The Faculty Association is excited to continue the FA Member Spotlight initiative, in which we spotlight the good work of our members. This week, we are highlighting:
Ryan Bakes
Associate Professor / Educational Specialist
Math Center – LAC
Ryan Bakes is the heart and soul of the Math Center in the Learning Assistance Center in the lower level of Marvin Library. An HVCC and UAlbany graduate and employee of the college since 2001, Ryan is the epitome of someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty to assist our students. Ryan loves the challenge of an upper-level mathematics problem, explaining the nuances, but is also adept enough to explain something as straightforward as adding signed numbers at a level appropriate to the student.
Over the summer, a deaf student was regularly using the services, and Ryan took it upon himself to learn some American Sign Language to help communicate with the student. He also is the head of the Math Club, which meets to discuss fascinating mathematic scenarios and problems to students.
As I was writing this, Ryan was working with a student, discussing the background of the Monty Hall problem and explaining that it was not as simple as one might think. The student left understanding the mathematical theory behind the game.
The college is better for having Ryan Bakes as a faculty member, and we are fortunate in the LAC to have Ryan as a colleague. I am honored to nominate Ryan.
(Thanks to Mike Engle, Assistant Professor / Educational Specialist, Math Center – LAC, for this submission.)