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Tim Pennings |
Math is replete with beauty and power.
Its beauty resides in subtle pattern and the infinite.
Its power mysteriously reveals order in the natural world.
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I am a professor of mathematics at Hope College. My areas of research and writing
include dynamical systems (the shadowing property in particular),
mathematical modeling, and the infinite. I have directed the Mathematics
REU Site since 1995 and have mentored research students almost every year
since 1990. A complete list of published papers, talks, and other professional
activity is included in my vitae.
My interest in infinity stems from my intrigue with the rich stuff that lies
in the confluence of mathematics, physics, philosophy, and theology. My paper,
"Infinity and the Absolute: Insights into Our World,
Our Faith, and Ourselves"
is the backbone of my senior seminar course, Pondering the Big Questions.
Several other math-theology papers, published in Perspectives include "A Life
Lesson from Calculus" and
"Haggai, Mathematical Dynamics, and the Nature of Good
and Evil".
I have a famous Welsh Corgi dog, Elvis, who knows calculus. Here are some
pictures
of us. We have given over a hundred talks - including several speaking tours -
based on our papers
"Do Dogs Know Calculus?"
and
"Do Dogs Know Bifurcations?"
(written with Roland Minton) both published in the The College Mathematics
Journal of the MAA. Articles about Elvis are easily found on Google and Youtube.
For example, see
Other pleasant professional responsibilities include being the president of the
Hope College chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, and advisor for several Hope College
clubs - especially the Outdoor Adventure Club and the Table Tennis Club.
My nonprofessional interests include racquetball, ultimate frisbee ,
weightlifting, tennis, ping-pong, x-country skiing, biking, kayaking,
photography, choral music, and guitar. |
Contact Information:
Timothy J. Pennings
Department of Mathematics
Hope College
P. O. Box 9000
Holland, MI 49422-9000
e-mail: pennings@hope.edu
Phone: 616.395.7531
Office: 213 VanderWerf Hall
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