2013 Faculty
The BSSP faculty are dynamic, committed professors.
Catherine Buell and Pallavi Jayawant teach Great Ideas in Mathematics.
Catherine Buell is a visiting assistant professor of mathematics. She joined the Bates faculty in 2011 on a three-year appointment. Catherine teaches all levels of mathematics courses and advises thesis students. Catherine taught in the Summer Scholars Program in 2012. Her mathematical and research interests include algebraic group theory, Lie theory, symmetric spaces, involutions, and some topics in mathematical physics. She is also involved in several math education endeavors. Catherine completed her Ph.D. in Mathematics at North Carolina State University. Her non-mathematical interests include dancing, outdoor activities, playing with her dog, and spending time with friends and family.
Pallavi Jayawant is an associate professor of mathematics. She teaches Calculus, Probability, Graph Algorithms, Topological Methods in Combinatorics (the math used, for instance, to equitably split rents and cut cakes), Enumerative Combinatorics (used, for example, to figure out ways to seat people around dinner tables), and Math Camp. Pallavi also teaches a first-year seminar about using mathematics to understand a variety of behaviors, from dogs fetching balls throw into water to humans forming social networks. Pallavi’s research interests focus on combinatorial proofs of statements and identities through the use of discrete objects as models. Pallavi received her Ph.D. from Brandeis University. In addition to mathematics, Pallavi enjoys movies and books and like to travel.
Rachel Narehood Austin teaches Urban Lead Pollution.
Rachel Narehood Austin is a professor of chemistry. A bioinorganic chemist, Rachel teaches Chemical Reactivity in Environmental Systems, Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, and Chemical Synthesis and Reactivity. She also has taught a first-year seminar on the chemistry of and issues surrounding nuclear fission as well as one on the chemistry of color. Her laboratory, in which many students participate as researchers, has a longstanding interest in understanding global cycling of elements, green chemistry, and issues surrounding lead in environmental systems and lead remediation. Rachel, originally from California, earned her Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina.