Faculty Profile: Glenn Sproul
Glenn Sproul has had a range of research interests over the course of his career. As a graduate student, he was primarily interested in topology, a branch of mathematics closely related to geometry. Later, he focused on mathematical modeling. Recently, however, he has turned his sights toward mathematical education itself, "trying to help foster appropriate growth and change in quantitative reasoning skills in JSC students." The challenge involved in introductory mathematics instruction is a compelling one for him.
Glenn also teaches a number of upper-level math courses at JSC, where he has been since 1970. Every other year, Glenn teaches a class that enables him to combine his academic interests with his other passion - music. The class is based on Douglas Hofstadter's book Godel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid and explores the relationship between mathematics, art and music. Glenn's own interest in music isn't just theoretical, though - outside of the classroom, he is actively involved in music. He plays the viola, and composes music for and leads a choral group called Syrinx, which regularly performs at retirement communities in the Burlington area.
