Welcome to Jessica K. Sklar's Home Page!

Department of Mathematics • Pacific Lutheran University • Tacoma, WA 98447-0003
Office: MCLT 261
Phone: (253) 535-8341
Fax: (253) 535-8700
sklarjk@plu.edu

A Little Bit About Me


St. Emilion, 2007

I am an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. I received my Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Oregon in June, 2001, under the guidance of Professor Frank Anderson, and couldn't have been happier with my choices of school and advisor. My current research interests lie in the areas of abstract algebra and the popularizing of mathematics. I received my B.A. in Mathematics and English from Swarthmore College back in 1995, and obtained my Master's degree in Mathematics from the University of Oregon in 1997.

I have two beautiful kitties: Boo and Bear. I have also shared my life with Morgan and Yoshi. It was not intentional that they are all color-coordinated.

Be Not Afraid

Are you scared of math? Don't be! It can be difficult, confusing, and strange; but it can also be beautiful and exciting, when you get past your fear. Yes, math can sometimes be boring. And it can require a lot of work. In these ways, it is like any other art, whether it's mastery of the violin or of karate ("...wax on...wax off..."). But, just like music, mathematics can be elegant and full of wonder. And I am here to help you! You're welcome to talk to me about any worries or concerns you have about the subject, or vent about previous bad math experiences (we've all had them). I do have one request, however. Feel free to approach the subject with hesitation or concern, but try not to approach it with hate or disgust: it's hard to get past hate. Concerns, however, can be alleviated, and together we can make the monster of math seem much less scary!


Teaching

My office is Room 261 in the Morken Center.

I am on sabbatical, and so will not regularly be on campus until Fall 2010;
however, you can email me any time at at sklarjk@plu.edu.
(You will likely reach me more quickly via email than via the phone.)

For a complete list of classes I've taught, see my cv.

Research

My research is in the areas of abstract algebra and the popularizing of mathematics (e.g., examining the intersections of math and art). An ongoing collaborative math-art project of mine is The Ideal Vacuum. Care to see my curriculum vitae?

Links

Math Links
PLU Links
Fun Links

Last significant update: May 30, 2009.