Curriculum Vitae

David Dennis

Born:  November 20, 1952       Baltimore, Maryland

Addresses:    Office:

                        Department of Mathematical Sciences

                        University of Texas at El Paso

                        El Paso, Texas  79968-0514

                        Tel: 915-747-6775

                        Fax: 915-747-6502

                        e-mail:   dennis@math.utep.edu

Home:

615 E. Robinson Ave.

El Paso, Texas  79902

Tel: 915-533-9655           

Educational Background:

Ph.D.  (1995).  Mathematics Education. 

            Advisor: Jere Confrey.

            Cornell University, Ithaca NY. 

            Thesis Title:  Historical Perspectives for the Reform of Mathematics Curriculum: Geometric Curve Drawing Devices and their Role in the Transition to an Algebraic Description of Functions. 

M.S.  (1993).  Mathematics Education,

            with secondary certification (6-12) in New York State.  

            Cornell University, Ithaca NY.

M.S.  (1977).   Mathematics, specializing in logic and recursion theory.

            Advisor: Anil Nerode

            Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.

B.A.  (1974).  Mathematics, with highest honors.

            Minors in Philosophy and History of Art.

            University of Delaware,  Newark, DE. 

            Nominated to Phi Beta Kappa

Teaching and Research  Experience:

August 1995 - Present,  University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso Texas.  Assistant Professor, Dept. of Mathematical Sciences.

Spring 1991 - Spring 1995,  Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.  Research Assistant for Prof. Jere Confrey, Dept. of Education.  I worked as part of a research team  in Mathematics Education funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation entitled:  Splitting, Similarity and Rate of Change:  New Approaches to Multiplication and Exponential Functions.  Project Director:  Dr. Jere Confrey.  I also helped to write Dr. Confrey's  successful new N.S.F. grant proposal entitled:  Algebra By Design.  (Approved May 1995).  I was primarily concerned with the use of mathematical history for curricular reform of undergraduate, secondary, and primary mathematics.  My responsibilities also included co-teaching (with Dr. Confrey, Spring 1995) a graduate course in Mathematics Education entitled "What is Algebra?"

Fall 1992,  Ithaca High School, Ithaca NY.  I taught 9th grade algebra & geometry (with special pilot lab sections), and 12th grade advanced placement calculus (B-C).  This teaching was part  my graduate program to obtain N.Y.S. secondary certification.

Fall 1991,  Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.  Teaching Assistant in a computer lab for precalculus students.  This teaching was part of the ongoing research program of Prof. Jere Confrey aimed at improving the precalculus curriculum, using her newly developed software Function Probe ™.

Fall 1988 - Spring 1989,  Wells College, Aurora, NY.  Instructor of Mathematics.  I taught Abstract Algebra, Statistics, and Precalculus to small classes of women at this unique all women's college.

Fall 1983 - Spring 1989,  Ithaca College, Ithaca NY.  Instructor of Mathematics.  I taught many classes at many levels including:  Seminars for Mathematics Majors, History of Mathematics, Philosophy of Mathematics, Calculus, Statistics, Precalculus, Fundamentals of Mathematics, What is Mathematics, and a freshman writing seminar in mathematics.

Fall 1980 - Spring 1983,  Queens College (City University of New York), N.Y.C.  Instructor of Mathematics.  I taught Calculus, Precalculus, Algebra and Trigonometry.  Students in my classes were admitted under the open enrollments program from the highly diverse population of inner city New York.

Winter Session Jan. 1980,  University of Delaware, Newark, DE.  Instructor of Mathematics.  I taught calculus.

Fall 1979, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY.  Instructor of Mathematics.  I taught Statistics and a freshman seminar entitled "What is Mathematics?"

Fall 1974 - Spring 1978,  Cornell University, Ithaca NY.  Teaching Assistant in the Mathematics Dept.  I assisted in the teaching of Engineering Calculus, Finite Mathematics, and History of Mathematics.

Employment, Other than Teaching and Research:

Over the years I have been privately employed in a variety of settings including:  mathematical consulting (statistical & actuarial), architectural design and construction, stone masonry, painting and graphic design, and music (saxophonist).

Publications:

Published Articles:

Dennis, D. & Kreinovich, V. & Rump, S.  (1998).  Intervals and the Origins of Calculus.  Reliable Computing   4: 191-197.   Dordrecht, Netherlands: Kluwer.

