Dr. Linda McGuire 
Professor of Mathematics
Trumbower 125
484-664-3351 (Phone)
484-664-3546 (Fax)
Education
B.S., Seton Hall University
Ph.D., Stevens Institute of Technology
I am originally from a small, historically-designated lake community in New Jersey, replete with gingerbread houses, an adorable little library and a community tabernacle. Growing up there I developed an appreciation for what it means to be a member of a community. Seeking such a situation in my adult life, I consider myself lucky to have become a member of the Muhlenberg College community.
Coming from a “blue collar” family and being a first-generation college student, absolutely everything about navigating college was foreign to me when I was an undergraduate.
I am a mathematician interested in how mathematics helps us understand our world and ourselves. While I advocate studying mathematics for its own sake (it really is super fun when you get to know it), I fully appreciate how mathematics enlightens and facilitates progress in areas such as business, medicine, science, engineering and industry. I am also a mathematics educator interested in understanding how mathematical concepts are best communicated and how the study of mathematics helps students develop their abilities to think and communicate clearly and creatively. I enjoy teaching a broad spectrum of courses across the mathematics curriculum. It has also been fun to develop first-year seminar and cluster courses that emphasize analytical thinking and writing.
My mathematical interests are in combinatorics and graph theory, especially applied problems that require graphical models. I enjoy working on questions of optimal design for structures such as mass transit systems, communication systems and computer networks. I have growing interests in applied statistics, mathematical modeling and applied linear algebra. I enjoy putting energy into undergraduate problem-solving, undergraduate research and games and puzzles with mathematical connections. Teaching is what I love doing most, so I also focus research and writing efforts on mathematical pedagogy.
Another important thread in my scholarly life is working on issues related to equity, inclusion, and social justice, both in academia and in our broader society. In particular, I am interested in developing and promoting inclusive practices in STEM education. I serve as faculty advisor to two student groups: the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) and the Women in Stem (WiSTEM) student chapter. I am always pleased to collaborate with students and colleagues on grass roots initiatives that can lead to systemic change.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, writing, hiking, yoga, dancing, old movies, concerts and theater, experimental cooking and spontaneous travel adventures. My activities are always enhanced when they include spending time with friends and family.
Courses Taught
Mathematics Courses:
Topics in Mathematics, Statistical Methods, Fundamentals of Mathematics, Statistical Analysis, Calculus I, II, and III, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Transition to Abstract Mathematics, Discrete Mathematics, Applied Math and Modeling, Mathematical Statistics I and II, Combinatorics and Graph Theory, Complex Analysis, Landmarks of Mathematics, and The Matrix Revisited.
First-Year Seminars:
New York Wit: A Case for the Algonquin, Whodunnit?
Women and Gender Studies:
Proving Gender
Selected Recent Publications
Feminist Theories Informing Mathematical Practice. In: Sriraman B. (eds) Handbook of the Mathematics of the Arts and Sciences. Springer, Cham. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-70658-0_77-1
Promoting Inclusion by Tracing Our Mathematical Roots, The National Teaching and Learning Forum, Wiley Online, Volume 28(5), September 2019.
Addressing Mathematical Microaggressions, Mellon-sponsored Muhlenberg volume (Re)Considering Human Diversity and Global Engagement at Muhlenberg College. September 2018.
Proving in the Right Circles, invited submission to MAA Notes Volume, Beyond Lecture: Resources and Pedagogical Techniques for Enhancing the Teaching of Proof-writing Across the Curriculum, MAA Notes Volume 85, MAA Press, 2016.
(Explain It) x 3, invited submission to special edition of PRIMUS, 24(7), 2014, p. 560 - 573.
