Matthew Pascal, Ph.D.
Interim Dean, School of Arts and Sciences
Professor, Mathematics
Contact Information
- Office: 605 Academic Hall
- Phone: 412-392-3892
- Fax: 412-392-6180
- Email: mpascal@pointpark.edu
Education
- Bachelor of Science, Mathematics with a minor in physics, Duquesne University
- Master of Science, Mathematics, University of Pittsburgh
- Doctor of Philosophy, Mathematics Education, American University
Courses Taught
- College Algebra
- Statistics
- Differential Equations
Background
Matthew Pascal, Ph.D., professor and interim dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, has an extensive background in teaching mathematics. Prior to joining Point Park University, he taught mathematics full time at West Virginia University, Towson University, American University and Northern Virginia Community College. Before that, Pascal was a teaching assistant at the University of Pittsburgh and an adjunct faculty member at Montgomery College, Maryland College of Art and Design, and Anne Arundel Community College.
Curriculum Vitae
Research Interests
- Education Legislation (Mathematics)
- Mathematics Education
- Psychology of Mathematics Education
- Assessment
Selected Publications
- "Commentary on Legislation: A Mathematical Perspective," NOTICES of the American Mathematical Society, Jan. 2011.
- "The Killer Problem" Proceedings of the thirty-second Annual Conference of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, Oct. 2010.
- "Trigonometry: A Course Manual," Kendall-Hunt, 2009.
- "The Dreaded 'Work' Problems Revisited: Connections from Basic Fractions to Calculus," Mathematics Teacher, 2008.
- "The Effects of Spike Frequency Adaptation and Negative Feedback on the Synchronization of Neural Oscillators," Neural Computation, 2001.
- "Learning Outcomes Assessment: Stimulating Faculty Involvement Rather than Dismay," Supporting Assessment in Undergraduate Mathematics, Mathematics Association of America, 2005.
Selected Presentations
- "The Sea Island Problem," West Virginia University Mathematics Symposium, Morgantown, W.Va., Nov. 2010.
- "The Killer Problem," The 32nd annual meeting of the North American Chapter of The International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, Columbus, Ohio, Oct. 2010.
- "The Game of EQUATIONS," West Virginia University Mathematics Symposium, Morgantown, W.Va., Nov. 2007.
- "A Geometric Series Approach to the Work Problem," West Virginia University Mathematics Symposium, Morgantown, W.Va., Oct. 2006 and 2008.
- "A Multi-Stage Assessment of No Child Left Behind in the Middle School Mathematics Classroom," MAA Section Meeting, Loyola College, Baltimore, Md., April 2006.
- "Ancient Navigation and Surveying," Sonya Kovalevsky Day, American University, Washington, D.C., March 2004.
Professional Memberships
- National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
- Mathematical Association of America
In the News
- "Stat Scientist on Steelers 'Renegade' Effect: 'This is the Thing Everyone Wants'," Behind the Steel Curtain, Sept. 5, 2022.
- "Does New Data Show that 'Renegade' Gives the Steelers a Statistical Advantage in the 4th Quarter?," Steeler Nation, Sept. 2, 2022.
- "Styx Song ‘Renegade’ Gives the Steelers a Statistical Advantage in the 4th Quarter, Data Shows," Outkick, Sept. 1, 2022.
- "Point Park University program helps high school students add to their math skills," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Nov. 2, 2012.
Point Park Features
- "Get Career-Ready with: Juan Barrera '25, Applied Computer Science and Business Management Major," Point Park University website, Nov. 15, 2023.
- "Point Park University Launches New Minor in Theatrical Engineering for Electrical Engineering Majors," Point Park University website, May 15, 2023.
- "Phillip Gertz '16 is a Systems Integration and Test Engineer Working on NASA's Orion Crew Module," Point Park University website, May 3, 2023.
- "Growing Up in the Galaxy: Physics Professor Discusses Extraterrestrial Intelligence at 2023 Finkelhor Lecture," Point Park University website, April 10, 2023.
- "High School Students Explore Probability in Pittsburgh at Point Park's Math Symposium," Point Park University website, April 27, 2015.
- "High School Students Explore Abstract Geometry at Third Annual Math Symposium," Point Park University website, April 24, 2014.
- "Math Symposium introduces students to Ancient Chinese surveying," Point Park News Service, Nov. 30, 2012.
- "Point Park hosts inaugural mathematics symposium for high school students," Point Park University website, Nov. 13, 2012.
- "Faculty Profile: Meet Assistant Professor Matthew Pascal, Mathematics," Point Park University website, Oct. 14, 2011.