Past Events

Robert Anstett

BOB from the Future is the Coordinator for Digital Initiatives at the Broward County Library. BOB works to obtain cutting edge technology for the public and staff so they can see what possibilities there are!

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M. Emre Celebi 

M. Emre Celebi received his Ph.D. degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2006. He is currently a Professor and the Chair of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Central Arkansas. Dr. Celebi has actively pursued research in image processing/analysis and data mining with an emphasis on medical image analysis, color image processing, and partitional clustering. He is a senior member of the IEEE (since 2011) and a fellow of the SPIE (since 2021).

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Callie J. Daniels

Callie Daniels is a Professor of Mathematics at St. Charles Community College. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Applied Mathematics from the Missouri University of Science & Technology, a Master's Degree in Adult Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from the University of the Ozarks. Her teaching interests include motivating students to achieve their potential, finding new ways to use technology to help students learn, and providing support materials for faculty.  She is a Pearson author and writes for the Lial College Series which includes College Algebra, Trigonometry, and Precalculus.  Callie’s other interests include riding horses, riding motorcycles, and shooting action photography. 

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Louis Guccione

Education: MS and Ph.D. in Mathematics. Thesis topic is in the area of spectral theory of differential operator.
Earned graduate certificate in wireless and digital communications. Worked in various technology areas (radar, sonar, telecommunications, etc.) in industry over a period of thirty years. Co-inventor of numerous patents in cellular security. Have been teaching statistics (STA2023) at PBSC since 2014.

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Madiha Jamal

I am Madiha Jamal, aka Maddy J. I am the of The Content Unlimited, an inclusive boutique copywriting agency. I create branding and marketing copies from scratch and helps businesses to thrive on content marketing with a 100% success rate. On the first instinct, my educational background that’s a Master’s degree in applied mathematics seems different from my career but I know that it’s connected because I see the world from a mathematician's eye where everything falls under the universal language - mathematics. I simplify complex concepts and explain them in an easy-to-understand, pleasant way - that’s what all mathematicians do. I influence people with my capacity to concoct connections with words that demonstrate affections, simplicity, epiphany, and some pizazz. I am passionate about exploring the tech world with mathematics - one awesome technology adventure at a time. I am a crazy fan of AI and Robotics.

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David Jenks

David Jenks is the Career Center Manager at Palm Beach State College. He has been with PBSC 4 years and has previously worked in Career Services at FAU, UCF and Stetson University.

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Andras Juhasz

Andras Juhasz obtained his PhD from Princeton University. After a postdoctoral position at the University of Cambridge, he held a faculty position at Imperial College London, and is currently Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford. His research interests include differential and low-dimensional topology, and applications of machine learning to knot theory.

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Youssef Kaddoura

Youssef O. Kaddoura is the Academic Program Specialist II in the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center at the University of Florida (UF), and an ABD Geomatics Ph.D. candidate (exp. graduation 5/2022) in the UF School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences. His research investigates establishing a reproducible methodology to georeference oblique tower-mounted (PhenoCam) images, through applying a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses the fields of photogrammetry, ecology, lidar, conventional surveying techniques and theories. As a member of ASPRS, he served as a Board Member for the period of March 2020 till March 2021. He holds a MS in Computer Information Science and Engineering (CISE) from the University of Florida, which included deploying innovative use of technology towards enabling aging seniors to live independently for a longer period of time. This work resulted in a US Patent titled “Remote surveillance and assisted care using a mobile communication device”, which served as a catalyst to further pursue remote sensing and photogrammetry. Previously, Youssef worked at Geospatial Consultancy Company, an ESRI partner in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

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Craig Kruempel

Craig has a BS in Biology, and a MS in Coastal Zone Management with an emphasis on marine biology. With more than 35 years of experience, he provides clients with coastal zone resource planning, permitting, and monitoring support. A major part of his responsibilities include working on comprehensive characterization, monitoring, and mitigation program development with an emphasis on natural hardbottom, artificial reefs, and living shorelines. 
During his career, Craig has worked on projects that require a comprehensive understanding of State and Federal coastal resource permitting and National Environmental Policy Act compliance. He has served as principal scientist on numerous field investigations throughout the Gulf of Mexico and East Coast of the United States. Craig’s recent project experience includes implementation of a comprehensive water quality monitoring program at Port Everglades and support of a marine resource monitoring program in the United Arab Emirates.

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Elayn Martin-Gay

Author of numerous Developmental Math textbooks by Pearson, Inc.  University of New Orleans retired faculty member. Recipient of Numerous Teaching Awards. Advocate of Increased Student Success via Positive Mindset, Equity and Equality.

