Melissa Gardenghi

Melissa Gardenghi, Chair of the Mathematical Sciences Division, completed a B.S. in Engineering and an M.Ed. in Math Education from Bob Jones University. She then continued on to earn an M.S. and Ph.D. in Mathematical Sciences from Clemson University. In addition to her graduate work, she has passed the Society of Actuaries Exams P and FM. In addition to her academic credentials, Dr. Gardenghi’s summer work--applying statistical analysis techniques to a variety of issues--has allowed her to provide information and insight based on available data for primary decision makers.  

Her experiences provide her with additional insight into the value and application of math. She has seen firsthand the importance of not only how to solve problems (through the practical mathematical techniques) but also when and where and why the solutions work (through the understanding and development of mathematical theory).  She has experienced how the study of math theory and application has sharpened her critical thinking and problem solving skills and has developed an increasing ability in her own life to create solutions to problems that are sound, purposeful, and defensible. 

This combination of skills represents those she seeks to develop in her students in each class she teaches. Her goal in the classroom is two-fold. First, she endeavors to develop in her students the ability to clearly, logically, and mathematically think about the problems they face (academic, professional, and personal) and to learn to mimic the orderly mind of God that we see evidenced in the Scriptures and the world around us. She wants her students to learn to develop a large assortment of problem-solving tools and also learn to recognize and appropriately apply the correct set of tools to the problems they are addressing.  Second, she wants her students to increase in their passion for solving problems and to appreciate the power of mathematical tools either to solve the problem at hand or make it more understandable and simpler to address. Dr. Gardenghi believes that God has given us the ability to develop, understand, and apply math to make us more conformed to His image and to bring Himself glory before an unbelieving world.