Finite Mathematics and Applied Calculus

Stefan Waner and Steven R. Costenoble both received their Ph.D.s from the University of Chicago, having studied several years apart with the same advisor, J. Peter May. Their paths merged when Dr. Waner joined Dr. Costenoble at Hofstra University in 1987. Since then, they have coauthored 18 research papers as well as a research-level monograph in algebraic topology. By the early 1990s, they had become dissatisfied with many of the finite mathematics and applied calculus textbooks available. They wanted textbook choices that were more readable and relevant to students' interests -- texts that contained engaging examples and exercises and texts that reflected the interactive approaches and techniques they found worked well with their own students. It, therefore, seemed natural to extend their research collaboration to a joint textbook writing project that expressed these ideals. To this day, they continue to work together on textbook projects, research in algebraic topology and in their teaching.