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Mark McKay

Professor of Ophthalmic Medical Technology, National Speaker for Continuing Education for Dispensing Opticians, Board Certified Optician, Professional Blackjack Player.

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Anthony Piccolino

Dr. Tony Piccolino is a professor of mathematics at Palm Beach State College since 2009. He also serves as Coordinator of Continuing Contract Coaches. Prior to his tenure at Palm Beach State, he taught undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral courses in mathematics and mathematics education for 17 years at Montclair State University in New Jersey and served on several dissertation committees. In addition to his years in higher education, he also served for 25 years as a mathematics teacher and supervisor in public schools in New York State. Tony’s educational background includes an B.S. in mathematics from Iona College, Master’s Degrees from Yeshiva University and Fordham University, and a doctorate in mathematics education from Columbia University (Teachers College).

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Joseph Pick

When I was young, I viewed math as a collection of cute tricks. Often, I did not pay attention to why I was able to implement these cute tricks. I just enjoyed playing with cute math tricks. While attending university I learned about the deep theoretical concepts that explained why I was allowed to implement the math tricks of my youth. The proofs of these theoretical concepts contained many wonderful, deep, and ingenious tricks that I added to my “bag of cute math tricks”. After university I worked in industry as a programmer and wrote software for radar systems and hardware simulations. My math background came in handy because the real-world applications that I wrote programs for required a deep understanding of math (calculus, linear algebra, statistics, and Boolean logic). For the last 9 years I have used my experiences with cute math tricks, theoretical math, and industrial applications to make math more meaningful and enjoyable for Palm Beach State College students both in the classroom and during my Math Awareness Week presentations.

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Jesse Rogers

Jesse Rogers has been a Math Learning Specialist for PBSC since 2006. He's been a regular presenter at Math Awareness Week throughout that time, presenting on how math relates to everything from politics to game theory. He's currently studying the intersection of AI, economics, programming, and blockchain technology, with plans to create a play-to-earn game (Google "Axie Infinity") in the next five years. Jesse frequently writes for the Geek Culture publication on Medium. You can subscribe to be emailed his articles at https://medium.com/@jessejrogers

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Merey Sarsengeldin

Research scholar in Mathematical Physics and Machine Learning at University of Central Florida, PhD in Mathematics with background in Electrical Engineering.

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Leanne T. Schmitt

Leanna Schmitt is responsible for providing investment solutions to current and prospective intermediary relationships. Ms. Schmitt spent her first seven years at Intech in Portfolio Management where she was responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management and trading process for client portfolios. Prior to joining Intech, Ms. Schmitt worked at Salomon Smith Barney (now Citi Prime Finance) Global Prime Brokerage Technology Group located in downtown Manhattan, working on application development for internet/intranet systems and was also head of their Disaster Recovery Team. Ms. Schmitt worked in New York City as a web developer for Kiwibox.com and as a teacher’s assistant in the Computer Science Department at Fordham University while earning her undergraduate degree. Ms. Schmitt holds FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses.

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Terri Speights

Dr. Speights has over 20 years of teaching experience. Professor Speights has always been committed to developing and implementing learning strategies which promote “student success and retention.” In her spare time, Professor Speights loves to spend time at the beach, traveling or hanging out with family and friends.

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Dr. Eva Suarez

Dr. Suarez has served as the Engineering Technology Department Chair at Palm Beach State College since Summer 2018.  Dr. Suarez was previously a Senior Engineer at Florida Turbine Technologies.

 

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Mark McKay

Mark McKay is a founding member of the Ophthalmic Medical Technologist program at Palm Beach State.  He loves teaching and lecturers nationally about eye care. He is a board-certified optician.

 

Dr. Terri Speights

Dr. Speights’ teaching experience spans over 20 years. She received a Master’s in Mathematics Education in 2006 at Nova Southeastern University and a Doctorate in Leadership Education at Valdosta State University in 2018.

In 2013, Dr. Speights received a special recognition from the Vice President of Academic Affairs for her role in the redesign of the Developmental Mathematics courses which lead to improvements in student success and retention.  Professor Speights joined PBSC in 2015 as a Professor of Mathematics.   Her research has focused on “The Effects of Developmental Math Courses on Student Success Outcomes at Community Colleges.”   Professor Speights has always been committed to developing and implementing learning strategies which promote “student success and retention.” 

In her spare time, Professor Speights loves to spend time at the beach, traveling or hanging out with family and friends.

 

Marty Triola

Mario F. Triola a Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at Dutchess Community College, where he has taught statistics for over 30 years. He is the author of Elementary Statistics -- the #1 best-selling statistics text in the market for the last 25 years. Marty is a firm believer that “real data brings statistics to life,” and that is the foundation on which he writes his texts. Marty also designed the original Statdisk statistical software, which is incorporated into his texts along with other software packages.

