Mathematics

The mathematics program at Coastal Georgia provides big school opportunities with a small school touch. With a supportive and student-centered faculty, the Department of Mathematics strives to prepare students for math careers in the public and private sectors.

A Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree will prepare students for a variety of careers by developing analytical and critical thinking skills, which are highly desirable in the job market. The mathematics degree offers the flexibility to be easily applied to a wide range of careers. Post graduation, it’s easy to switch to another field, like Data Science, but not vice versa. Graduates from the program have gone on to distinguished graduate programs and industry jobs.

The concentrations offered in Mathematics are Environmental Modelling and General Mathematics. Each concentration provides skill development in analysis, critical thinking computation, application, synthesis, and communication. Some of the highlighted course work includes Linear Algebra, Logic & Proof, Numerical Analysis, History of Mathematics, Operations Research, R and MATLAB programing, etc.

The Math & Data Science Club is very active and provides opportunities for students to give presentations, engage with faculty outside of the classroom, and meet faculty and professionals from across the country.

In 2021, the Georgia Theta Chapter of Kappa Mu Epsilon was established. KME is a national math honor society. Shown above are the inaugural Georgia Theta officers, Marianela Landi (president), Monique Deschenes (vice president), Kaelyn Tyler (treasurer), and Darius Hammond (secretary).”

Concentrations in Mathematics

Environmental Modelling

Info coming soon!

General Mathematics

This concentration is designed to provide students with an understanding of the concepts and structures that underlie all mathematics, as well as to give the functional knowledge necessary to apply mathematical ideas and techniques to “real world” problems.

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Secondary Teacher Certification

Our Secondary Education Mathematics program will refine your analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Upon graduation, you will be well-equipped to teach middle and high school mathematics to all students.

Secondary Teacher Certification

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Dr. German Vargas

German Vargas

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs


Education
Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Wichita State University
M.S. in Mathematics, Wichita State University
B.S. in Physics, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Computational fluid dynamics, mathematical modeling, partial differential equations, numerical analysis, and scientific computing. Notable project: Neural Bypass through a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) that integrated an Electroencephalograph (EEG) with a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) unit. In this project the user was able to move their arms without engaging the motor cortex and bypassing brain-spine communications.

Dr. Baboucarr Dibba

Baboucarr Dibba, College of Coastal Georgia

Assistant Professor of Mathematics & Data Science

Dr. Aaron Yeager

Aaron Yeager

Associate Professor of Mathematics

Education
Ph.D. in Pure Mathematics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
M.S. in Applied Mathematics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
M.A. in Pure Mathematics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
B.S. in Mathematics, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
A.S. in Mathematics, Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles, CA

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Dr. Yeager’s teaching philosophy centers on building strong relationships with students, fostering confidence with course material, thoughtfully integrating technology, and creating an active, supportive learning environment. Through mentoring from experienced colleagues and participation in teaching conferences and seminars, Dr. Yeager believes that every course – and every group of students – requires a tailored approach. He prioritizes getting to know students early through office-hour visits and by sharing personal and mathematical stories that promote resilience and a growth mindset. He also integrates technology through tools such as Smart Boards, computer algebra systems, and visualization software to deepen conceptual understanding. Dr. Yeager continues to explore new ways to enhance learning through emerging technologies. Beyond the classroom, his commitment to outreach and mentoring – particularly for underserved students – has shaped his approach to teaching, reinforcing his belief that meaningful support, inclusive practices, and intentional engagement are essential to student success.

Dr. Yeager’s research interests are Random Polynomials,

Orthogonal Polynomials, Asymptotic Analysis, Analytic and Algebraic Number Theory, Probability Theory, Potential Theory, Graph Theory, Harmonic Analysis, Complex Analysis, and Mathematics Education.

Publications:

1. with C. Corely and A. Ledoan, “The complex level crossings of random orthogonal polynomials.” accepted and to appear in Functiones et Approximatio Commentarii Mathematici.

