Dawn Nelson, Ph.D.
Chair and Associate Professor of Mathematics
About Dr. Nelson
Before arriving at Saint Peter’s University in 2014, Dawn Nelson was a high school mathematics teacher, an editor of mathematics textbook and journals, and a visiting assistant professor at Bates College. Although Dr. Nelson grew up and went to school in Massachusetts, she now enjoys the diversity and variety in Jersey City. When she isn’t working, Dr. Nelson can be found crafting, cooking, and listening to audiobooks.
“I believe students learn math by doing math. I strive to establish a culture in which students are comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas, and in which they are not afraid to make mistakes. I also encourage students to think actively about the subject and not passively accept what is said. Throughout the semester, I give my students frequent opportunities to discuss, make mistakes, think independently, and ultimately succeed.”
“I believe students learn math by doing math. I strive to establish a culture in which students are comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas, and in which they are not afraid to make mistakes. I also encourage students to think actively about the subject and not passively accept what is said. Throughout the semester, I give my students frequent opportunities to discuss, make mistakes, think independently, and ultimately succeed.”
Career & Accomplishments
Degrees
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•Brandeis University, Ph.D.
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•Williams College, B.A.
Publications
Patterns in Variations of the Fibonacci Sequence
D. Gotshall and D. Nelson, Involve 16:2 (2023), 277-296.
Bin Decompositions
D. Gotshall, P. Harris, D. Nelson, M. Vega, and C. Voigt, Involve 12:3 (2019), 503-519.
On the Asymptotic Behavior of Variance of PLRS Decompositions
S. J. Miller, D. Nelson, Z. Pan, and H. Xu, Fibonacci Quarterly, 55:5 (2017), 135-143.
New Behavior in Legal Decompositions Arising from Non-Positive Linear Recurrences
M. Catral, P. Ford, P. Harris, S. J. Miller, D. Nelson, Z. Pan, and H. Xu, Fibonacci Quarterly,
55:3 (2017), 252-275.
Legal Decompositions Arising from Non-Positive Linear Recurrences
M. Catral, P. Ford, P. Harris, S. J. Miller, and D. Nelson, Fibonacci Quarterly 54:4 (2016), 348-365.
Generalizing Zeckendorf’s Theorem: The Kentucky Sequence
M. Catral, P. Ford, P. Harris, S. J. Miller, and D. Nelson, Fibonacci Quarterly 52:5 (2014), 68-90.