Mathematics Profiles

Robb T. Koether

Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science
Hampden-Sydney College

Education

B.S., Mathematics, University of Richmond (1973)
M.A., Mathematics, University of Oklahoma (1974)
Ph.D., Mathematics, University of Oklahoma (1978)

Personal

At H-SC since 1981. He and his wife Cindy have three children: Amy, Sharon, and Jeremy.

Amy is a graduate of the University of the South.
Sharon is a graduate of Roanoke College.
Jeremy is a senior at Geneva College.

Teaching Interests

Abstract algebra, computer science, geometry, and number theory.

Service to the College

Member of the Academic Affairs Committee (2001-2004)
Member of the Budget Planning Committee (1997-2001)
Member of the Faculty Affairs Committee (1994-1995)
Member of the Assessment Committee (1991-1994)
Chair of the Mathematics Department (1989-92)
Member of the Committee on Professional Development (1986-1988)
Member of the Athletic Committee (1982-85)

Professional Development

Treasurer of the Maryland-D.C.-Virginia Section of the Mathematical Association of America (2002-2005)
Secretary of the Maryland-D.C.-Virginia Section of the Mathematical Association of America (1988-1991)
Post-doctoral study in number theory, quadratic forms, p-adic numbers, and class field theory, Ohio State University (1988-1989)
Graduate study in Computer Science at the University of Virginia (1995)

Talks Presented at Colleges

From Here to Infinity, Sweet Briar College (fall, 1990)
How to Factor a Prime, Longwood College (fall 1989)
Attitude Control and Stability, H-SC (1988)
Chaos out of Order to high school teachers at the high school computing contest sponsored by Longwood College (spring 1987)
Error-correcting Codes, Sweet Briar College (fall 1986)

Papers Presented at Professional Meetings

Solving the n x n x n Rubik's Cube (fall 1983)
Writing a Simple Computer Algebra System (spring 1991)

Professional Memberships

Current Interests

Currently engaged in developing the mathematics curriculum to incorporate the use of the computer as a tool to aid in problem solving.

Other Interests

Enjoys hiking, backpacking, camping, and canoeing, as well as orienteering and astronomy. Recently built a log cabin in the mountains in Nelson County. He enjoys learning German.