Marty’s interest in applying statistics to real-world situations comes from his own work experiences. Marty’s consulting work includes the design of casino slot machines and fishing rods. He has worked with attorneys in determining probabilities in paternity lawsuits, analyzing data in medical malpractice lawsuits, identifying salary inequities based on gender, and analyzing disputed election results. He has also used statistical methods in analyzing medical school surveys, in analyzing survey results for the New York City Transit Authority, and analyzing COVID-19 virus data for government officials. Marty has testified as an expert witness in the New York State Supreme Court. The Text and Academic Authors Association has awarded Marty a “Texty” for Excellence for his work on Elementary Statistics.

 

Jesse Rogers

Jesse Rogers has been a Learning Specialist at PBSC since 2006.

Since the pandemic he has written around 75 Medium articles, become a REALTOR, a podcaster, and a cryptocurrency investor. He’s interested in developing an entrepreneurship club so connect with him at rogersjj@palmbeachstate.edu if interested.

His Compounding Interest Podcast link is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLcRrlkjedROcFDdwr8ANwg

Read his Medium posts at https://jessejrogers.medium.com/

 

Dr. Andrew Trupin

Professor Trupin received his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Colorado.

Professor Trupin teaches science courses at PBSC such as Descriptive Astronomy, Earth Science and Applied Physics.

Professor Trupin has published science articles relating to global tide gauge sea level data, the effect of melting glaciers on the Earth’s rotation and gravitational field, plus more.

 

Dr. Alisa Stephens

Alisa J. Stephens-Shields, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Biostatistics at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.  Her research focuses on extensions and innovative applications of causal inference to enhance the design and analysis of clinical trials.

She also works on the development of patient-reported outcomes to inform population-appropriate trial endpoints.  Dr. Stephens-Shields collaborates in several clinical areas, including pediatrics, chronic pain, pharmacoepidemiology, and behavioral economics.

She is a recipient of the inaugural Committee of Presidents of Statistical Societies Leadership Academy award and has held elected positions in the American Statistical Association Section on Statistics in Epidemiology and the Eastern North American Region of the International Biometrics Society. Dr. Stephens-Shields serves as associate editor for the journals Biostatistics and Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety. 

She is a proud native of Teaneck, New Jersey, and holds Ph.D. and A.M. degrees in biostatistics from Harvard University and a B.S. in mathematics with minor in Spanish from the University of Maryland, College Park. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa national honor societies.

 

Dennis Runde

Dennis Runde is in his 31st year of teaching mathematics at State College of Florida in Bradenton. He earned his BS and MS in Mathematics from the Universities of Wisconsin at Platteville and Milwaukee, respectively and his PhD in Mathematics Education from the University of South Florida. He is lead author on a Liberal Arts Mathematics textbook and on a series of Algebra for College Students textbooks. Dennis and his wife, Kristin, are the proud parents of three adult sons.

 

Dr. Anthony Piccolino

Dr. Tony Piccolino is a professor of mathematics at Palm Beach State College since 2009. He also serves as Honors College Faculty Coordinator.  Prior to his tenure at Palm Beach State, he taught undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral courses in mathematics and mathematics education for 17 years at Montclair State University in New Jersey and served on several dissertation committees.  In addition to his years in higher education, he also served for 25 years as a mathematics teacher and supervisor in public schools in New York State. Tony’s educational background includes an B.S. in mathematics from Iona College, Master’s Degrees from Yeshiva University and Fordham University, and a doctorate in mathematics education from Columbia University (Teachers College).

 

Dr. Lynn Gamwell

Lynn Gamwell is a lecturer in the history of art, science, and mathematics at the School of Visual Arts in New York. She is the author of Mathematics and Art: A Cultural History (Princeton, 2018) and Exploding the Invisible: Art, Science, and Spiritual (Princeton, 2020).

 

David Jenks 

Career Center Manger, Palm Beach Gardens Campus Panel Moderator

David has worked almost 20 years in college career development.  Mr. Jenks has been with PBSC since Fall 2017 and has also worked at the FAU and UCF Career Centers.  His previous career was sales and marketing in the finance and travel industries.

 

Dr. Eva Suarez - Panelist

Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr. Suarez made studying her passion. Dr. Suarez has degrees in Chemistry, Statistics, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Civil/Environmental Engineering, yes 5 degrees!

Dr. Suarez Worked at Pratt & Whitney for 17 years, and taught while working as an adjunct. Two and a half years ago, she accepted the position of Engineering Technology Department Chair, and since then expanded the ET program to all four campuses.

