Meet the ATL faculty spotlight for October 2025, Irma Stevens, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics & Applied Mathematical Sciences at the University of Rhode Island. Read her interview below.
Teaching, Learning, & Career
My favorite question to ask to my students is, “Why do you think that?”. I am a mathematics education researcher who is always seeking to understand how students think about mathematics. Right or wrong isn’t my concern when asking this question—tell me more about what you are thinking and what path you took.
Whether I am teaching an undergraduate mathematics course (Precalculus – Calculus 2, Geometry) or training our wonderful mathematics GTAs, my goal is always to foster an environment of curious learners and reflective thinkers. In the GTA course, we discuss how to foster this environment by designing tasks that are accessible but challenging (“low floor, high ceiling”), carving out time for students to work on problems in class, and using questioning strategies that require students to share ideas, not just answers. One of my proudest moments last year was reading through GTA teaching reflections wherein GTAs described trying out group work with their students and being impressed by students’ willingness to collaborate and share ideas.
Undergraduate mathematics courses are intense, often packed with content and with exams in large, cramped lecture halls. But bringing together students with shared interests, common goals, and curious minds can also be a source of connection and inspiration. I want students to look back on my class in ten years and be proud of what they learned and have fond memories of who they learned it with, but more importantly, I want them to see themselves as capable mathematicians and agents of change. Mathematics is a powerful tool, and I hope they leave my class with a little more confidence in how to use mathematics to support them in achieving their goals.
Favorite things to do in Rhode Island
My favorite way to explore Rhode Island is on the bike paths. You can often find me walking, running, or biking my way along the paths around Rhode Island, stopping at the beach or for some ice cream at Brickley’s. The fresh air, beautiful scenery, and potential delicious snack remind me to enjoy the simple pleasures Rhode Island has to offer.
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