Dr. Majdi Lusta earned a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Software Engineering from Auburn University, an MSc in Multimedia Engineering from Nottingham Trent University, and a BSc in Computer Science from Misurata University. His research areas include human computer interaction, user interface design, usability evaluation and educational gaming technologies. He has taught various courses that include Computer Programming, Operating systems, Human computer Interaction, Multimedia, Data Base, Software Engineering, Computer Networks.
Dr. Ahmed Shaffie joined LSUA in Fall 2022. He obtained his Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering from University of Louisville, M.S. in Engineering Mathematics from Alexandria University, Egypt, and B.S. in Computer Science and Automatic Control from Alexandria University, Egypt. His research areas include Medical Image Analysis, Image Processing, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence. He has taught various courses that include Engineering Mechanics, Advanced Engineering Mechanics, Introduction to Computer Programming, Data Structures, and Algorithms.
Dr. Guoyi Ke joined LSUA in Fall 2018. He obtained his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from University of Kansas, M.S. in Mathematics from Texas Tech University, and B.S. in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering from Hohai University. His research areas include Computational mathematics, Computational fluid dynamics, Big data, Machine learning, Numerical analysis, Multigrid method, Finite element method, Finite difference method, Numerical algorithms for partial differential equations, Preconditioning, High order methods, Numerical linear algebra. He has taught various courses that include College Algebra, Business Calculus, Calculus I, II, Elementary Statistics, Linear Algebra, Elementary Differential Equation, Numerical Analysis."
Prakash Ghimire Ph.D.
Chair, Mathematics & Computer Science and Associate Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Prakash Ghimire joined LSUA in Fall 2016. He obtained his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Auburn University, Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics from ICTP, and M.Sc. in mathematics and B.Sc. in mathematics, both from Tribhuvan University. His research areas include Lie Algebra, Lie Groups, and Matrix theory. He has taught various courses that include College Algebra, Trigonometry, Business Calculus, Calculus I, II, III, Fundamental of Mathematics, Elementary Differential Equation, Complex Variables, and Abstract Algebra.
Dr. Tanya Lueder earned a Ph.D. in Computational Analysis Modeling from LA Tech, an MS in Math from LSU, and a BS in Chemical Engineering from LSU. She has worked in various engineering and computer programming projects as an intern and/or engineer for the Army Corp of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station in Vicksburg, MS; Marathon Oil in Laplace, LA; International Paper in Pineville, LA; and International Paper in Mansfield, LA. For many years, she led Family Readiness Groups for military families, two of them during her husband's deployments. Currently, she mentors middle school, high school, and university robotics and drone teams and has directed or assisted in many competitions in Louisiana. At LSUA, she has served as the Dual Enrollment Coordinator, the Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence, has received three LSUA Foundation Endowed Professorships, and has been awarded an Undergraduate Enhancement Board of Regents Support Fund grant and two LaSIP grants. Her courses have included College Algebra, Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Business Calculus, Calculus, Numerical Analysis, Discrete Mathematics, Graph Theory, Introduction to Computer Programming, Programming I & Programming II.
Fred Rolfes joined LSUA in Fall 2004. He has three Master's degrees: one in Mathematics (USL), one in Physics (University of Texas), and one in Philosophy (UCLA). He has an A. B. in Philosophy from Princeton University. His research areas include quantum field theory and quantum gravity. He has taught various courses ranging from College Algebra to Engineering Physics.
Renu Gupta is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater. She has been teaching mathematics courses for over 30 years. She genuinely enjoys teaching, both for the joy of sharing mathematics with others and for the opportunity to revisit old material and enhance her own understanding. She is confident in her ability to teach a variety of courses. She believes She has been quite successful as a teacher, as evidenced by her positive student evaluations and many unsolicited compliments received from students. She has also received some teaching awards.
Dr. Jeff Fletcher has been teaching Mathematics at LSUA since 2010; courses taught include College Algebra, Trigonometry, General Statistics, Number Sense and Open-Ended Problem Solving, Geometry, Reasoning, and Measurement, and Geometry. He obtained his Bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University and his Master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Utah. He currently lives in Lecompte and has three children.
Dr. William Calbeck teaches mathematics in both online and dual enrollment programs. He advises online students and helps create new online courses. Dr. Calbeck enjoys bird watching, sports, and photography in his spare time.
Nathan Ponder Ph.D.
Dean, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics & Associate Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Nathan Ponder is Dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He began his career at LSUA in 2010 as Department Chair of the Mathematics and Physical Science programs. Serving as Associate Professor of Mathematics, he teaches a wide range of courses, with his favorites being Probability and the History of Mathematics. A native of North Louisiana, Dr. Ponder received his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Tulane University, his Master's degrees from Harvard Divinity School and the University of Texas at Dallas, and his BS from Louisiana Tech University. His expertise is in the area of Stochastic Processes, and he has worked as an actuary for Fireman's Fund and Southwestern Life.
If you would like to know more about the Mathematics and Computer Science Department, please give us a call at (318) 473-6591 or drop by and see us in Mulder 326.