm interested in the pure side of mathematics as well as the intersection between philosophy and mathematics. Both mathematical philosophy as well as the philosophy of mathematics (a surprisingly precise division!). In my free time I like to lift weights, fence sabre, and play music. Looking forward to meeting you all, -Trace
Adrian Orozco - University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
Adrian Hello Everyone! My name is Adrian Orozco, a native New Mexican and a recent graduate with Bachelors' in Physics and Applied Mathematics from the University of New Mexico. My interest in mathematics arose from my passion for physics and my interest in physics arose from an introductory physics course composed of many physics demonstrations, which was a lot like black magic. During my senior year, while taking an abstract algebra class, I gained an interest in pure mathematics, which I learned first-hand is very different from applied mathematics. The slow methodical thinking required for writing and understanding mathematical proofs has helped me gain a greater appreciation for all the remarkable mathematical theories that I used to take for granted. Outside of school, I enjoy reading (George Orwell and Joseph Heller are two of my favorite authors), drawing, camping, hiking, fixing things, and most of all helping my girlfriend's kids with their math homework. I am very excited to attend this year's Summer Math Camp and getting to know all of you.
Mike Platt - Highland High School, Albuquerque
Mike My name is Mike Platt. I retired from a 28-year career in the Air Force in 2013, including assignments all over the States, Germany, and Turkey. I just finished my first year of teaching math at Highland HS and am enjoying my first summer off since High School. I received my BS in Astronautical Engineering from the US Air Force Academy and have a Masters in the same from the AF Institute of Technology. I’m married with six kids, ages 4 to 16.
Jana Rupp - Bosque School, Albuquerque
Jana Hi Everyone, My name is Jana Rupp.  Currently, I teach middle school math at Bosque School.  Before moving to Albuquerque, I taught math and science at the American School Foundation in Guadalajara, Mexico. I look forward to meeting all of you and learning how to further my students' appreciation of math.  In my free time, I enjoy cooking, traveling, reading, and art.   See you all soon.
James See - West Mesa High School
James Hello All:    I have just finished my 18th year at West Mesa High School teaching Math. While it changes some from year to year, I have recently been teaching Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Algebraic Models and Transition to College Math.  Although it is subject to change, this coming year it appears that I will be teaching Financial Literacy and Transition to College Math.  My bachelor's degree is in Accounting and so teaching was a second career for me. After 20 years in the business world I became a teacher. About 5 years ago I earned my Master's Degree in Education.   I have four children, the youngest is 23 and is expecting her first child in September (my second grandchild).  When not playing dad or Grandpa, I enjoy watching sports. I have been trying to make it to a few new baseball stadiums each year and hope to eventually manage to visit every major league stadium and then maybe NFL and NBA stadiums as well.   I am looking forward to learning some new ideas to use in the classroom. With the new CCSS and our new evaluation system for public school teachers, increasing the number of options we have to get our message across in the classroom is always a good thing.
Linh Ward - University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
Linh Hello, my Name is Linh Ward and I have been living in Grants, NM since I came here from Vietnam. I originally wanted to be a teacher for the junior grades in Vietnam and went to school for that, receiving a two year degree, which is all that is necessary. When I came to America I still had that dream but had to start over, receiving a HS degree here at age 29, somewhat delayed from normal Americans but it helped me adapt to English better. I just finished my BS in Mathematics, and look forward to meeting everyone at summer camp.
Here are the instructors:
Michael Nakamaye- University of New Mexico

Michael Good morning, I pursued a liberal arts education and then decided to do mathematics which I love. When I got my first faculty position I realized that I enjoy teaching as much or more than doing mathematics. Over the years, I have done less and less math and invested more and more time working with students of all levels and, more recently, with teachers. I am no longer going to be working full time here at UNM this fall because the work with teachers is too important and takes a lot of time and focus. I also direct the local Math Teachers' Circle in which many of the teachers in our week are active participants.
A random list of some things I like: (1) bicycling (2) hippos (3) Person of Interest (4) making a mockery of all things-- myself first and foremost (otherwise none of the rest is tenable), my colleague Kristin next, but also some our participants like Francesca, Josh, and no doubt there will be others...
Looking forward to meeting you all soon! --Mike

Kristin Umland- University of New Mexico

Kristin Hi All, I've been in the Math department at UNM since 1996 and started working with Math teachers about 10 years ago. Right now I'm working a number of different projects, with Illustrative Mathematics being the one that takes up the majority of my time. Since it is a resource we are going to use a lot in our week together, you might want to check it out ahead of time: http://www.illustrativemathematics.org/ [www.illustrativemathematics.org] I've attached a photo of me from last summer in the jungle in Ecuador where I studied Spanish and tromped around in the mud with my family. I'm looking forward to meeting/reconnecting with everyone!