Author Archives: Derek Smith

About Derek Smith

Former weather dude and scientific software developer. In the upcoming 2015-16 year I will complete my PhD at UCSB in nonlinear dispersive equations. I enjoy spending time with my two young daughters and running.

In Pursuit of Increased Audience Participation

Posted on February 10, 2011 by Derek Smith

by Derek Smith Maybe it shouldn’t, but it often amazes me when I notice similarities between tutoring 6th graders and my work as a TA. I don’t mean this in a disparaging manner; I’ve simply observed a few common (though … Continue reading →

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Do I Really Sound Like That?

Posted on January 10, 2011 by Derek Smith

by Derek Smith Last quarter I had a video consultation through the TA Development Program on campus. Every new teaching assistant must sign up to have a section recorded. The consultation consisted of a one-on-one discussion, with the DVD used … Continue reading →

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Spaced Math Repetition

Posted on December 28, 2010 by Derek Smith

by Derek Smith Yesterday I was in Denny’s entertaining my nieces when they showed me a math game on Nintendo DS. The game reminded me of an article I read in Wired a while ago about an application called Super … Continue reading →

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Inspirational Reading

Posted on December 10, 2010 by Derek Smith

by Derek Smith I would like to share a collection of mathematical articles I read every so often for inspiration and motivation. The only real criteria I used for inclusion in this list is that they be available online. The … Continue reading →

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Fellowships, Deadlines, and You

Posted on November 10, 2010 by Derek Smith

by Derek Smith Why are you reading this? You should be working on fellowship applications! They are quickly approaching! Then why am I writing this? No, I’m not finished applying, but I’d like to impart some quasi-motivational advice. First, don’t let … Continue reading →

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