John Estes, PhD
Hello! I am a mathematics professor at Belhaven University in Jackson Mississippi. I also serve as department chair for Mathematics and Computer Sciencer and as Dean of the School of Science and Mathematics at Belhaven.
Mathematics Professor.
- Phone: TBA
- Email: jestes (at) belaven.edu
- Office: Library 201E
- Address:
Belhaven University
1500 Peachtree Street
Jackson, MS 39202, USA
About Me
Education
- Ph.D in Mathematics, University of Mississippi, 2012
- M.S. in Mathematics, University of Mississippi, 2009
- B.S. in Mathematics, Oral Roberts University, 2007
My Road to Mathematics
I remember the first time a professor told me that mathematics was beautiful. He was speaking of derivatives, and I scoffed at first. But as I began looking at the deep, interlocking intricacies of mathematical structures, I began to see the beautfy for myself. What started as a quest to become a high school teacher turned into a love for mathematics and research. I earned my Master's degree in 2009 and decided I wanted to continue my journey finishing my PhD in graph theory in 2012.
I joined the Belhaven University faculty in 2012 where I have served as a professor and chair. In 2023, I received the title Dean of Science and Mathematics. I see my job as an opportunity to share a life-long love of learning with students and support our science and mathematics faculty in their goals.
Outside of my academic work, I love playing guitar, and I enjoy sharing life with my family with Tolkein, Star Wars, Marvel, Pokemon, and the like!
Curriculum Vitae
Here is a link to my full curriculum vitae
Highlights and Honors
- 2024 Georgia Tech OMS CS: Matriculated to Georgia Institute of Technology's Online Masters Degree in Computer Science.
- 2024 Blaze Ahead PBI Grant: Awarded Certificate for Data Science
- 2022 Woz U and Belhaven University: Certificate of Data Science
- 2017 HEADWAE Award: Award selected by the faculty for outstanding contribution to students and fellow faculty supported by the Mississippi Association of College.
Selected Presentations
- "Communicating Alternative Grading to Students, Colleagues, and Administrators" The Grading Conference (virtual), 2024.
- "Maker Culture and the Belhaven Maker Campus" Belhaven Faculty Development Lunch and Learn, invited speaker, 2023.
- "Formative Technology in the Classroom" The Southeast ASM Section, Mobile, AL 2023.
- "Will This Game Ever End?" Math Club at Jackson Preparatory, Jackson, MS, invited speaker, 2019.
Leadership & Organizational Roles
- "Engineering Partnership" A 3-2 engineering program with memoranda of understanding with Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi engineering schools, director, 2016-present.
- "Belhaven Maker Campus" A collaboration of interdisciplianry maker labs with cutting edge formative technology, curriculum, training, and service opportunities, co-founder and faculty advisor, 2021-present.
- "Lab Funding" Coordinated funding and donations with the Belhaven Development Office, 2017.
- "Actuarial Science Degree" Developed a BS in Actuarial Science, Faculty Advisor, 2021.
Selected Publications & Directed Undergraduate Research
- The Secret of Tutte Reveals All. (2024) Math Horizons.
- Partnerships that foster civic engagement in undergraduate science education and research. (2018) ACS Symposium Series Citizens First!.
- Partial orderings of trees according to zagreb indices. (2016) Match.
- Sharp bounds on the zagreb indices for k-trees. (2014) Journal of Combinatorial Optimization.
Directed Undergraduate Research
- Random Walks on Trees, LA-MS MAA Section Meeting (2024) Lilly Ates, Zachary Chapman, Sejin Kim, Todd Larkin, Martavin McWilliams, Joseph Wickes.
- Better Proofs for Random Walks on Paths and Cycles , LA-MS MAA Section Meeting (2024) Lilly Ates, Zachary Chapman, Sejin Kim, Todd Larkin, Martavin McWilliams, Joseph Wickes.
- Regression Analysis of Efficiency of Solar Technology , LA-MS MAA Section Meeting (2024) Tyler Jackson.
- Markov Chains and Graphs with Wolfram Mathematica, LA-MS MAA Section Meeting (2023) Lilly Ates, Collin Cartwright, Emilie Chapple, Matthew Charbonnet, Sejin Kim.
- Random Walks on Graphs with Absorbing States, Belhaven University Undergrad Research Symposium (BUURS) (2022) Grace Eidson
- Modelling Standing Waves with Chladni Diagrams (with a constructed Chladni Plate), Senior Mathematics Presentation (2019) Murray Robinson.
Teaching
"The best way to learn is by teaching others." - Terence Tao
I have been fortunate enough to have had caring mathematics teachers from my K12 years to undergraduate and into graduate school. Beyond being teachers, I had mentors who not only shared information (valuable information) but shared a wonder of mathematics. Even moreso, my advisors set me on a path towards a fulfilling career. Now I have the opportunity to return the kindness. My favorite part of being a professor is helping young students develop their mathematical skillset and hopefully setting them towards a successful future.
As a professor, I seek to foster active learning in the classroom over rote memorization. I discourage students from gunning for a grade and instead ask themselves, "do I know and understand this?" Grades are not always reflective of actual learning and a student's value does not come from a collection of grades. In order to provide an environment of true learning, I have adopted standards-based grading (SBG) and have developed ten courses using SBG since 2021. Overall, I have seen more effort and understanding from my students, and I have received lots of positive feedback.
You can learn more about SBG The Grading Conference.
Student Comments
Below are select quotes from Course Evaluations.
Research
Editting in progress.
JohnEstesMath YouTube Channel
Since 2017, I have made YouTube videos focusing on undergraduate mathematics topics to help students review lectures on their own time. My desire is that these videos can help students mature their mathematical understanding. Below are a few examples.
Maker Campus
The Belhaven Maker Campus is a unique collaboration between the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science and the Department of Art and Design at Belhaven University. Students can join the Maker Campus to receive training in formative technology areas such as 3D printing, laser engravers, microcontrollers, soldering, and other open-access technologies. The Maker Campus is split over two labs students can access to help with service projects (such as printing objects for Science Fest at the Mississippi Children's Museum) or to pursue personal interests. Currently, the labs boast a variety of 3D printers (FDM and SLA) in addition to laser engravers, Arduinos, Axidraws, VR equipment, and more to come.
The Maker Campus provides an excellent environment for active learning, skills and professional development, service, and community.
- All
- Lab Space
- Service Projects
- Personal Projects