What does a mathematician look like? Most students in K-12 schools across the country never have the experience of meeting one, much less learning what they do.

Members of the faculty in the Department of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College are working to change that. And the process is breathing new life into classrooms in the Los Angeles area.

Pathways, a program begun by HMC math professors Jon Jacobsen and Michael Orrison, has enlisted the support of faculty at Mudd and other area colleges to make a difference.

"I never saw a mathematician until I was in college," Jacobsen said. "I had an idea what an engineer or a physicist did, but not a mathematician."

The Pathways team has found their efforts are empowering for teachers. According to Jacobsen, "We take the message to the classroom that math is alive, is current and it connects to the world around us. Having a professor in the classroom validates what the teacher does, too."

Dena Lodi, a teacher at Diamond Bar High School, told Jacobsen after his visit, "It was a perfect combination of new ideas and concepts that the students should already know. I really think it may inspire some of them to want to learn a little more about math. Your love of teaching is very evident."

One of Lodi's students wrote later, "Thanks for coming to our class yesterday. Your lesson was really interesting. It’s kind of funny how things seem complex but really are quite simple; you just have to be willing to take the time to think about it."

Orrison said the biggest challenge is being taken seriously when he calls. "People are wary when they get an unsolicited offer to come to their classroom—for free—and get their students excited about math. All we ask for is students, a space and some time."

The team is looking to expand with more area faculty who share their enthusiasm for math and teaching. According to Orrison, "The more people we can get, the more we can do."