Janet Heine Barnett taught mathematics for two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Central African Republic
Janet Heine Barnett, University of Southern Colorado, Candidate for Secretary/Treasurer/Newsletter Editor
Janet Heine Barnett received her B.S. in Mathematics and Humanities from Colorado State University in 1981 before teaching mathematics for two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Central African Republic. She holds an M.A. (1988) and PhD (1990) in set theory from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Since joining the faculty at the University of Southern Colorado in 1990, Janet has taught a wide variety of undergraduate courses, directed several senior research projects, and helped to establish USC’s successful Group Learning Program in College Algebra. In recent years, her research has increasingly focused on the history of mathematics and its relation to pedagogy. She was a 1995-96 fellow at the NSF-funded Institute on the Use of History in the Teaching of Mathematics, has organized special sessions on the History of Mathematics at section meetings, and is a regular presenter on historical/mathematical topics at regional and national conferences.
An MAA member since 1988, Janet has served the MAA in various capacities, including Program Chair (1995), Chair Elect/Chair/Past Chair (1993 – 1996), Governor (1996 – 1999), Secretary/Treasurer/Newsletter Editor (1999 – present), and membership on two national committees. She has also been active in local and state efforts to improve mathematics education, serving as Higher Education Representative on the Colorado Council of Teachers of Mathematics Governing Board (1997 – 1999), organizing special sessions on K-16 issues at CCTM and MAA Section meetings, and serving as Project Director of the Eisenhower-funded Pueblo Regional Initiative in Mathematics Education (2000 – 2002).
Statement
The opportunities I have had to work with the membership and executive committee of the Rocky Mountain Section over the years has been tremendously rewarding, both personally and professionally. I have especially enjoyed the challenges of learning the combined duties of secretary/treasurer/newsletter editor these past three years. I would welcome the opportunity to use this experience to further enhance our ability as a professional organization to provide regional leadership in both the promotion of excellence in mathematics education, and in the enhancement of public understanding about the needs and importance of mathematical research and education. I am especially excited about the opportunities before us on these two fronts when a national meeting finally returns to Colorado with Mathfest 2003 on the University of Colorado Boulder campus.
