Tom LoFaroFaculty

Clifford M. Swanson Professor of Mathematics in Math, Comp Sci, and Statistics

Thomas LoFaro is the Clifford M. Swanson Professor of Mathematics.  Tom earned his B.A. and M.S. in Mathematics from the University of Missouri.  He earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics at Boston University in 1994 under the direction of Professor Nancy Kopell.  His research interests are in dynamical systems and their applications to mathematical biology.  He has published papers in a wide variety of biological disciplines including neuroscience, population dynamics, and genetics.  

Tom also has a long history of involvement in differential equations education issues.  He was the Principal Investigator of the NSF supported IDEA project (http://www.sci.wsu.edu/idea/), he has written for and reviewed several differential equations textbooks, and is currently involved in the NSF funded CODEE project (http://www.codee.org/) for whom he has conducted two mini-courses at the MAA Annual meeting.

When not teaching or doing mathematics Tom might be found fly fishing for trout in Montana, New Zealand, Missouri, ....

Education

Ph.D. Boston University, 1994

Areas of Expertise

Differential Equations and Dynamical Systems


Courses Taught

MCS-177 (Introduction to Computer Science I Lab) and MCS-358 (Mathematical Model Building)

Past
Synonym Title Times Taught Terms Taught
MCS-121 Calculus I 20 2019/SP, 2014/FA, 2013/FA, 2012/FA, 2011/SP, 2010/FA, 2006/FA, 2005/FA, 2004/SP, 2003/FA, 2001/FA, 2001/SP, and 2000/FA
MCS-122 Calculus II 16 2021/SP, 2020/FA, 2020/SP, 2018/SP, 2016/SP, 2013/FA, 2009/FA, 2007/FA, 2007/SP, 2003/SP, and 2002/SP
MCS-222 Multivariable Calculus 11 2023/FA, 2023/SP, 2022/FA, 2022/SP, 2018/SP, 2017/FA, 2017/SP, 2016/FA, 2016/SP, 2002/FA, and 2002/SP
MCS-358 Math Model Building 10 2022/JN, 2020/JN, 2018/JN, 2016/JN, 2014/JN, 2012/JN, 2010/JN, 2008/JN, 2006/JN, and 2004/JN
MCS-253 Differential Equations 9 2023/FA, 2015/SP, 2010/SP, 2007/SP, 2006/SP, 2005/SP, 2004/SP, 2003/SP, and 2001/SP
PHY-230 Applied Mathematics for Physics and Engineering 9 2014/SP, 2010/SP, 2009/SP, 2008/SP, 2006/SP, 2005/SP, 2004/SP, 2003/SP, and 2002/SP
MCS-357 Discrete Dynamics 7 2021/FA, 2017/FA, 2015/FA, 2011/FA, 2011/SP, 2008/FA, and 2006/FA
MCS-115 The Nature of Math 6 2022/FA, 2016/FA, 2015/FA, 2015/SP, and 2012/FA
MCS-177 Introduction to Computer Science I Lab 6 2020/FA, 2017/SP, 2016/FA, 2016/SP, and 2012/SP
MCS-353 Continuous Dynamics 5 2022/SP, 2020/SP, 2003/FA, 2002/FA, and 2000/FA
MCS-321 Elementary Theory of Complex Variables 5 2021/SP, 2019/SP, 2017/SP, 2011/SP, and 2009/SP
FTS-100 FTS:Let's Gamble !? 5 2019/FA, 2014/FA, 2011/FA, 2005/FA, and 2002/FA
MCS-119 Calculus with Precalculus Review 1B 5 2012/SP, 2010/FA, 2009/SP, 2008/FA, and 2008/SP
MCS-350 Honors Thesis 4 2023/SP, 2012/SP, 2011/SP, and 2009/SP
MCS-221 Linear Algebra 3 2014/SP, 2013/FA, and 2001/FA
MCS-118 Calculus with Precalculus Review 1A 3 2008/FA, 2007/FA, and 2006/FA
MCS-268 Career Exploration 2 2008/JN and 2004/JN
MCS-300 Mathematics Seminar 2 2005/SP and 2002/SP
MCS-354 Topic: Categorical Data Analy 1 2023/SP
MCS-355 Scientific Computing 1 2023/SP
IDS-244 ST:Planning for Nobel 1 2020/FA
MCS-150 Discrete Mathematics 1 2019/FA
MCS-177 Introduction to Computer Science I 1 2019/SP
MCS-230 App Math Phy/Engineerng 1 2014/SP
MCS-231 Math Methods in Bio 1 2014/SP
MCS-220 Intro Analysis 1 2009/FA
PHY-370 Advanced Math Methods 1 2007/SP
MCS-120 Pre-Calculus 1 2003/JN
Courses prior to Spring semester 1999 are not displayed.