iMPACT

The College of Science welcomes Wendy Rose Aaron as the new Coordinator of the Math and Statistics Learning Center (MSLC). The center enhances student success across campus in support of the teaching mission of the Department of Mathematics’ lower division, offering free math tutoring programs and professional support for mathematics educators across campus.

Aaron received her Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from the University of Michigan in 2011 and joins us most recently from the faculty of the College of Education at OSU. She brings extensive expertise and experience in teacher-training, including contacts with local K-12 schools and the College of Education.

As MSLC Coordinator, Aaron will build upon strengths of the MSLC to help student succeed in mathematics. She will promote a welcoming and inclusive environment, oversee daily operations and provide professional development to graduate students and learning assistants in their work with undergraduates. She will also serve as department liaison to other student success initiatives across campus and teach one course per quarter.

High failure rates in college algebra courses is a problem nationwide with lasting negative repercussions. Poor performance in college-level introductory mathematics poses a barrier to earning a STEM degree because mathematical courses in the first two years of college serve as pathways to many science and engineering majors.

“The heart of the MSLC is making those ‘aha’ moments happen, when a student grasps a concept for the first time, deepens their understanding, makes new connections, and applies what they’ve learned to the real world,” Aaron said. “It’s such a positive and important mission, and I look forward to working with OSU’s extended team of passionate tutors, graduate students, learning assistants and educators across campus to continue and enhance the tools and support we offer to students.”

The MSLC is a critical part of our strategy to make the College of Science a welcoming and inclusive place for all students, where every student has the resources they need to be successful. “I am excited to see how the center will evolve under Wendy’s leadership to continue to improve student success in mathematics,” said Roy Haggerty, Dean of the College of Science.