College | Short Read
Doubling down on our undergraduate strengths:
The New Center for Data, Math and Computational Sciences
By Angela Daidone, Communications Specialist | Winter 2023
In Spring 2022, Ramapo College of New Jersey formally opened its new Center for Data, Mathematical and Computational (DMC) Sciences. The Center’s mission focuses on promoting a modern image of the liberal arts, supporting a tech community by strengthening interdisciplinary and external partnerships, and developing both undergraduate and graduate students who are skilled to apply technical concepts to real world problems.
Dr. Amanda Beecher, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Director of the MS in Applied Mathematics Program, and Dr. Scott Frees, Professor of Computer Science and Director of both the Master’s in Data Science and Computer Science, hosted the grand opening of the center. They were joined by Ramapo President Cindy Jebb, Interim Provost Susan Gaulden, members of the senior administration, faculty and students. The event highlighted student work, student recognition across all three disciplines and introduced the campus community to all facets of the Center.
“The opening of a space for the DMC is a signal of the commitment of Ramapo College to underscore the value of quantitative and digital literacy skills as part of a strong foundation for a lifetime of achievement,” Dr. Beecher said. “It is also a commitment of the programs, faculty, and students to create a tech community around this space to further our shared goals and objectives between these interrelated disciplines that might not be possible alone.”
“Our collaborations with our community partners, particularly our advisory board members, have been integral for our students to understand the landscape and the challenges they will face entering the workforce. This ensures we properly prepare our students to meet those challenges.”
— Amanda Beecher
Associate Professor Mathematics
In addition to its comprehensive undergraduate curriculum in mathematics and computer sciences, the College launched a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics and a Master of Computer Science in Fall 2022. While each program stands on its own academically, the shared content between these two programs and the existing Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) has led to the development of an interdisciplinary trio of technology-related graduate programs that are collectively referred to as MDMC. Each of the above-mentioned programs will be offered through the College’s School of Theoretical and Applied Science (TAS).
Left to right: Amanda Beecher, associate professor of mathematics; Stefan Becker, professor of environmental science; Christopher Romano, VP of strategic Enrollment , outreach & engagement; Paramjeet Bagga, professor of biology; Edward Saiff, dean of the School of Theoretical and Applied Science (TAS); Cindy Jebb, president; Susan Gaulden, interim provost; James Gillespie, professor of mathematics; Scott Frees, professor of computer science
“Students in each graduate program enroll in common courses together, strengthening the collaboration between the disciplines even further,” said Dr. Frees. “The technical core we are building at Ramapo reinforces the view that a school dedicated to the Liberal Arts is a place for students to develop the soft skills along with the technical skills needed to succeed in the modern economy.”
Also in attendance were members of the DMC Advisory Board including representatives from Global Digital Analytics & Michael Kors, Silk Security, Sharp Electronics, KPMG and Verizon. One of the goals of the Center is to engage with industry partners, providing fieldwork experiences for students that help organizations solve real-world problems that are confronting the industry.
“Our collaborations with our community partners, particularly our advisory board members, have been integral for our students to understand the landscape and the challenges they will face entering the workforce. This ensures we properly prepare our students to meet those challenges,” Dr. Beecher said. “Our partners have served direct roles in teaching students as adjunct faculty, speakers in our lecture series, and guest presenters in class. They have also provided experiential learning opportunities through internships, co-ops, fieldwork, and employment. We are thankful for the time and energy that our partners commit to the success of our students.”