Richard Cangelosi

As an applied mathematician interested in modeling nonlinear phenomena, my focus is on applications related to the life sciences. I enjoy working collaboratively with Gonzaga undergraduates on research projects involving population dynamics, biological pattern formation, delay equations, perturbation theory, chaos theory and the fractal geometry of strange attractors.

I believe that the primary goal of mathematics instruction is to nurture the growth and development of students' mathematical reasoning. In the process of achieving a level of computational proficiency that may be necessary for the mastery of a given topic, it is essential for students to progress from a procedural to a conceptual way of thinking. I hope to help students move beyond problem solving by way of mimicking examples, to one where an appreciation is gained for the creative aspects inherent in mathematical pursuits and to possibly see the beauty of the logical structure that underlies the subject. Foremost among my goals is to help students become independent learners.