Welcome Back from the Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Welcome one and all to the 2026/2027 academic year! This year marks an exciting milestone as our department officially becomes the Department of Mathematics & Statistics, reflecting our commitment to preparing students with the mathematical, statistical, and analytical skills needed to thrive in today's AI and data-driven world.
As we begin this new chapter, we also celebrate the remarkable career of Dr. Emelie Kenney, who retired after 36 years (!!!) of dedicated service to Siena. Through her outstanding teaching, mentorship, and scholarship, she made a lasting impact on generations of Siena students. In recognition of Dr. Kenney’s legacy, the math library has been renamed to the Kenney Library of Mathematics.
We also wish Dr. Lydia de Wolf all the best as she begins an exciting new position at Santa Clara University. While we will miss her, we are grateful for her leadership in the design and implementation of Siena’s Math Center, and especially for her dedication towards inspiring our students. Toward this regard, Dr. Dan Smitas will be passed the baton as the interim Math Center director.
The department will also have several new faces this year. Please provide a warm welcome to Professors Paul Giammarco and Nicole Spulnick to our ranks. We look forward to the energy, expertise, and new ideas they will bring to our classrooms and community.
May 2026/2027 be a fantastic year of learning, discovery, and success for all!
Welcome back, and Go Saints!
Dr. Emelie Kenney recipient of the Spirit of Siena/AMC Faculty award
A special shoutout to Dr. Kenney, who was voted the faculty member who "embodies the ideals of humanism at the core of the Siena/AMC Program and for support of the program students" by the 2025 Siena/AMC program graduates. The award was presented by seniors Safiya Alvi, BIBA '25, and Thea Akhrass, BIBA '24, who spoke about how Dr. Kenney would check in with them personally even long after they were her students and how her bright spirit and joyful demeanor were an important part of their Siena experience. Congrats, Dr. Kenney!!
Dr. Scott Greenhalgh awarded CUR -- Mathematical, Computing + Statistical Sciences Mentor Award.
The CUR mentorship award honors mentors for their success in mentoring undergraduate students in research. Dr. Greenhalgh was selected for the mid-career award by CUR division councilors, specifically for enabling student collaborations in infectious disease modelling.
Dr. Tosun awarded Presidential Award for Excellence!
Dr. Tosun was awarded Siena's 2024 Presidential Award for Excellence by President Seifert. For those in the know, Dr. Tosun regularly goes above and beyond to support the Siena community, with his incredible leadership in the Mathematics and Statistics department and work with DataFest serving as prime examples. Congratulations!
@Siena math ENHANCES scientific inquiry
This past summer, a record number of students contributed to research and scholarship in mathematics. While the disciplines and projects of each student varied, hard work, laughs, and good times were had by all:
@Siena math meets pop culture:
For further details see the SCoop write-up available here, or check out the student reports on the origins of zombies and cost-effective ways to prevent uprisings, or watch a video presentation.
DataFest @ Siena
At ASA DataFest, you’ll get a chance to get creative with data, mingle with professionals from industry and academia, and compete for prizes and glory! And, we’ll be providing free food throughout the weekend!
Over the course of the weekend, you will work in teams to find meaning from a large, rich, and complex dataset. Consultants who are faculty and industry professionals will be available to assist you.
Contact Kursad Tosun at ktosun@siena.edu with any questions.
Real-world applications of mathematics to model the spread of COVID-19 and a tick-borne illness were the subjects of two separate research projects by CURCA summer scholars. For details see the write-up here
Find out by minoring in the NEW statistics minor, which will start in Fall 2020. The new minor provides students with tools commonly used in statistical analysis and the interpretation of data. Therefore, the new minor is a perfect complement to quantitative majors, such as Data Science, Actuarial Science, Biology, and Math, among many many others. A special thanks goes out to Dr. Tosun for developing the program.
The Mathematics and Statistics Department is happy to share the news that 3 new math courses have been approved. The courses, which focus on Regression analysis (MATH 372), Advanced Statistical Methods (MATH 375), and Fundamental Topics in Applied Math (MATH 399), are all slated for roll out sometime soon!
Public health policies have mixed results depending on the infectious disease. Face coverings, for example, have flattened the curve against COVID-19, but they will be of little use during a zombie outbreak. For details on how to survive, click here
