Brief Vita

Associate Professor of Mathematics
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Saint Louis University
220 N. Grand Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63103
U.S.A.

email: email: blythrd[at]slu[dot]edu

Phone: (314)-977-2458
Secretary: (314)-977-2444
Fax: (314)-977-1452

Education

B. Sc.(Hons.) First Class, in Mathematics, 1982, Massey University, New Zealand

M. S. in Mathematics, 1984, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Ph. D. in Mathematics, 1987, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Dissertation Title: Rewriting Products of Group Elements

Advisor: Derek J. S. Robinson

Experience

1987 - 1991: Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Saint Louis University

1991 - present: Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Saint Louis University

• 1994 - 1999: Lower Division Coordinator, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Saint Louis University

May - August 1990: Visitor, University of Auckland, New Zealand. Research activities and taught Number Theory

Courses taught at Saint Louis University

• MT-A120 College Algebra
• MT-A125 Seminar in Mathematics - Mathematical Thinking in the Real World
• MT-A141 Precalculus
• MT-A132 Survey of Calculus
• MT-A142 Calculus I
• MT-A143 Calculus II
• MT-A244 Calculus III
• MT-A315 Introduction to Linear Algebra
• MT-A401 Elementary Theory of Probability
• MT-A402 Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
• CS-A452 Applied Combinatorics
• MT-A411 Introduction to Abstract Algebra
• MT-A412/501 Linear Algebra
• MT-A493 Numerical Analysis
• MT-A511 Graduate Algebra I
• MT-A512 Graduate Algebra II
• MT-A518 Topics in Algebra: Graduate Algebra III
• MT-A518 Topics in Algebra: Group Theory
• MT-A598 Graduate Reading Courses (on several topics)
• MT-A618 Topics in Algebra: Group Theory
• MT-A698 Graduate Reading Course
• MT-A699 Dissertation Research

Research Interests

Ph.D Students

• Joanne Redden (University of Evansville), The Nonabelian Tensor Square of the Free 2-Engel Group of Rank n, May 2003
• Christine Bussman, in progress

Professional, Department, College and University Service

• New Student Orientation, 1989-1992, 1994
• Standing Committee on Curriculum, College of Arts and Sciences, 1992-1993, 1994-1996, and 1997-1998
• Committee for the Recruitment of Graduate Students, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, 1991-present
• Retention Subcommittee of the University Enrollment Task Force, 1993
• Coordinator of Lower Division Mathematics, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, 1994-1999
• Calculus Reform Task Force (Leader), Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, 1994-1995
• Ad hoc Residential College Committee, College of Arts and Sciences, 1995
• Graduate School Ad hoc Committee on the Mandatory Public Oral Defense of the Dissertation, 1996-1997
• Bookstore Committee (Office of Student Life), 1996-2000
• Standing Committee on the Core Curriculum, College of Arts and Sciences, 1998-2001
• Presented frequent presentations on the SLU 2000 inquiry seminar course program to students, faculty, advisors, high school counselors and administrators, 2001-present
• Academic Welcome speaker, SLU 101 (summer orientation program) lunch, June 2004
• Core Assessment Committee, College of Arts and Sciences, 2004-2008
• Discussion group leader, Freshman reading, 2005-2006
• Online Pedagogy Committee (Center for Teaching Excellence), 2006-present
• AP Calculus reader, 2006
• Developer of mathematics help web site www.mathmistakes.info, 2006-present
• Co-organizer, Zassenhaus group theory conference, Saint Louis University, 2007

Grants

1. Co-investigator on NSF grant DUE 9851405 (Instrumentation and Laboratory Improvement Program), for installation of computer classroom in Ritter Hall, $34,291, July 1998 - June 2001 (Principal investigator T. Christine Stevens, co-investigator, Michael K. May).
2. Co-investigator on MAA PREP grant (Principal Investigator: Julianne Rainbolt), to present the on-line workshop "Abstract Algebra with GAP" (July 14-18, 2003), $15,800. The PREP program was funded by NSF grant DUE 0089005.
3. Co-Principal Investigator (with Julianne Rainbolt) on MAA PREP grant, to present the on-line workshop "Exploring Abstract Algebra Using Computer Software" (June 28 - July 2, 2004), $13,000. The PREP program is funded by NSF grant DUE 0341481.
4. Co-Principal Investigator (with Michael K. May, S.J.) on Mathematical Association of America PREP (Professional Enhancement Program) grant, to present the on-line workshop "Exploring Linear Algebra Using Maple" (June 27 - July 1, 2005), $12,500. The PREP program is funded by NSF grant DUE 0341481.
5. Co-Principal Investigator (with Dr. Julianne Rainbolt) on Mathematical Association of America PREP (Professional Enhancement Program) grant, to present the on-line workshop "Incorporating the Software GAP into Teaching Abstract Algebra" (July 10 - July 14, 2006), $13,000. The PREP program is funded by NSF grant DUE 0341481.
6. Co-Principal Investigator (with Michael K. May, S.J.) on Mathematical Association of America PREP (Professional Enhancement Program) grant, to present the on-line workshop "Exploring Multivariable Calculus Using Maple" (July 24 - July 28, 2006), $12,500. The PREP program is funded by NSF grant DUE 0341481.
7. Co-Principal Investigator (with Michael K. May, S.J.) on Mathematical Association of America PREP (Professional Enhancement Program) grant, to present the on-line workshop "Exploring Multivariable Calculus Using Maple" (June 25 - June 29, 2007), $12,500. The PREP program is funded by NSF grant DUE 0341481.

Honors and Awards

• University Grants Committee (New Zealand) Postgraduate Scholarship (with Overseas tenure), awarded 1981, held 1982-85
• Fulbright Travel Grant, 1982
• University Fellowship (University of Illinois), 1982-83, 1983-84
• Department of Mathematics (University of Illinois) Instructional Award, 1985
• Beaumont Faculty Development Grant, Saint Louis University, 1989
• Summer Research Award, College of Arts and Sciences, Saint Louis University, 1989
• University of Auckland Foundation (Travel) Grant, 1990
• College of Arts and Sciences Travel Award, Saint Louis University, 1992
• College of Arts and Sciences Travel Award, Saint Louis University, 1994 (two awards)
• College of Arts and Sciences Travel Award, Saint Louis University, 1996
• Beaumont Faculty Development Grant, Saint Louis University, 1997
• First Honorary Mention, Burlington Northern Faculty Achievement Award, Saint Louis University, 1997
• College of Arts and Sciences Travel Award, Saint Louis University, 2001

Professional Memberships

• American Mathematical Society, 1982-present
• Mathematical Association of America, 1987-present