Headshot of Kristen Mazur

Kristen Mazur

Associate Professor of Mathematics and Statistics

Department: Mathematics and Statistics

Office and address: Duke, office 307E 2320 Campus Box Elon, NC 27244

Phone number: (336) 278-5233

Brief Biography

I joined the Department of Mathematics and Statistics in the fall of 2014 after spending a year as a visiting assistant professor at Lafayette College in Easton, PA. I earned my PhD in mathematics from the University of Virginia in May 2013 where my graduate work focused on the theoretical mathematics field of algebraic topology.  My current research interests include transfer systems in algebraic topology, exploring the mathematics of the game Lights Out, applying geometric methods to approval voting, and the scholarship of teaching and learning mathematics (especially Calculus 1). In the classroom, I implement teaching pedagogies that challenge students to be engaged learners through inquiry-based learning and that foster self-efficacy and a devotion to learning through productive struggle.

Outside of Elon, I enjoy spending time with my husband, daughter, and dogs.

    Education

    • PhD, Mathematics, University of Virginia, May 2013
    • MS, Mathematics, University of Virginia, May 2011
    • BS, Mathematics, Lafayette College, May 2008

    Employment History

    • Associate Professor, Elon University, August 2022-Present
    • Assistant Professor, Elon University, August 2016-August 2022
    • Visiting Assistant Professor, Elon University, August 2014-August 2016
    • Visiting Assistant Professor, Lafayette College, July 2013-June 2014
    • Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Virginia, August 2008-May 2013

    Courses Taught

    • MTH 4970: Seminar
    • MTH 4300: Abstract Algebra
    • MTH 3300: Mathematical Reasoning
    • MTH 2510: Calculus 2
    • MTH 1510: Calculus 1
    • MTH 1700: Precalculus
    • STS 2120: Statistics in Application
    • STS 1100: Introduction to Statistical Reasoning
    • ELN 1010: Elon 101

    Publications

    Professional Activities

    Select Presentations

    • Creating an Undergraduate Learning Assistants Program for Calculus 1 and Introductory Statistics Courses, MAA Southeastern Section Meeting, High Point, NC, March 2025
    • Uniquely Compatible Transfer Systems, MathFest, Indianapolis, IN, August 2024
    • The Power of Productive Struggle: What I Wish I Learned Earlier in Life, Lafayette College Kovalevsky Society Workshop, April 2024
    • Fibonacci Plays Lights Out, Kalamazoo College Virtual Colloquium, October 2024
    • Do and Review: Facilitating Learning Through Self-Assessed Homework Assignments, MathFest, Tampa, FL, August 2023
    • An Overview of the Mathematics of Approval Voting, University of Washington Tacoma Math Enthusiast Series, May 2021
    • Promoting Productive Struggle, MAA Southeastern Section NExT Meeting, March 2021
    • Tales of Success From Mathematical Malpractice, MAA Southeastern Section Meeting, March 2019
    • A Basic Approach to Creating Interative Calculus Lessons in Mathematica, Joint Mathematics Meetings, January 2017
    • An Introduction of Mackey Functors and Tambara Functors, University of Kentucky Topology Seminar, January 2016
    • The Game of Nim, MAA NC State Dinner, Opening Talk, October 2015
    • A New Description of Tambara Functors, Penn St. Altoona Topology Seminar, April 2014
    • How to Win Games, Washington College Colloquium, February 2014
    • Additional Structure on the Category of Mackey Functors, Midwest Topology Seminar, October 2013

    Workshops

    • Women in Topology IV Workshop, August 2023
    • Inclusion and Inquiry: Fostering Student Belonging and Ownership Workshop, July 2023
    • Inquiry-Based Learning Workshop, June 2017
    • Project NExT Fellow: 2014-2015 (Gold'14 Dot)
    • MRC Workshop: Algebraic and Geometric Methods in Applied Discrete Mathematics, June 2014
    • BIRS: Women In Topology Workshop, August 2013