Eric Johnson, Ph.D.
Operation Research and Data Analytics, Associate Professor
Department of Mathematics

Education
- Doctorate of Philosophy, Mathematics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, August 2001
- Master of Science, Mathematics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, May 1993
- Bachelor of Science, Mathematics (minors in Physics and Industrial Psychology), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, May 1991
Courses Taught
- Introduction to Calculus
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
- Multivariable Calculus
- Probability & Statistics
- Differential Equations
- Linear Optimization
- Advanced Engineering Mathematics
- Network & Nonlinear Optimization
- Probability Models
- Decision Models
- Operations Analysis
- Intermediate Differential Equations
Selected Publications and Presentations
- “Math Leadership in Action: Experiences, Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies in Leading a Coordinated Course” panel presentation, MAA MathFest, Tampa, FL, August 2023
- “Why do I need to take Differential Equations?,” NES/MAA Spring 2023 Meeting, Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg, MA, June 2023
- “To Test or Not to Test – How Much of an Impact do Final Exams Have on Final Course Grades?,” MAA Math Fest, Philadelphia, PA, August 2022
- “A Comparison of Homework vs. Exam Averages, or What Kind of Homework Assignments Work Best?,” MAA Math Fest, Cincinnati, OH, August 2019
- “The Make-Your-Own Assignments,” NES/MAA Fall 2018 Meeting, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH, November 2018
- “Math Placement at the Coast Guard Academy,” MAA Math Fest, Denver, CO, August 2018; repeated at the NES/MAA Spring 2018 Meeting, University of New Haven, New Haven, CT, June 2018
- “A Comparison of Homework vs. Exam Averages, or What Kind of Homework Assignments Work Best?,” NES/MAA Spring 2017 Meeting, Norwich University, Northfield, VT, June 2017
- “Teaching Operations Research at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy,” INFORMS National Meeting, Nashville, TN, November 2016
- “Operations Research at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy,” Norwich University Mathematics Colloquium, Northfield, VT, September, 2011
- “Starting a Senior Capstone Course: Reflections & Lessons Learned,” Mathematical Association of America Northeast Section (MAA/NES) conference, Fairfield, CT, May 2009
- “An Assessment Procedure for a First Semester Calculus Course,” New England Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges conference, Fall River, MA, April 2007; repeated at the MAA/NES conference, Framingham, MA, November 2007
- “Buoy Tender Mathematical Modeling,” with Krystinik, K.B. and Ostrowski, S.D., Connecticut College Senior Seminar, New London, CT, October 2006; repeated at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy INFORMS luncheon, New London, CT, October 2006 and again at the Worcester State College Senior Seminar, Worcester, MA, October 2008
- A Parallel Decomposition Algorithm for Constrained Nonlinear Optimization, Ph.D. thesis, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, July 2001
Honors
- Rensselaer Medal
- Max Hirsch Prize
Professional Memberships
- Northeastern Section of the Mathematical Association of America (NES/MAA)
Contributed Talks Coordinator from July 2009 to Nov 2012
Vice Chair / Chair / Past Chair from Nov 2012 to Nov 2017