Faculty Receive National Science Foundation Grant

SALISBURY, MD---Dr. Michael Bardzell, assistant professor of mathematics, and Dr. Kathleen Shannon, chair of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department, in the Richard A. Henson School of Science and Technology at Salisbury State University were awarded a $74,990 grant from the National Science Foundation for the “The PascGalois Project: Visualizing Abstract Algebra.”

SSU mathematicians will use the project to create computer-generated images of complex algebraic concepts. The images - based on a triangle – will help students with abstract algebra, which is one of the most difficult and least visual undergraduate math courses.

The grant will be used to develop laboratory exercises that will help junior and senior level abstract algebra students to better visualize concepts, assist prospective math teachers in better implementing national technology standards for the subject and stimulate interest, encourage graduate study of abstract algebra and increase undergraduate research.