Education
Ph.D. Mathematics, University of California, Santa Barbara
B.A. Mathematics, Pomona College
Biography
Dr. Cynthia J. Wyels holds degrees in Mathematics from Pomona College (BA), the University of Michigan (MS), and U.C., Santa Barbara (PhD). Her mathematical research interests lie in combinatorial mathematics and linear algebra. She also uses data analysis skills to study the effectiveness of educational interventions as well environmental science issues. She is an advocate of undergraduate research and believes it is particularly meaningful for students from non-traditional backgrounds.
Dr. Wyels co-authored two 5-year, $6m Hispanic-Serving Institution STEM grants to provide academic support for undergraduates studying STEM and pedagogical renewal for faculty. Her multiple MAA and NSF-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates grants allowed 12 - 17 students from across the U.S. and Mexico annually to spend eight intensive summer weeks working on original research in mathematics. For 8 years, Dr. Wyels directed the Channel Islands LSAMP program, which helps students who face educational barriers graduate with STEM majors and pursue graduate education and careers in their fields.
In 2017 Dr. Wyels was honored by SACNAS, receiving the Distinguished Mentor Award for her work mentoring students and faculty, particularly those from historically underserved groups. She previously received national recognition in 2012 as a recipient of the Mathematical Association of America's Haimo Award for Distinguished University Teaching of Mathematics. Her CSUCI 2017-18 UndocuAlly of the Year award touches her heart. Dr. Wyels currently serves as the Secretary of the Mathematical Association of America.
Dr. Wyels enjoys reading, traveling, and interacting with people from other cultures. She is particularly fond of CI’s location, and takes advantage of it by pursuing outdoor sports in her free time.
Scholarship
Keywords
graph pebbling, graph labeling, analysis of educational interventions, data analysis pertaining to environmental science issues