Mentoring & Teaching
Exploring mathematics through research, computation, and collaboration
One of the things I enjoy most about being at Smith College is working with undergraduate students on mathematical questions. I particularly enjoy helping students make the transition from learning established mathematical methods to using those methods to investigate questions whose answers are not yet known.
My research projects often involve mathematical modeling, numerical simulation, and scientific computing. Students bring different backgrounds and levels of experience, and learning new tools together is frequently part of the process.
Undergraduate Research
There are several ways for Smith students to become involved in mathematical research.
MTH 301 — Research in Mathematics
MTH 301 provides opportunities to participate in faculty-supervised research projects during the academic year. Students work individually or in small groups, exploring mathematical questions and developing their approaches over the semester.
Summer research
Summer research provides an opportunity for sustained work on a mathematical problem, often in collaboration with other students and faculty. Projects may involve theoretical analysis, developing computational models, running simulations, or interpreting numerical results.
Independent study and special studies
For students with a particular mathematical interest, an independent study can provide a more individualized opportunity to explore a subject or research question in depth. The scope and preparation depend on the project.
Students don’t need to arrive with a fully formed research question; exploring possible questions is part of the process.
Smith students interested in mathematical research are welcome to contact me at bthomases@smith.edu. My availability to supervise research projects varies throughout the academic year and from summer to summer.
Teaching
I teach courses across the mathematics curriculum, including calculus, linear algebra, and applied mathematics. I especially enjoy helping students develop mathematical intuition through experimentation, computation, and discussion.
One example is MTH 261: Computational Linear Algebra, a course I developed and first taught in Spring 2025. Students use MATLAB extensively to explore mathematical ideas through computational experiments, emphasizing the interplay between mathematical reasoning, numerical methods, and hands-on investigation.
CAMP
I also created MTH 263: Computational and Applied Mathematics Practicum (CAMP), an intensive January-term course introducing students to computational research through open-ended projects, collaborative exploration, and opportunities to communicate results. Its first offering as a Smith course is scheduled for Interterm 2027.