Interview with Dr. Jan Cannizzo

For the past four years, Professor Cannizzo has been using his knowledge and leadership within the Stevens community to help engage, inspire, and encourage students to look at their education from a different perspective, both inside and outside of the classroom. A German native and graduate of the University of Ottawa, Cannizzo will teach MA 120 Pre-calculus for freshmen next semester.

Professor Cannizzo’s own education has given him a unique insight into the field of mathematics. His perspective is enhanced by seeing how mathematics plays out in the international community and how mathematicians from different backgrounds approach the study. Shortly after receiving his doctorate in Mathematics, Cannizzo was offered a position at Stevens and has been here since. In addition to the insight he has picked up regarding the mathematics field, living in three different countries has also provided Cannizzo with a broader perspective on different cultures, people, practices — all of which have helped influence his teaching here at Stevens.

When describing teaching at Stevens, two things stand out to Professor Cannizzo: the community and the students. Although he also admits that the second-to-none location and stunning campus of Stevens are big sellers, Cannizzo spoke proudly and passionately about the “bright and eager to learn” students at Stevens and the various programs and projects the Stevens Math Department and community participate in.

The Stevens Math Olympiad allows Hoboken students, grades 3-12, to come to Stevens and participate in a big math competition. Math Circles, a way of mathematical outreach, also helps connect the community as hired Stevens students work with elementary school students in Hoboken on extracurricular math after school. Dr. Cannizzo explained that not only Hoboken youth benefit from these programs, Stevens students also benefit. Participants are able to make a difference in their community while developing valuable mentoring experiences. Headed by Professors Cannizzo and Nikolaev, the goal is for Math Circles to expand within Hoboken and possibly into New York City in the future. The program has been awarded grants for this expansion in the Spring.

Cannizzo hopes that everyone involved with the program will gain a new perspective on math. He further explained, “[Students] often believe that math is just a matter of memorizing formulas and dry exercises over and over again instead of being rewarding, challenging, beautiful, and fun.” The Math department attempts to accomplish this goal via Stevens professors in the classroom, these outside interactive programs, and through conferences for both students and professors to rethink how Stevens teaches math at the undergraduate level.

Outside of these activities, Professor Cannizzo is also involved with the Stevens Philosophy Club, the Math seminar, and Running Club, which he highly recommends for those looking for noncompetitive running opportunities. In his free time, he enjoys walking the on the waterfront to take in the beautiful view of New York City. More recently, has taken up rock climbing, visiting a local gym in Hoboken from time to time.

When asked about the challenges that incoming freshmen face and what advice he had for them, he spoke about a variety of things. Because everyone’s experience is different, Professor Cannizzo acknowledged that there is no formula for figuring out your first year. He agreed that a lot of things will be new for students, and it can be frustrating not know what to expect. As general advice, he recommended exploring a bit, taking chances, and reaching out to people. “It’s important not to think of your time at Stevens as a sequence of hurdles or hoops that you have to jump through. Don’t just go through the motions,” he stated, “Really try to extract some real meaning from the courses that you take, the activities you’re in, and the people you meet.” One way he suggested for students to do this is to talk with their professors: visit them during office hours, introduce yourself, and tell them what you’re interested in. He also suggests that students reach out to counseling services and other resources on campus if needed.

One of Professor Cannizzo’s best memories of this is with a student that he had last spring. He was approached by this student after class with a question regarding other number systems and notions related to infinity. They began working on problems together, and although it was unrelated to the course he was teaching, it was enlightening to see a student take matters into their own hands and make their education more meaningful. This can be done without the help of others as well. He recommends that while studying, try looking at the material more deeply. Think about what it means and what it means to you. How can you connect your interests to what you study?

Although Professor Cannizzo has only been with Stevens for a relatively short period of time, he has already made a big impact on the campus and student body. He is praised by students with a perfect rating of 5.0 on RateMyProfessor, and in 2017, he was named the Harvey N. Davis Distinguished Teaching Assistant Professor.  Ultimately, getting students interested and excited about math and helping students see their education through different eyes motivates him to keep up the great work he has started at Stevens. He hopes that he can continue impacting Stevens through his teaching.