Dennis, D.  (1997).   René Descartes' curve-drawing devices:  Experiments in the relations between mechanical motion and symbolic language. Mathematics Magazine, Vol. 70, No. 3, June 1997, pp. 163-174.  Washington D. C.: Mathematical Association of America.

Dennis, D.  &  Confrey, J.  (1996).  The Creation of Continuous Exponents: A Study of the Methods and Epistemology of Alhazen, and Wallis.  In J. Kaput & E. Dubinsky (Eds.), Research in Collegiate Mathematics II.   CBMS Vol 6, pp. 33-60. Providence, RI: American Mathematical Society.

Dennis, D.  &  Confrey, J.  (1995).  Functions of a Curve: Leibniz's Original Notion of Functions and Its Meaning for the Parabola.  In The College Mathematics Journal, Vol. 26, No. 2, March 1995, pp. 124-131.  Washington D.C.:  Mathematical Association of America.

Smith, E. & Dennis, D.  &  Confrey, J.   (1992).   Rethinking Functions, Cartesian Constructions.  In The History and Philosophy of Science in Science Education , Proceedings of the Second International Conference on the History and Philosophy of Science in Science Education, vol. 2 pp. 449 - 466, S. Hills (Ed.)  Kingston, Ontario: The Mathematics, Science, Technology and Teacher Education Group; Queens University.

Published Book Chapters:

 Dennis, D.  (2000).  The Role of Historical Studies in Mathematics and Science Educational Research.  In Dick Lesh & Anthony Kelly (Eds.)  Research Design in Mathematics and Science Education. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

Dennis, D.  &  Confrey, J.  (1998).  Geometric Curve Drawing Devices as an Alternative Approach to Analytic Geometry:  An Analysis of the Methods, Voice, and Epistemology of a High School Senior.  In R. Lehrer and D. Chazan (Eds.)Designing Learning Environments for Developing Understanding of Geometry and Space.  pp. 297-318.  Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Dennis, D.  &  Confrey, J.  (1997).  Drawing Logarithmic and Exponential Curves with the Computer Software Geometer's Sketchpad: A Method Inspired by Historical Sources.  In J. King & D. Schatschneider (Eds.), Geometry Turned On: Dynamic Software in Learning, Teaching and Research..  pp. 147-156.  Washington D.C.: Mathematical Association of America.

Articles Accepted for Publication:

Dennis, D.   (in press).  Is Reification Central to Mathematical Creativity?: Case Studies of Original Mathematics Generated by Students.  International Journal of Computers for Mathematical Learning.  Dordrecht, Netherlands: Kluwer. 

Published Abstracts:

Dennis, D. (1999)   Recruiting, Preparing and Supporting Effective Teachers of Mathematics in a Poor Urban Hispanic Environment.  Abstract published and refereed by the American Mathematical Society.  Printed for  the Joint Mathematics Meetings, A.M.S.  - M.A.A.  January 2000, Washington DC.

Dennis, D. (1999)  Historically Inspired Curriculum Development Projects as Part of an M.A.T. Program in Mathematics.  Abstract published and refereed by the American Mathematical Society.  Printed for  the Joint Mathematics Meetings, A.M.S.  - M.A.A.  January 2000, Washington DC.

Dennis, D. (1998)  Forging a more connected, and scientific geometry curriculum through student investigations of locus problems and geometrical curve drawing devices using the computer software "Geometer's Sketchpad." Abstract published and refereed by the American Mathematical Society.  Printed for  the Joint Mathematics Meetings, A.M.S.  - M.A.A.  January 1999, San Antonio, TX.

Dennis, D. & Blake, S.  (1997).  Comprehensive Reform of the Mathematical Preparation of Preservice K-8 Teachers:  Project-Based Mathematics Investigations With Integrated Educational Field-Based Experiences.  Abstract published and refereed by the American Mathematical Society.  Printed for  the Joint Mathematics Meetings, A.M.S.  - M.A.A.  January 1998.  Baltimore, Maryland.

Dennis, D.  (1997).  Project-Based Investigations with Portfolio Assessment in a History of Mathematics Course for Teachers.  Abstract published and refereed by the American Mathematical Society.  Printed for  the Joint Mathematics Meetings, A.M.S.  - M.A.A.  January 1997.  San Diego, CA.

