Jennifer Nordstrom

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Jennifer Nordstrom
Professor

Taylor Hall 205

503-883-2654

jnordstrom@linfield.edu

Dr. Nordstrom's research interests are in the areas of algebra and combinatorics. She received her Ph.D. in ring theory from the University of Oregon. Dr. Nordstrom primarily teaches Abstract Algebra, Discrete Math, Number Theory and Game Theory but maintains an interest in a wide variety of mathematical fields. More recently she has published on game theory and popular culture and has written an open-access textbook for an introduction to game theory course. She has mentored undergraduate research in combinatorial game theory and graph theory. She currently runs the Math PLUS mentoring program.

Education

• B.S., University of Redlands
• M.S., University of Maryland, Baltimore County
• Ph.D., University of Oregon

Research and projects

My research is in the area of noncommutative ring theory. I received my Ph.D. from the University of Oregon. My dissertation is "Generalized Quivers and Representations of Locally Artinian Serial rings." I also work with Leavitt Path Algebras.

I am interested in doing research with undergraduate students. I have worked with students on projects in representation theory, combinatorial game theory, and competitive graph coloring.

I have also published work connecting game theory and popular culture.

My main project currently is an open-source inquiry-based game theory text - Introduction to Game Theory: a Discovery Approach. A PDF of the text is currently available and the accompanying instructor's guide is available by request. View the online version of the text.

I currently run the Math PLUS Program. The Math PLUS program pairs Linfield University students with students from Yamhill-Carlton Intermediate School (YCIS) to work on a science fair project with significant mathematical content. Projects may include research in areas such as graph theory, number theory, combinatorics, or they may focus on the mathematical modeling or statistical analysis of a scientific question. Students and mentors will learn about different areas of mathematics and brainstorm ideas for science fair projects. Each YCIS participant will then be paired with a Linfield mentor, and have weekly meetings with his or her mentor to work on a project. Projects will be entered in the YCIS Science Fair. 

Publications

• "Bok Bok: Exploring the Game of Chicken in Film," J. F. Nordstrom, J. Sklar, Handbook of the Mathematics of the Arts and Sciences. B. Sriraman, ed., Springer, 2021.
• "Leavitt path algebras over arbitrary unital rings and algebras," H. Nordstrom, J.F. Nordstrom, Journal of Algebra and Its Applications, Vol. 19, No. 6, 2020.
• "Introduction to competitive graph coloring," C. Dunn, V. Larsen,  J. F. Nordstrom, A Primer for Undergraduate Research: From Groups and Tiles to Frames and Vaccines, eds, A. Wootton, et. al., Springer, 2017.
• "It is All About Inquiry: a cross-disciplinary conversation about the shared foundations for teaching," J. F. Nordstrom, D. T. Sumner, PRIMUS, Vol. 27, No. 1, 2017.
• "The relaxed edge-coloring game and k-degenerate graphs," C. Dunn, D. Morawski, J. F. Nordstrom, Order, Vol. 32, No. 3, 2015.
• "Battles of Wits and Matters of Trust: Game Theory in Popular Culture." Mathematics and Popular Culture: Essays on Appearances in Film, Literature, Gaming, Television and Other Media, eds, E. Sklar and J. Sklar, McFarland, 2012.
• "Clique-relaxed graph coloring," C. Dunn, J. F. Nordstrom, C. Naymie, E. Pitney, W. Sehorn, C. Suer, Involve, Vol. 4, No. 2, 2011.
• "Generalized quivers for locally unipotent rings," Communications in Algebra, Vol. 34, No. 2, 2006.
• "Locally Artinian serial rings," Communications in Algebra, Vol. 32, No. 4, 2004.