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College of Natural Science and Mathematics

URSA

Meet Yong Colen

Hello. My name is Yong S. Colen, which means "Dragon-Rock." I was born in Seoul, South Korea, came to America when I was twelve years old, was raised in Rising Sun, Indiana, and am much older than I look.

I decided to pursue a study of mathematics for two reasons: (1) I was very fortunate to have one outstanding mathematics teacher for all four years in high school. Ms. Guillard inspired me to view mathematics as a creative process. (2) Secondly, after studying architecture for a year, I switched my major to mathematics education. I literally wanted to think outside the cubical.

I have taught students from elementary to university levels. My primary interest lies in finding and conveying ways to improve how our students learn mathematics. Specifically, I would like to use technology to improve teaching and learning, investigate comparative/international mathematics education, design challenging curricula for all students, and improve prospective teachers' mathematics knowledge and pedagogy.

I have three children: Hannah Emily of New York, Philip Andrew of New Jersey, and Alyssa Lydia of Ohio. Each time we move to a different state, God has provided a wonderful wonder. Due to the strong correlation between moves and having children, my wife, Jung, is very uneasy about the move to Pennsylvania. Otherwise, we are VERY excited about a new chapter of our lives.