2. with M. Landi, K. Johnson, G. Moseley, “Zeros of complex random polynomials spanned by Bergman polynomials,” Involve: A Journal of Mathematics (2021), Vol. 14, no. 2, 271–281.

3. “The variance of the number of zeros for complex random orthogonal polynomials spanned by OPUC,” Computational Methods and Function Theory (2020), Volume 20, no.~2, 255–277.

4. “Real zeros of random sums with i.i.d.~coefficients,” Colloquium Mathematicum (2020), Volume 161, 173–188.

5. with M.~Yattselev, “Zeros of real random polynomials spanned by OPUC,” Indiana University Mathematics Journal (2019), Volume 68, no.~3, 835–856.

6. “Zeros of random orthogonal polynomials with complex Gaussian coefficients,” Rocky Mountain Journal of Mathematics (2018) 48 no~.7, 2385–2403.

7. with I.~Pritsker, “Zeros of polynomials with random coefficients,” Journal of Approximation Theory (2015), Volume 189, 88–100.

8. with M. Rivera, M. Tomova, and C.Wyels,“The radio number of $C_n\square C_n$,” Ars Combinatorics (2015), Volume CXX, 7–21.

9. with R. Baker, W. Banks, and Z. Guo, “Piatetski-Shapiro primes from almost primes,” Monatshefte f\”{u}r Mathematik (2014), Volume 174, no.~3, 357–370.

10. with A. G\”ulo\u glu and W. Banks,“Carmichael meets Chebotarev,” Canadian Mathematical Bulletin (2013), Volume 56, no.~4, 695–708.

11. with W. Banks, “Carmichael numbers composed of primes from a Beatty sequence,” Colloquium Mathematicum (2011), Volume 125, no.~1, 129–137.

12. with T. Gassert, “Characterization of the vertex-reinforced random walk and trapping subgraphs,” The Pentagon (2008), Volume 68, no.~1, 21–28.

Dr. Renren Zhao

Renren Zhao

Associate Professor of Mathematics

Education
Ph.D. in Mathematics with Statistics emphasis, University of Missouri Rolla
M.A. in Applied Mathematics, University of Missouri Rolla
B.A. in Economics, Chongqing University

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My teaching centers on statistics, probability, and computing/data science, with an emphasis on using computation and simulation to connect theory to real applications. My research interests include saddlepoint approximation and statistical inference, particularly equivalence testing in exponential families, with related interests in actuarial science, machine learning, and mathematics education.

Recent scholarly output: Renren Zhao and Paige Robert, “Optimal Equivalence Testing in Exponential Families,” Statistical Papers.

Cailin Noble

Cailin Noble

Senior Lecturer of Mathematics

Education
M.A. in Mathematics, University of Central Arkansas
B.S. in Mathematics, University of Central Arkansas

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
I am a Senior Lecturer passionate about mathematics education, with a particular focus on algebra and its effective teaching strategies. My research examines how learning mindsets and metacognitive approaches influence student engagement and achievement in learning. I enjoy exploring innovative teaching tools and digital platforms to create interactive and engaging learning experiences. Accessibility is central to my work. I strive to design inclusive learning environments that support diverse learners, including those with disabilities. My recent scholarly activities include studies on growth mindset interventions in mathematics, the impact of adaptive technologies on student performance, and strategies for fostering equity in STEM education.

Jamie Berrie

Interim Chair, Department of Mathematics and Data Science
Senior Lecturer of Mathematics

Education
E.d.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (Concentration in Higher Education Administration), Columbus State University (expected 2027)
M.S. in Applied Mathematics, Western Carolina University
B.S. in Mathematical Sciences, Armstrong Atlantic State University

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My research interests include mathematics education and applied statistics, with a focus on using data-driven tools to improve student outcomes. I am particularly interested in how artificial intelligence can increase access to learning and reduce cost barriers in higher education. My applied work also spans agricultural statistics, exercise science, and fermentation science, where I use statistical modeling to study complex real-world systems.