Dr. Bima Sapkota joins the Ball State Department of Mathematical Sciences as an Assistant Teaching Professor of Mathematical Sciences.
What is your journey to Ball State?
I finished my Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from Purdue University in August 2022. Prior to my Ph.D., I worked as a secondary and elementary mathematics teacher in Nepal for almost 6 years. I chose Ball State University as my career goal because I loved the mathematics education online master’s program and undergraduate elementary and secondary teacher preparation programs. I also felt that I would get the support that I need to move my career goals forward in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Ball State University.
What are your research and teaching interests?
I investigate how teacher educators can optimize preservice teachers’ opportunities to develop mathematical knowledge for teaching and equitable teaching practices through practice-based teacher education. I design different models of practice-based teacher education, implement them in my teaching of elementary and secondary mathematics methods and content courses, and investigate their effectiveness in terms of developing preservice teachers’ mathematical knowledge for teaching and equitable teaching practices.
What are some of your goals for your first year here?
In the first year, I want to develop relationships with my colleagues and students. I also want to create positive mathematics learning experiences for my students.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I have a 20 month old daughter. So, I spend most of my free time with her.