My Career so Far…Teaching HE Mathematics, 1992 – 2006

I left my parents’ home and the Comprehensive School I attended in Nottinghamshire, ages 11 through 18, following my ‘A’ levels and studied at University on Manchester (recently merged with UMIST) years 1985 through 1992. My PhD in the area known as algebraic combinatorics (essentially “counting things iningenious ways”, but surprisingly applicable to other disciplines including theoretical physics and bioinformatics in recent years). Professor J. Nigel Ray was my official supervisor and William Schmitt (then at Memphis State University and presently at George Washington University) was my unofficial ‘mentor’ and drinking companion! Both have continued their generous encouragement and support down through the years of my career thus far as a University Teacher of Mathematics…The article goes on to discuss: who needs mathematics and the author’s teaching experience at Bolton, comments from students on pace and subject specific context needs….