Sister Ann Petrus, CDP, PhD
Associate Professor of Mathematics
Contact Info:
Office: Metz 112
Phone: 210-434-6711, ext. 8129
E-mail: petra@lake.ollusa.edu
Education:
PhD, 1976, Tulane University, Mathematics; MA, 1971, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Mathematics; BA, 1965, Our Lady of the Lake University, Mathematics
Research Interests: Topology, History of Mathematics, Pedagogy for Developmental Mathematics, Technology for Teaching College Mathematics
Recent Courses Taught: Developmental Mathematics, Mathematics for the Liberal Arts, Calculus I and II, Foundations for Advanced Mathematics, Geometry, Discrete Mathematics, Real Analysis
Recent Presentations:
2007-2008
o “Just-in-Time Digital Learning Supplements for Developmental Math” at the International Conference on Technology in College Mathematics
o “Good Courses Are Courses That…” for the OLLU Teaching Learning Technology Center Showcase, 2007
o“Lessons Learned in Title V Projects” for OLLU Faculty Development Session
o“When Does f-1(x) = [f(x)]-1?” at the annual conference of the Mathematical Association of America, Texas Section
oCo-presenter of “What Is Web 2.0 and Why Should We Care?” and “From Microsoft Word to Camtasia” for the OLLU Teaching Learning Technology Center Showcase, 2008
What has been your greatest success while teaching at Our Lady of the Lake University?:
I make concerted efforts to help non-mathematically oriented students understand that mathematics is learnable, that it is not the enemy, and can be very satisfying.
What do students like best about your class?:
I think students appreciate my caring attitude, my willingness to work with them, and my efforts to make mathematics understandable.
Length of Service at OLLU?: 20 years
What are some of your former students doing now?:
More of our graduate math majors are teachers than any other single type of professional. Others are in graduate programs or jobs in civil service or industry, especially computer-related occupations. In recent years, many who have become teachers return to OLLU for Masters degrees in Education in Integrated Mathematics.