PRIME Welcomes Kristen Vroom to Math Ed Faculty
The Program in Mathematics Education is excited to welcome new mathematics education
faculty member Kristen Vroom.
Kristen is an assistant professor of mathematics education. She has a joint appointment with PRIME and Lyman Briggs College at MSU. Her research focuses on undergraduate mathematics education, concentrating on the teaching and learning of mathematical practices like defining, conjecturing and proving.
Kristen noted, “I aim to transform undergraduate classrooms by developing inquiry-oriented curriculum and instructor support materials that promote student engagement in mathematical practices.”
Kristen grew up in a very small, rural town in the Appalachian Mountains of North
Carolina. She lived in Raleigh, North Carolina where she earned her bachelor’s degree
at North Carolina State University in Secondary Mathematics Education. She then moved
to Boone, North Carolina where she completed her master’s degree in Mathematics at
Appalachian State University. She then decided to take a leap across the country and
move to Portland, Oregon with a friend to be adventurous. Upon moving to Portland,
she thought that she would only stay for a little while but ended up living there
for about 8 years! Moving to Oregon seems to have been not only a great adventure,
but Kristen also experienced a lot of life-changing, great memories. While in Oregon
she met her partner, Sam, and worked as a mathematics instructor at the University
of Portland. Kristen also earned her PhD in Mathematics Education from Portland State
University and then worked as a post-doc at Oregon State University.
When Kristen has some free time, she likes to spend it with those closest to her—Sam,
her daughter Avery, and two dogs Mowgli and Parker. Recently, Kristen and her family
have been enjoying watching football and finding new walking trails in the area.
“I am a thrill-seeker, and I am up for just about anything with an adrenaline rush!” Kristen exclaimed.
Not long-ago, Kristen climbed Mount Saint Helens with some friends. She said this
experience was extremely rewarding, but very exhausting.
Kristen stated, “I am excited to join PRIME. I look forward to continuing to get to know and learn with the faculty and students!”
We are excited to have you here at MSU, Kristen, and look forward to getting to know you even more! Welcome to PRIME!
Written by
Liz Havey