Dennis, D.  (1997).  Portfolio Assessment Through Written Project Investigations: The Generation of Original Mathematics by K-8 Teacher Candidates.  Abstract published and refereed by the American Mathematical Society.  Printed for  the Joint Mathematics Meetings, A.M.S.  - M.A.A.  January 1997.  San Diego, CA.

Dennis, D.  (1996).  The Historical Role of Geometric Curve Drawing Devices in the Genesis of Calculus.  Abstract published and refereed by the American Mathematical Society, Volume 17, #1, p. 4.  Printed for  the Joint Mathematics Meetings, A.M.S.  - M.A.A.  January 1996.  Orlando, Florida.

Dennis, D.  (1995).  The Historical Role Of Curve Drawing Devices In The Genesis Of Analytic Geometry And Their Modern Educational Role In Connection With Dynamic Geometry Software.  Abstract Published in The Proceedings of the Third International Conference on History Philosophy and Science Teaching.  Minneapolis, MN, October 29 - November 2.

Dennis, D.  (1995).  The Origins of Leibniz's Calculus Notation in Numerical Tables and His Subsequent Coordination of Multiple Representations.  Abstract Published in The Proceedings of the Third International Conference on History Philosophy and Science Teaching.  Minneapolis, MN, October 29 - November 2.

Dennis, D.  &  Confrey, J.  (1995).   Drawing Logarithmic and Exponential Curves with the Computer Software Geometer's Sketchpad : A Method Inspired by Historical Sources.  Abstract published and refereed by the American Mathematical Society, Volume 16, #1, p. 208.  Printed for  the Joint Mathematics Meetings, A.M.S.  - M.A.A.  January 1995.  San Francisco, CA.

Dennis, D.  &  Confrey, J.  (1994).   Drawing Logarithmic and Exponential Curves with the Computer Software Geometer's Sketchpad : A Method Inspired by Historical Sources.  Abstract published and refereed by the American Mathematical Society, Volume 16, #1, p. 208.  Printed for  the Joint Mathematics Meetings, A.M.S  - M.A.A.  January 1995.  San Francisco, CA.

Dennis, D.  (1993).  Empirical Methods in Seventeenth Century Mathematics:  A Guide to a Curriculum that Respects the Conceptions of Our Students.  Abstract published and refereed by the American Mathematical Society, Volume 14, #5, p. 538.  Printed for the Joint Mathematics Meetings, A.M.S - C.M.S. - M.A.A.  August 1993.  Vancouver, B.C. Canada.

Conference Presentations:

Historically Inspired Curriculum Development Projects as Part of an M.A.T. Program in Mathematics.   To be presented at The Joint Mathematics Meetings, A.M.S  - M.A.A.  January 2000, Washington DC.

Recruiting, Preparing and Supporting Effective Teachers of Mathematics in a Poor Urban Hispanic Environment.   To be presented at The Joint Mathematics Meetings, A.M.S  - M.A.A.  January 2000, Washington DC.

Forging a more connected, and scientific geometry curriculum through student investigations of locus problems and geometrical curve drawing devices using the computer software "Geometer's Sketchpad."  To be presented at The Joint Mathematics Meetings, A.M.S  - M.A.A.  January 1999, San Antonio, TX.

Comprehensive Reform of the Mathematical Preparation of Preservice K-8 Teachers:  Project-Based Mathematics Investigations With Integrated Educational Field-Based Experiences.  Presented at The Joint Mathematics Meetings, A.M.S  - M.A.A.  January 1998, Baltimore, Maryland.

Leibniz's Original Discovery of Integration by Parts: The Historical Role of Geometric Curve Drawing Devices in the Genesis of Calculus.  Presented at  Semana de Ingenieriá III, held at La UACJ, Institute of Engineering and Technology in Juarez, Mexico.  November 1997.

Changes in the Mathematical Abilities and Attitudes of Preservice K-8 Teachers in a Project Based University Classroom: The Generation of Original Mathematics by Students.  Presented at The Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, April 1997,  Chicago, Ill.

