Q: How many Calc II students does it take to change a lightbulb?

A: Two: In particular, 1 to package the light bulb, 1/2 to mail the light bulb, 1/4 to deliver the light bulb, 1/8 to open the light bulb, 1/16 to pass the light bulb, 1/32 to hold the ladder, 1/64 to receive the light bulb, 1/128 to stand on the ladder, and so on...

Welcome to the homepage of Dr. Laura K. Gross, formerly Associate Professor of Applied Mathematics in the Department of Theoretical and Applied Mathematics at The University of Akron. I will join the faculty at Bridgewater State College in Fall 2009. Send me e-mail at profgross at gmail dot com.

After coming to The University of Akron in 1997, I taught linear algebra, introduction to differential equations, Advanced Engineering Math I and Advanced Engineering Mathematics II, Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III, algebra with business applications, precalculus, and mathematics for liberal arts.

My research interests involve modeling a variety of physical systems spanning combustion, optics, liquid crystals, and polymers using differential equations. I apply analytical and numerical techniques to study nonlinear dynamics, especially of reaction-diffusion equations, free-boundary-value problems, and dynamical systems. You can download .pdf versions of my publications or look at my whole curriculum vitae.

If you are interested in physical applications of mathematics, take a look at the Project Links Module. (I worked on an early edition of the differential-equations section.)

Check out the local news and resources for northeast Ohio.

Thank you for visiting, and have a nice day.