<p><span class="p-body">Donatella Delfino earned her Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the University of Genoa, Italy, and later completed her PhD in Mathematics at Purdue University. Subsequently, she served as a full-time faculty member in the Mathematics departments at the University of Michigan and Hope College. In September 2003, she joined NYU SPS as a clinical professor of mathematical studies. In May 2023, she received an <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/academics/awards-and-highlights/university-distinguishedteachingawards.html" target="_blank" title="NYU Distinguished Teaching Award">NYU Distinguished Teaching Award</a>. She is passionate about helping students develop quantitative skills essential for their professional success.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">What initially drew Delfino to teaching was her undergraduate experience. &quot;Some math professors I encountered were exceptional teachers,&quot; she recalls. &quot;They excelled at explaining complex concepts through small, clear, logical steps. This methodical approach—breaking things down step by step - proved highly effective and shaped my own teaching style.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Her interest in teaching was further solidified during her postdoctoral experience at the University of Michigan. The mathematics department there promoted an approach to problem-solving that went beyond mere memorization. They encouraged examining problems verbally, graphically, and numerically. This approach significantly influenced my teaching philosophy</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">&nbsp;She explains that the following ideas,&nbsp; proposed by Federico Ardila, guide her to this day:</span></p> <ul class='p-list'> <li><p><span class="p-body">Mathematical potential is distributed equally among different groups, irrespective of geographic, demographic, and economic boundaries.</span></p> </li> <li><p><span class="p-body">Everyone can have joyful, meaningful, and empowering mathematical experiences.</span></p> </li> <li><p><span class="p-body">Mathematics is a powerful, malleable tool that can be shaped and used differently by various communities to serve their needs.</span></p> </li> <li><p><span class="p-body">Every student deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.</span></p> </li> </ul>

<p><span class="p-body">Delfino also enjoys the course design and delivery process, and is deeply committed to creating an inclusive and rich mathematical environment for all students. &quot;This commitment drives me to continually refine my teaching methods, engage in professional development, and explore new technologies that can enhance mathematics instruction,&quot; she explains. &quot;My goal is to make mathematical concepts more accessible and engaging, fostering a classroom where every student can thrive.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">In fact, students in her courses have responded positively to such course design and the use of technology as a tool for engagement. The particular class structure, which includes low-stakes assessments, interactive discussions, and problem-solving sessions, seems to work well for them. &quot;They appreciate the opportunities for anonymous participation, which reduces anxiety about sharing incomplete or incorrect answers,&quot; she beams.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">She also offers a flexible homework policy, allowing multiple submissions without penalty, along with easily accessible course materials—which has been well-received. According to Delfino, students also value the generous drop policy for various assignments, which helps alleviate stress from personal or professional commitments.&quot;Overall, based on the feedback I've received, students appear comfortable with the class structure, workload, and their learning outcomes,&quot; she concludes. &quot;They seem to find the course design beneficial to their learning and appreciate the efforts made to create a supportive educational experience.&quot;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">By fostering this mindset, Delfino hopes to prepare her students to approach quantitative challenges with curiosity and resilience, rather than apprehension. This skill will be invaluable in their post-graduate lives, enabling them to engage effectively with data-informed decision-making processes in diverse work environments. Ultimately, she strives to help students develop a lasting comfort with numbers and data analysis, a competency that will serve them well regardless of their chosen career paths.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Delfino encourages incoming students to maintain regular communication with their professors and academic advisors. This proactive approach can provide valuable guidance and support throughout their academic journey.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">&quot;Even if a course topic doesn't initially spark their interest, students should try to approach it with curiosity and an open mind,&quot; she urges. &quot;They might be surprised by what they learn or discover a new area of interest.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Lastly, students should make it a habit to frequently check the syllabus and Brightspace, and schedule all deliverables in a calendar. This proactive approach not only keeps them informed but also helps develop crucial time management skills. By organizing their tasks and deadlines in advance, Delfino believes that students can better prioritize their work, avoid last-minute stress, and cultivate habits that will benefit them throughout their academic career and beyond.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">A <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ba-in-social-sciences.html" title="BA in Social Sciences">BA in Social Sciences</a> from NYU SPS can open doors that you may have never imagined were possible. See where you can start the next chapter of your career with a degree from the Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies. </span></p>