Daniel Lopez
Associate Professor
Mathematics Department
STEM Institute
Faculty member since: 2005
Courses Taught
Pre-Algebra
Introductory Algebra
Intermediate Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Math for the Liberal Arts
Education
Bachelor’s Degrees in Mathematics and Mass Communications, King’s College
Master’s Degree in Mathematics, Binghamton University, the State University of New York
Contact Information
Office: Main Academic South (MAS)
Phone: 732-224-2839
Email: dlopez@brookdalecc.edu
What brought you to Brookdale?
I had taught high school previously, and then began teaching as an adjunct at Bloomfield College and tutoring for Math and English classes. I liked the college environment but also loved teaching, so the community college was a perfect fit for me.
Describe one or more of your biggest achievements as a Brookdale faculty member:
I serve as co-coordinator of the MATH 021 (Introductory Algebra) course. I love this course. I have been a coordinator of the course since 2007, and am excited about our new use of the Open Educational Resources created by Barbara Tozzi and Linda Wang. This greatly reduces the cost for students, as there is no publisher-based textbook that needs to be purchased.
Additionally, I have had great success with College Readiness initiatives at various high schools and during the summer with incoming Brookdale students. We also have begun employing boot camps to accelerate students through their Foundational Studies coursework in math.
Do you work outside of the college?
I have three autistic sons, so I am a member of POAC (Parents of Autistic Children) and volunteer at events they offer in the community. I also serve as an assistant soccer coach for Special Olympics NJ. The team is called the Li’l Kickers.
What would you say is your most memorable moment – or moments – as a member of the Brookdale community?
Teaching at Freehold over the last 10 years, I have seen many students who have started in my MATH 015 or MATH 021 classes, and then a few years later I will see them on the other side of the building heading off to one of their Rutgers classes. When I see these students who have “made it,” it gives me a great feeling of satisfaction that I may have been a small part of their success and growth.
I was also very proud last summer when, at the conclusion of the College Readiness program, a number of students mentioned their improvement in math as their biggest takeaway from the program.
What do you think separates Brookdale from other colleges?
At Brookdale, you can get that personal touch and make connections with staff and faculty members that treat you as an individual and not just a number. The Math Department in particular has great support services that students can take advantage of; they should never feel alone when taking a math class since there is always help available somewhere.