Project-Based Investigations with Portfolio Assessment in a History of Mathematics Course for Teachers.  Presented at The Joint Mathematics Meetings, A.M.S  - M.A.A.  January 1997, San Diego, CA

 Portfolio Assessment Through Written Project Investigations: The Generation of Original Mathematics by K-8 Teacher Candidates.  Presented at The Joint Mathematics Meetings, A.M.S  - M.A.A.  January 1997, San Diego, CA

Team Progress Report for the El Paso Partnership for Excellence in Teacher Education.  Presented at the N.S.F. Working Conference, Dynamic Partnerships: Seeding and Sustaining Educational Reform.  June 1996, Washington D.C.

Historical Representations of Ratios: Part 6 of an Interactive Symposium on Splitting, Ratio, and Proportion (sponsored by Dr. Jere Confrey, Cornell University)

Presented at The Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association. April 1996,  New York City.

Geometric Curve Drawing Devices as an Alternative Approach to Analytic Geometry:

An Analysis of the Methods, Voice, and Epistemology of a High School Senior.

Presented at The Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association. April 1996,  New York City

The Historical Role of Geometric Curve Drawing Devices in the Genesis of Calculus.  Presented at The Joint Mathematics Meetings, A.M.S  - M.A.A.  January 1996.  Orlando, Florida.

The Origins of Leibniz's Calculus Notation in Numerical Tables and His Subsequent Coordination of Multiple Representations.  Presented at The Third International Conference on History Philosophy and Science Teaching.  Minneapolis, MN, October 29 - November 2, 1995.

The Historical Role Of Curve Drawing Devices In The Genesis Of Analytic Geometry And Their Modern Educational Role In Connection With Dynamic Geometry Software.  Presented at The Third International Conference on History Philosophy and Science Teaching.  Minneapolis, MN, October 29 - November 2, 1995.

The Historical Role of Curve Drawing Devices in the Genesis of Calculus.  Presented at the Southwest Section Meeting of the Mathematical Association of America,  April 8, 1995, El Paso, Texas.

Drawing Logarithmic and Exponential Curves with the Computer Software Geometer's Sketchpad : A Method Inspired by Historical Sources.  Presented at the Joint Mathematics Meetings, A.M.S  - M.A.A.  January 1995.  San Francisco, CA.

Using the Multi-Representational Software, Function Probe, with Contextual Problems in a Precalculus Course.  Presented at the Seaway Section Meeting of the Mathematical Association of America,  April 23, 1994, Albany New York.

The Creation of Binomial Series: A Study of the Methods and Epistemology of Wallis, Newton, and Euler.  Presented at the Joint Mathematics Meetings, A.M.S - C.M.S. - M.A.A.  August 1993.  Vancouver, B.C. Canada.

The Creation of Continuous Exponents: A Study of the Methods and Epistemology of Alhazen, and Wallis.  Presented at The Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association.  April 1993.  Atlanta, GA.

Rethinking Functions, Cartesian Constructions.  Presented at the Second International Conference on the History and Philosophy of Science in Science Education.  May 1992,  Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

Professional Associations and Activites:

Active Referee for: International Journal of Computers for Mathematical Learning.  Dordrecht, Netherlands: Klewer Academic Publications.

Consultant for the doctoral program in mathematics education at University of Texas at Austin.  Director: Dr. Jere Confrey.  I made a site visit and conducted a seminar on October 9-10, 1997.

Consultant for mathematics education research at University of Wisconsin at Madison, Director of Research Program: Dr. Richard Lehrer.  I made a site visit to Madison, June 24-26, 1996

Consultant for mathematics education research at Cornell University, Director of Research Program: Dr. Jere Confrey.  I made a site visit to Ithaca, NY, May 13-16, 1996

Professional Memberships:

American Mathematical Society. 

Mathematical Association of America.

American Educational Research Association.

National Council for Teachers of Mathematics.

Local & Community Service Work with Public Schools:

1995-1998,  Extensive outreach activties to public schools in the El Paso area by conducting seminars and workshops and acting as a consultant for curricular reform.

1995 - 1996,  Consultant for Mathematics Institutes for K-12 Teachers,  El Paso Collaborative for Academic Excellence.  I contributed projects and advice to the Collaborative for the planning of these workshops and delivered a keynote address to over 300 teachers on February 9, 1996.

1994 - 1995, Tompkins County (NY) Head Start Policy Council  (vice-chairperson).

1992 - 1993,  Alternative Community School - Advisory Board (a special program within the Ithaca Public Schools, Ithaca, NY).