ZONIA KARINA MENENDEZ-DEATON
Assistant Professor in Mathematics
¡BIENVENIDOS!
GET TO KNOW:
DR. ZONIA KARINA MENENDEZ-DEATON
I am a new assistant professor of mathematics at Southern Oregon University. In May 2022 I received my PhD in mathematics at Wesleyan University under the supervision of Christopher Rasmussen. I received my bachelors in science, majoring in mathematics, at the College of New Jersey in 2016.
Other than math and teaching I spend some free time:
-
taking pictures-mostly of nature
-
being creative in many different forms including: singing, digitally drawing, painting, or drumming
-
watching horror movies or shows
-
going on nature walks
-
spending time with loved ones. 💕
Abstract Algebra
Class Spring 2024
Southern Oregon University Mathematics 2024
TEACHING
SPRING 2025
Southern Oregon University
MTH 111Z: Precalculus 1: Functions
MTH 251: Calculus I
MTH 261: Linear Algebra
OH: TWR 2-3:30pm
PAST TEACHING
Wesleyan University Sole Instructor:
-
MATH 119: Elements of Calculus, Part I
-
MATH 120: Elements of Calculus, Part II
-
MATH 121: Calculus I.
-
Pedagogy course aimed at first year math graduate students.
Southern Oregon University
-
MTH 105Z: Contemporary Mathematics
-
In person and online
-
-
MTH 111Z: Precalculus: Functions
-
MTH 251: Calculus I
-
MTH 252: Calculus II
-
MTH 261: Linear Algebra
-
MTH 311: Number Structures (Proofs)
-
MTH 341: Algebraic Structures (Groups)
-
MTH 441: Algebraic Structures II (Rings & Fields)
TEACHING STATEMENT
My main passion is teaching, but as a fairly new instructor I am still learning and finding my pedagogical identity. What I do know is that my students' success is my number one priority. In achieving this, I strive to structure my course to be inclusive to all, especially those underrepresented. I am very eager to utilize and find ways to make my classroom a welcoming and supportive environment. If you have any tips or suggestions please contact me below.
I resinate highly with the math axioms popularized by Dr. Federico Ardila.
Axiom 1: Mathematical potential is distributed equally among different groups, irrespective of geographic, demographic, and economic boundaries.
Axiom 2: Everyone can have joyful, meaningful, and empowering mathematical experiences.
Axiom 3: Mathematics is a powerful, malleable tool that can be shaped and used differently by various communities to serve their needs.
Axiom 4: Every student deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
Teaching Samples.
Anyone can be a mathematician if they have the right support and attitude. Here are my go to tips to doing math once you have picked a problem* to work on. :)
The following graphic was highly inspired by an illustration found on:
annahaensch.com
* that's a problem for another day.
RESEARCH
I am a recent graduate of the Wesleyan University mathematics department under the supervision of Chris Rasmussen.
My research interests include Arithmetic Geometry, more specifically I am studying non cuspidal, non-CM sporadic points on the modular curves X_0(n) and X_1(M, MN).
On my bookstand:
On the Level of Modular Curves that Give Rise to Isolated j-invariants by Abbey Bourdon et al.
The Arithmetic of Elliptic Curves by Joseph H. Silverman
Elliptic Curves, Modular Forms, and Their L-functions by Alvaro Lozano-Robledo
Algebraic Curves by William Fulton
Number Fields by Daniel A. Marcus
A copy of my doctorate thesis can be found here.
TALKS
Talk at M∀TH For All Conference Slides:
A Look Into Elliptic Curves
The Game SET
An invited Talk for the MTH 290 class at Southern Oregon University.
Abstract: An introduction to the card game SET and the understanding of the mathematics behind it.
Assumed Knowledge of Audience: up to Calculus I.
Invited talk at UW Bothell REU 2024 Slides:
From REU to Math Professor
An Introduction to Elliptic Curves
An invited Talk for a 403 Lecture at Southwestern University.
Abstract: An elliptic curve over the real numbers, ℝ, is the set of points (x,y) in ℝ^2 so that y^2 =x^3+ax+b for real numbers a and b (with a couple extra conditions). The study of elliptic curves has applications in cryptography and in proving Fermat’s Last Theorem (a theorem that went unproven for over 350 years!). Like the real numbers, we can define ‘addition' on an elliptic curve. We will study this further by looking at the graphs of elliptic curves.
Assumed Knowledge of Audience: up to undergraduate linear algebra.
SERVICE & OUTREACH
Capstone Students
-
Daniel Sinderson - Category Theory (2024)
-
Lola (Lauren) Mapp - Cryptography & Number Theory
-
Manpreet Singh - Graduate Student @ University of Houston
Current Committees
-
Undergraduate Advising Committee
-
Student Learning Experience Survey (SLES)
-
Hiring Committee
-
SOU Math Club Faculty Advisor
-
AWM Gray Award Selection Committee
-
Equity and Open Education Faculty
Past Committees
-
DRP Organizer at Wesleyan University
-
Graduate Student Seminar Co-Organizer at Wesleyan University
-
AMS Chapter Secretary at Wesleyan University
-
Wesleyan Housing Committee Member
-
The College of New Jersey AWM Chapter Vice President
-
Mentor in 2019
-
Participant in 2016
ORGANIZATIONS TO HIGHLIGHT
Checkout: https://minoritymath.org/organizations/
for a longer list of organizations and institutions that support the advancement and training of minorities in the mathematical sciences.
EDGE (Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education):
The EDGE Program is designed to strengthen the ability of women and minority students to successfully complete graduate programs in the mathematical sciences.
Lathisms (Latinx and Hispanics in the Mathematical Sciences):
Showcases the contributions of Latinx and Hispanic mathematicians during Hispanic Heritage Month
Mathematically Black and Gifted:
Features the Accomplishments
of Black Scholars in the
Mathematical Sciences.
Some Mathy Friends
GET IN TOUCH
Department of Mathematics
Southern Oregon University
Science Center
1250 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland, OR 97520
Office: 179
Phone number here