John Schmitt
Office
Warner 205
Tel
(802) 443-5952
Email
jschmitt@middlebury.edu
Office Hours
Tue 1:00-2:15 PM, Wed 9:00-10:30 AM, Fri 9:30-11:00 AM, and by arrangement

John Schmitt is Professor of Mathematics and has been at Middlebury College since 2005. He received his B.A. from Providence College, his M.S. from the University of Vermont, and a Ph.D. from Emory University.

His research interests are in combinatorics (the art of counting) and graph theory (the study of networks), with a particular fondness for implementing the polynomial method.  He has co-authored numerous research articles.  His Erdös number is two.  His research has been supported by the following external sources:  Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, National Science Foundation, National Security Agency and VT-EPSCoR.  He has held visiting positions at the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics at UCLA and at Carnegie Mellon University; he is currently visiting at Karl Franzens U. (Graz, Austria).

Professor Schmitt enjoys teaching students how to count and play (combinatorial) games – things they thought they already knew.  Students are frequently involved with his research.  His efforts in teaching were recognized by students in 2016 with the Perkins Award.

John has a passion for growing his own organic produce.  His favorite new sport is wake-foiling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uen1I045Bn8.

Courses Taught

Course Description

Calculus II
A continuation of MATH 0121, may be elected by first-year students who have had an introduction to analytic geometry and calculus in secondary school. Topics include a brief review of natural logarithm and exponential functions, calculus of the elementary transcendental functions, techniques of integration, improper integrals, applications of integrals including problems of finding volumes, infinite series and Taylor's theorem, polar coordinates, ordinary differential equations. (MATH 0121 or equivalent) 4 hrs. lect/disc.

Terms Taught

Fall 2022

Requirements

DED

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Course Description

Linear Algebra
Matrices and systems of linear equations, the Euclidean space of three dimensions and other real vector spaces, independence and dimensions, scalar products and orthogonality, linear transformations and matrix representations, eigenvalues and similarity, determinants, the inverse of a matrix and Cramer's rule. (MATH 0121 or equivalent) 3 hrs. lect./disc.

Terms Taught

Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Fall 2021, Spring 2023, Fall 2023

Requirements

DED

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Course Description

Multivariable Calculus
The calculus of functions of more than one variable. Introductory vector analysis, analytic geometry of three dimensions, partial differentiation, multiple integration, line integrals, elementary vector field theory, and applications. (MATH 0122 and MATH 0200 or by waiver) 3 hrs. lect./disc.

Terms Taught

Spring 2021, Spring 2024

Requirements

DED

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Course Description

Graph Theory
A graph (or network) is a useful mathematical model when studying a set of discrete objects and the relationships among them. We often represent an object with a vertex (node) and a relation between a pair with an edge (line). With the graph in hand, we then ask questions, such as: Is it connected? Can one traverse each edge precisely once and return to a starting vertex? For a fixed k/, is it possible to “color” the vertices using /k colors so that no two vertices that share an edge receive the same color? More formally, we study the following topics: trees, distance, degree sequences, matchings, connectivity, coloring, and planarity. Proof writing is emphasized. (MATH 0200 or by waiver) 3 hrs. lect./disc.

Terms Taught

Spring 2021, Spring 2023

Requirements

DED

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Course Description

Combinatorics
Combinatorics is the “art of counting.” Given a finite set of objects and a set of rules placed upon these objects, we will ask two questions. Does there exist an arrangement of the objects satisfying the rules? If so, how many are there? These are the questions of existence and enumeration. As such, we will study the following combinatorial objects and counting techniques: permutations, combinations, the generalized pigeonhole principle, binomial coefficients, the principle of inclusion-exclusion, recurrence relations, and some basic combinatorial designs. (MATH 0200 or by waiver) 3 hrs. lect./disc.

Terms Taught

Spring 2020, Fall 2021, Spring 2024

Requirements

DED

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Course Description

Advanced Study
Individual study for qualified students in more advanced topics in algebra, number theory, real or complex analysis, topology. Particularly suited for those who enter with advanced standing. (Approval required) 3 hrs. lect./disc.

Terms Taught

Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025

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Course Description

The Polynomial Method
A tutorial in the Polynomial Method for students who have completed work in Abstract Algebra and at least one of Combinatorics, Graph Theory, and Number Theory. We will study Noga Alon’s Combinatorial Nullstellensatz and related theorems, along with their applications to combinatorics, graph theory, number theory, and incidence geometry. Working independently and in small groups, students will gain experience reading advanced sources and communicating their insights in expository writing and oral presentations. Fulfills the capstone senior work requirement for the mathematics major. (Approval required; MATH 0302 and one of the following: MATH 0241, MATH 0247, or MATH 0345).

Terms Taught

Fall 2020, Fall 2022

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Course Description

Linear Algebra Methods Seminar
A tutorial in linear algebra methods for students who have completed work in Linear Algebra (and possibly Abstract Algebra) and at least one of Combinatorics, Graph Theory and Number Theory. We will study the linear algebra method through applications to combinatorics, graph theory, number theory, and incidence geometry. Working independently and in small groups, students will gain experience reading advanced sources and communicating their insights in expository writing and oral presentations. Fulfills the capstone senior work requirement for the mathematics major. (MATH 0200; helpful to have MATH 0241 or MATH 0247 or MATH 0345)

Terms Taught

Fall 2023

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Academic Degrees

He received his B.A. from Providence College, his M.S. from the University of Vermont, and a Ph.D. from Emory University.