Meet Your First Year Instructor: Alexia Yavicoli

Welcome first-year students!

We are delighted to introduce you to Alexia Yavicoli who will be leading the MATH 120 (Honours Differential Calculus) course this September.

Alexia sat down with us to do a quick Q&A so that you can get to know here better.

Q: Who are you and which course will you be teaching this fall?

A: My name is Alexia Yavicoli and I will be teaching MATH 120 (Honours Differential Calculus).

Q: Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to pursue mathematics?

A: I have always had a passion for mathematics, although I did not receive formal training until I entered university. It was during this time that I encountered a video about Benoît B. Mandelbrot and fractal geometry, which ignited my fascination and inspired me to dedicate my career to this field.

Q: How long have you been teaching first-year math courses?

A: I have been teaching for over 12 years, covering both first-year and advanced courses. Over the years, I’ve worked with a diverse range of students, including future mathematicians as well as those pursuing careers in fields such as architecture, design, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, computer science, and more.

Q: What is your favourite part of teaching first-year students?

A: I particularly enjoy witnessing the progress of students who put in the effort and see their hard work pay off. It’s rewarding to observe their intellectual growth and development in their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Q: What can students expect to learn in Math 120?

A: In Math 120, students will focus on developing their critical thinking and proof skills. The course covers several important topics, such as limits and the behaviour of functions, including how they increase or decrease and their curvature. These concepts are crucial for understanding more advanced mathematical ideas.

Q: Are there any resources or tools you recommend students use to succeed in your course? Are there any opportunities outside of class where students can get extra help or engage more deeply with the material?

A: Certainly! There are numerous resources available. For instance, there is a free online textbook specifically designed for this course, as well as another book focused on learning how to construct proofs. Additionally, our lectures not only introduce new topics but also involve problem-solving sessions. Students can seek further assistance during TA office hours, my own office hours, and at the Mathematics Learning Center, which is open daily for extended hours. I also recommend forming a study group to discuss and review material regularly.

Q: What advice do you have for students who might find mathematics challenging or intimidating?

Approach mathematics with a positive mindset and practice regularly. Engage with textbooks and lecture materials, and stay consistent with your studies. If you encounter difficulties with a topic or problem, don’t hesitate to revisit it and discuss it with your study group. Asking questions and seeking help when needed is crucial, so make sure to utilize available resources and support.