Dean of Faculty Announces Promotions

Math Faculty Approved for Tenure

Two faculty members of the Harvey Mudd College Department of Mathematics were approved for tenure at the meeting of the Board of Trustees earlier this month. Their promotions are effective as of July 1, 2014.

Talithia Williams

Assistant Professor of Mathematics Talithia Williams has been promoted to associate professor with tenure. Williams’ passion for integrating the educational process with real-world statistical applications drives her research, which emphasizes the spatial and temporal structure of data with environmental applications. Her professional research appointments include the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the National Security Agency and NASA. Williams is also involved in several diversity and outreach programs in STEM, including the Association of Women in Mathematics, Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) and the Sacred SISTAHS. Williams was hired in 2008.

Dagan Karp

Assistant Professor of Mathematics Dagan Karp has also been promoted to associate professor with tenure. Karp’s research focuses on algebraic geometry, quantum geometry and Gromov-Witten theory—the latter of which intersects enumerative geometry, mathematical string theory and the modern theory of moduli. Karp is also active in STEM diversity causes, including SACNAS and as a member of the diversity committee of the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI). Karp also helped organize the 2011 HMC Mathematical Conference, which focused on broadening participation in the mathematical sciences. He began teaching at the College in 2008.

The Harvey Mudd College Department of Mathematics seeks to provide majors with breadth and depth in mathematics research, including discrete mathematics, analysis, probability, algebra and applied analysis. It is the recipient of the American Mathematical Society’s first Award for an Exemplary Program or Achievement in a Mathematics Department, which recognizes unusual or particularly effective programs of value to the mathematics community.

Associate Professors Promoted

Jon Jacobsen

Associate Professor of Mathematics Jon Jacobsen has been promoted to full professor, effective July 1, 2014. Jacobsen’s research interests include differential and integral equations and their applications, particularly in mathematical ecology. He is also deeply involved in Pathways, a mathematics community outreach program featuring faculty members eager to share their love of mathematics with elementary, junior high and high school students. Hired in 2002, Jacobsen is also currently the associate dean for academic affairs.

Qimin Yang

Associate Professor of Engineering Qimin Yang has also been promoted to full professor, effective July 1, 2014. Yang specializes in fiber optic communications, including high-capacity optical networks and network architecture designs. She has done extensive research in interconnection and switching networks for high-performance computing with a focus on routing logic designs, physical implementation and quality of service in switching networks. Yang has also been highly involved in the College’s chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). Associate director of the Engineering Clinic, Yang was hired in 2002.