College Welcomes New Faculty

The College of Physical & Mathematical Sciences is pleased to introduce several new faculty to the college and the university community. Five new faculty joined the college in Fall semester: Scott Burt in Chemistry & Biochemistry, Jay McCarthy in Computer Science, Erin Chamberlain and Kenyon Platt in Mathematics and Shannon Neeley in Statistics. Also joining us in the role of a CFA (Clinical Faculty Associate) is Carla Johnson in Mathematics Education.

Scott Burt (Chemistry & Biochemistry) earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from University of California, Berkeley under the direction of Alex Pine, and completed his undergraduate studies at BYU receiving a Chemistry B.S. degree in 2004. His research interest is in NMR & MRI application of parahydrogen induced polarization via heterogeneous hydrogenation. He is the recipient of the Department of Homeland Security Graduate Research Fellowship (2005-2008) and the Eric Abramson Memorial Fellowship (2005)

Jay McCarthy (Computer Science) is a native of Massachusetts. He attended the University of Massachusetts at Lowell for his undergraduate studies, where he majored in Mathematics and Computer Science, also taking a Minor in Economics. He did his graduate work at Brown University from 2005 to 2008 where he received a Masters of Science in Computer Science, and where he will receive his Doctorate in Computer Science (at the next Brown commencement.) Jay will be starting the BYU PLT research lab. This lab will investigate the fundamental tool of computer science: the programming language. In particular, his research group will investigate formal methods of verification and analysis at the general level, and attempt to apply these techniques in specific domains, such as internet application, cryptographic protocols, and embedded devices. Jay is the husband of Elizabeth Day McCarthy. They are expecting their first child in September.

Erin Chamberlain (Mathematics) earned her Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Utah in 2008 under the direction of Paul Roberts. Her research interests include commutative algebra and homological algebra. Erin's graduate work was supported by an NSF VIGRE fellowship. As a graduate student she taught many courses from college algebra to foundations of analysis and received the outstanding graduate student award in 2005. Erin helped with the Access program, a summer program for incoming freshmen women in the sciences. She was the president of the Association for Women in Mathematics student chapter. Her interests include rock climbing, backpacking, telemark skiing, biking, quilting, and reading. Reviewers describe her as an excellent teacher, a great departmental citizen, and a promising scholar.

Kenyon Platt (Mathematics) received his Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Georgia in 2008 under the direction of Brian D. Boe. His main research interest is Representation Theory of Lie Algebras. While working on his Ph.D., Kenyon taught developmental mathematics courses, as well as precalculus, trigonometry, and calculus. His students describe how they appreciated his conscientious teaching, and they report that they learned a great deal from him in those classes. He was supported by an NSF VIGRE fellowship from 2001-2006 and was the co-organizer of the summer graduate student seminar at the University of Georgia. His research on the parabolic category has been described by reviewers as "clever" and "a major breakthrough."

Shannon Neeley (Statistics) received both her BS and MS in Statistics at Brigham Young University. She then completed her PhD at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Shannon’s work, which focused on processing methods for data from reverse-phase protein arrays, allowed her to collaborate with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, also in Houston, where she worked under Keith Baggerly. Shannon is originally from Ohio and resides in Provo, Utah. She served a mission in Ecuador and enjoys running and crafting.

Carla Johnson (Mathematics Education) was raised in Midland, Texas, and received her BSEd in Secondary Education, specializing in mathematics and computer science, and MA in Educational Administration, both from Abilene Christian University. Following graduation she began her teaching career at middle schools in Abilene and Austin, Texas. A former high school athlete, she taught mathematics, computer science, and coached basketball, cross country, and track in small high schools in both east and west Texas. Carla instituted a computer science program in Clyde, Texas, that resulted in a state championship trophy for her students. She also taught in Florida. The past eight years she has taught in the mathematics department at Timpview High School in Provo, Utah where she was twice recognized as Teacher of the Year and served as department chairperson. She has been active in several professional development programs, mentored many student teachers, and taught district and state-sponsored workshops. A resident of Mapleton, Utah, she is married to David A. Johnson, a BYU graduate and former editor/writer for Brigham Young University Press. They are the parents of three daughters, ages 12, 9 and 4.