Introducing Associate Professor of Data Analysis and Modeling Kenneth Mulder

Before joining the faculty at Hampshire, Kenneth Mulder taught for 12 years at Green Mountain College, two years at Mount Holyoke College, and five years at an assortment of other institutions. He enjoys teaching mathematical modeling, data science, applied mathematics, mathematical ecology, ecological economics, and sustainable agriculture. 

“I have a particular affinity for using board games to teach math,” he says.

Mulder has a B.A. in math from Kalamazoo College, an M.S. in math from the University of Oregon, and a Ph.D. in ecological economics from the University of Vermont.

Have you been in any other professions that impacted how you teach and learn?

Being an organic farmer taught me a lot about ecology and natural systems and informs much of my work. Being a community organizer and human rights activist for three years taught me the importance of empathy and education as tools of empowerment.

What are you passionate about when it comes to this work?

I believe mathematical thinking is a human right and that anyone who would like to should have the ability to use math and mathematical models to address the problems they’re seeking to solve. I think everyone is capable of thinking mathematically, and I really enjoy empowering students to do so. I’m also eager to begin work on a bigger project focused on economic inequity.

Have you published and/or conducted research? 

I’ve authored or coauthored a wide variety of journal articles. Most of my work involves various forms of statistical modeling in which I’m the person in charge of designing the statistical analyses for a research project and producing and interpreting the results. Some of the problems I’ve worked on:

• How can we efficiently assess sustainable development at the country level?
• What are the drivers of beech bark disease?
• What is the relationship between a tick’s habitat and gut microbiome and its ability to transmit Lyme disease?
• What are the processes that lead to fractal formations in polymer thin films?
• How beneficial and sustainable are different renewable-energy technologies?
• What are the costs and benefits of using human and animal power in agriculture instead of fossil fuels?
• What are efficient technologies for human-powered farming?

Perhaps the most noteworthy project I’ve worked was estimating the benefits of wetlands in terms of reducing hurricane and cyclone damage. The United Nations cited our work.

What are you looking forward to at Hampshire?

Working with engaged and motivated students who want to use their academic skills to tackle real problems.

How do you hope to engage with our new curricular model?

I’m particularly excited by the ability to tailor the skills I teach to the needs students have in terms of conducting their Div III projects. I want students to be able to give their work a strong quantitative and analytical foundation. I’m also looking forward to facilitating problem-based courses that have the freedom to explore problems in depth and propose novel solutions.

Anything else you'd like people at Hampshire to know about you?

I’m looking forward to board games, Frisbee, and pickleball with my new community.