Tim has a B.R.S. in Bible/theology from
Mennonite Brethren Bible College (MBBC), and
a B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. in mathematics from
University of Manitoba. His training is in
differential equations, numerical
algorithms, and optimization. An applied
mathematician, Tim faces ethical choices in
his research pursuits. For example, his
skills could easily be put to use in the
military, but his Anabaptist convictions
have led him instead to research projects
that he believes are more consonant with
shalom. As a graduate student, he
contributed to the goal of energy
conservation by developing a software
package that designs more efficient fan
blades. His current applied focus is in
epidemiological research—modeling epidemics
like HIV/AIDS or West Nile Virus, both to
understand the spread of the disease and to
advise health officials on optimal public
health strategies.
Tim’s love for theology was sparked in the early 1990s at MBBC, and has been nurtured during his time at CMU. The result is a rather unique interest in the connections between mathematics and the Christian faith. A summary of this vocational project can be found in his article, “Distinctively Christian Mathematical Instruction: A Hopeful Imagination,” in the Spring 2008 issue of Direction: A Mennonite Brethren Forum. Tim is currently working at expanding this material into book form.
Tim was born on Nova Scotia’s North Shore, raised in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. and settled in Landmark, Manitoba—the home town of a “special someone” he met at Bible college. Tim, Deb, and their four children enjoy fort-building in summer, snow-castle-building in winter and music-making all through the year. When he needs time to himself, he works in the garden, clears snow or enjoys a good book.
Why study mathematics at CMU?
At CMU you’ll receive excellent training, in a class that is small enough to become a community of learners, from a teacher who demonstrates mathematical concepts with his kids’ toys. Plus, where else would you get to participate in an active conversation between mathematics and the Christian faith?
Quotable quote:
“Mathematics has been called the science of the infinite. Indeed, the mathematician invents finite constructions by which questions are decided that by their very nature refer to the infinite. This is his [or her] glory.” Hermann Weyl
