Celebrating Faculty Promotions in the Department of Mathematics

Several faculty in University of San Diego's Department of Mathematics were recently promoted to the ranks of full professor and associate professor. These promotions reflect their years of dedication to teaching, research and service in the department. 

Emily Cilli-Turner, PhD, has been promoted to Associate Professor of Mathematics.

“This promotion means that I have the security to continue to experiment with evidence-based teaching strategies and contribute to the USD community,” Dr. Cilli-Turner explained.

While reflecting on this accomplishment, she added, “I love when students get an AHA moment when we are working together. This is the most valuable part of teaching– being present when a concept finally clicks.” 

Moving forward, she plans to continue mentoring students in undergraduate research, noting that she finds great enjoyment in seeing what students are capable of when given the chance to explore. 

Amanda Ruiz, PhD, has been promoted to Full Professor of Mathematics.

“This promotion is validation of the hardwork and commitment I have put into USD in the time that I’ve been here,” Dr. Ruiz said. “I may continue to pursue more leadership positions on campus and advocate for students and faculty.”

Teaching first year students has been her favorite part of working at USD thus far. “Seeing them come into college in a transitional part of their lives, helping them sort it out, and then seeing them graduate a few years later as the people they’ve become throughout their college experience is rewarding.”

Michael Shulman, PhD, has also been promoted to Full Professor of Mathematics.

“More than anything else, it makes me happy to know that my teaching and research work is valued by USD, my colleagues and students in the math department,” he said. “I'm so grateful to everyone who's helped and supported me along the way, and I hope I can pay it forward to others traveling the same path.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Shuman is excited to work with faculty throughout the department to enhance the undergraduate curriculum for both majors and non-majors. “We have a lot of exciting ideas and I think there's a lot of potential for creating a newly vibrant and growing community of mathematics students,” he said. “We all know how beautiful math can be– now let's share that with the world!”

Please join the department in congratulating these faculty members on their well-earned promotions!

-By Laney Green