 

Camille Zerfas (Next Era Energy) - Panelist

I went to North Dakota State University for my undergraduate degree, where I majored in math & economics. I attended graduate school right after because I enjoyed the upper-level math classes and wanted to learn more.  I earned my PhD in computational mathematics from Clemson University in 2019. I am now working for NextEra Energy as a Data Scientist. I’ve had a lot of fun in this role because it’s allowed me to apply my mathematical knowledge to completely different situations and help build data-driven solutions for engineers at NextEra.

 

Craig Kruempel (GHD) - Panelist

Craig has a BS in Biology, and a MS in Coastal Zone Management with an emphasis on marine biology. With more than 35 years of experience, he provides clients with coastal zone resource planning, permitting, and monitoring support. A major part of his responsibilities include working on comprehensive characterization, monitoring, and mitigation program development with an emphasis on natural hardbottom, artificial reefs, and living shorelines.

During his career, Craig has worked on projects that require a comprehensive understanding of State and Federal coastal resource permitting and National Environmental Policy Act compliance. He has served as principal scientist on numerous field investigations throughout the Gulf of Mexico and East Coast of the United States. Craig’s recent project experience includes implementation of a comprehensive water quality monitoring program at Port Everglades and support of a marine resource monitoring program in the United Arab Emirates.

 

Leanne T. Schmitt - Panelist

Ms. Schmitt is a Managing Director and Investment Specialist at Intech. She has been with Intech for 18 years. Ms. Schmitt is responsible for providing investment solutions to current and prospective intermediary relationships.

Ms. Schmitt earned her MBA in International Business from Keller Graduate School of Business Administration. She earned her BS in Computer Science from Fordham University.

Ms. Schmitt spent her first seven years at Intech in Portfolio Management where she was responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management and trading process for client portfolios. Prior to joining Intech, Ms. Schmitt worked at Salomon Smith Barney (now Citi Prime Finance) Global Prime Brokerage Technology Group located in downtown Manhattan, working on application development for internet/intranet systems and was also head of their Disaster Recovery Team.

Ms. Schmitt worked in New York City as a web developer for Kiwibox.com and as a teacher’s assistant in the Computer Science Department at Fordham University while earning her undergraduate degree. Ms. Schmitt holds FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses.

 

Anurag Katyal

Professor Katyal has been teaching Mathematics at PBSC since 2010. Professor Katyal was selected as a fellow in a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning which was piloted by the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges. Professor Katyal teaches his courses using an inquiry-based learning format, choosing not to lecture to students but instead engage them in solving math problems on their own at the onset of class sessions.

 

Joseph Pick

When Professor Pick was young, he viewed math as a collection of cute tricks. “Often, I did not pay attention to why I was able to implement these cute tricks. I just enjoyed playing with cute math tricks. While attending university I learned about the deep theoretical concepts that explained why I was allowed to implement the math tricks of my youth. The proofs of these theoretical concepts contained many wonderful, deep, and ingenious tricks that I added to my “bag of cute math tricks”. After university I worked in industry as a programmer and wrote software for radar systems and hardware simulations My math background came in handy because the applications that I wrote programs for required a deep understanding of math (calculus, linear algebra, statistics, and Boolean logic). For the last 8 years I have used my experiences with cute math tricks, theoretical math, and industrial applications to make math more meaningful and enjoyable for Palm Beach State College students both in the classroom and during my Math Awareness Week presentations.”

 

Carrie McDonald

Professor McDonald is a Mathematics Professor at PBSC. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with Minor in Statistics from Florida Atlantic University and she earned a Master of Science in Mathematics from Florida Atlantic University. Professor McDonald serves on the College Affordability Task Force and works hard to lower textbook costs (plus more) for PBSC Students.

 

Bob Anstett

Robert “BOB” Anstett is the Coordinator for Digital Initiatives for Broward County Libraries. Bob is in charge of the Creation Station at Main Library in Fort Lauderdale as well as Creation Station Business and other creative spaces around the County. Bob likes to say that he “lives in the future” where he gets to work with 3D printing, creative design, hands on maker projects and robotics. He is currently organizing and running a robotics track for the public to learn coding and building robots, as well as a Virtual Reality (VR) track with an Oculus Rift & HTC Vive along with other VR & Augmented Reality (AR) gear such as a Microsoft HoloLens and Magic Leap available for the public to try out and develop on. Bob works at building connections with the local community and the library along with fostering cooperation between libraries around the State of Florida and beyond.

 

Lauren Culligan

I am currently a student at Palm Beach State College and will be transferring to FAU in the Summer to pursue a degree in Mathematics. Prior to studying at PBSC I was a linguist in the U.S. Air Force. When I am not doing my math homework I enjoy cooking and baking as well as hiking and fishing.