Kevin Hastings

Professor of Mathematics

General Interests
"My mathematical interests focus on applications to real world problems that are affected by random inputs or disturbances. If you think about it, very little in this world can be predicted with complete certainty.

Here is one example of the types of problems that I have worked on with students recently: 'How can you develop a mathematical model for the transmission of AIDS, or any disease, that will enable prediction of the course of the epidemic and its demand for resources in the future?' This is the sort of problem that has always excited me, and that I have found lends itself well to advanced undergraduate research.

In addition to my research interests in financial mathematics, I have been occupied recently with the use of technology in the teaching and learning of probability, statistics, and other applied areas of mathematics."

Years at Knox: 1986 to present

Education
Ph.D., Mathematics, 1981, Northwestern University.
M.S., Mathematics, 1977, Northwestern University.
B.A., magna cum laude, 1976, Knox College.

Teaching Interests
Mathematical statistics, operations research, financial mathematics, honors and independent research

Recent Recognition
Awards
Knox Faculty Development Award, 1998.

Recent Accomplishments
Publications
Introduction to the Mathematics of Operations Research with Mathematica, 2nd edition, Taylor & Francis/Marcel Dekker, 2006.

Introduction to Probability with Mathematica. CRC Press/Chapman & Hall, November, 2000. Also issued electronically.

"Building a Baseball Simulation Game." Chance Magazine, 1999.

"Mathematica for Mathematical Statistics." Presented at the Worldwide Mathematica Conference, 1998.

Campus & Community Involvement
Established numerous mathematical and statistical internships: AT&T, Chicago Corporation, CNA.
Supervisor, numerous student projects in applied mathematics.
Member, Mathematical Association of America.
Member, American Statistical Association.

Insurance, Equicor, Cigna Corporation, Kemper Corp.
Member, Phi Beta Kappa.

What Students Say
"Professor Hastings is exactly what you want in a college teacher. He knows his stuff extremely well; he is involved in campus life, and he cares about students. You'll be surprised by the amount of writing in his classes, but it really helps you to understand and apply the mathematics that you're learning. He is open-minded and always solicits student opinions about his courses."
-Erin Roche, Mathematics Major

Contact
309-341-7438
khasting@knox.edu