San Jacinto College math and engineering student Jeremy Penny, left, observes as math professor Nate Wiggins explains the workings of a sophisticated robotics device. Photo credit: Rob Vanya, San Jacinto College marketing department.

Faculty spotlight: math professor engages students technically and academically

Rob Vanya -- February 27, 2013

QUESTION: How did you get your start as an educator?

NATE WIGGINS: When I was a student in college I began working part-time as a tutor at a Sylvan Learning Center. I tutored practically every subject offered at the center, and I discovered I had a knack at teaching and really enjoyed it, so I decided to pursue education as a career.

Q: What is it about education that attracts you, and what was your first full-time job in education?

A: My first full-time job was with San Jacinto College, when I was hired as a full-time math teacher in 2009. When I was attending college, I researched several career fields and settled on education because I believed it would be the most desirable job for my particular interests. I found that college educators have considerable freedom, particularly in regards to doing research work. I enjoy research, and fortunately there are some bright college honors students who also like to do research work and who sometimes help out in research projects.

Q: What type of research work do you personally like to do?

A: Right now I am doing chaotic attractor research. It involves the study of qualitative changes in time-based systems, which may sound sort of complex, but it has the potential of leading to very practical applications that can help mankind. Chaotic attractor research may some day lead to products that, for example, could help control seizures, find ideal locations for placement of space satellites, and even help to diagnose cancer.

Q: You also do a lot of research and development in the area of robotics. What is it about robotics that interests you?

A: It’s one of the few educational fields to incorporate both thinking and doing, both the academic and the technical areas of study. It’s a rapidly developing field that has a lot of potential to help society. For example, robotic devices may help monitor activities of autistic children, help find injured people in the aftermath of earthquakes, and help police who work in high-risk SWAT situations.

Q: Seems like the field of education might be your true calling. What do you think?

A: Yes, I believe it is my calling in life. Even as a young child I was always doing research. I was a natural bookworm, reading encyclopedias and anything else I could find. Even today I still take college courses when my schedule allows. Last summer I took a software for robotics course at the University of Houston, not for academic credit for a degree, but rather because I have such a love for learning.

Q: What is your personal teaching philosophy?

A: My goal is to get students engaged, involved, and excited about learning. Hands-on learning is critical. I use robotics to teach engineering and math because it puts into application and reinforces textbook learning. The greatest reward I experience is when I see that light of understanding in a student’s face and I can tell that the student is really becoming excited about learning. I especially like to identify an average or below average student who has potential but just lacks motivation. It’s personally rewarding to help a student who is making mostly low grades and to help him or her turn around and become an honor student.

Wiggins holds bachelor’s degrees in math, Russian, and astrophysics from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He also holds a master’s in math sciences from the University of Houston Clear Lake, and a graduate certificate in systems engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology. He lives in Silverlake with his wife Kieu and their 3-year-old daughter Kiriana. Wiggins teaches math and engineering at the San Jacinto College North Campus, and serves as a faculty advisor for the College’s robotics student organization.

About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. The Achieving the Dream Leader College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career preparation. Students also benefit from the College’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries in the region. San Jacinto College graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

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