Jun 24, 2011 - Claremont, Calif. - Rachel Levy, assistant professor of mathematics, has been selected as the Harvey Mudd College Critchell Assistant Professor for 2011-2013.
 
The Critchell Professorship is awarded to a junior professor who has exhibited an unusual talent for mentoring and counseling students in all aspects of their lives.

Levy serves as chair of the Teaching and Learning Committee and advisor for the Math Club and the SIAM (Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics) student chapter. She is also the former associate director of the Mathematics Clinic. Levy works extensively with students on research projects such as developing algorithms for the coordination and control of aquatic robots and modeling whale footprints, the slick swirls observed on the ocean’s surface in the area of whale activity.

Her effort has enabled students to work with professional scientists, collaborate with other esteemed colleges—such as Claremont Graduate University and UCLA—and co-author research articles, which have appeared in publications such as the Journal of Engineering Mathematics. Levy has also been instrumental in obtaining funds from the Office of Naval Research, which supported student summer research and a Clinic project.

“Rachel has involved a veritable army of HMC students in her research that she has connected to an impressive network of collaborators and colleagues,” said Math Department Chair Andrew Bernoff. “Many of her students have presented their work at national and international mathematics conferences. She has spent countless hours helping both her own students and other math majors prepare for these presentations, resulting in more student participation and increasing both the 
students' confidence and the quality of our students’ presentations.”

Levy was selected based upon discussions Dean Cave held with the Department Chairs Committee and Iris Critchell, after whom the professorship is named. A pilot and former Olympian, Critchell and her husband Howard directed the Bates Aeronautics Program, serving as instructors and student mentors.

“Rachel has shown deep commitment to our students, in the classroom, in the energetic way she promotes and supports them in research, and in her commitment to the whole campus,” said Dean of Faculty Robert Cave. “She exemplifies a host of the traits that made the Critchells such an important part of the community and we are fortunate to have her as a member of our faculty.”