Biography
Dr. Jerry Dwyer is a professor of mathematics and director of the Center for STEM Learning (CSL) at the University of Mississippi (UM). He earned his PhD in Applied Mathematics from the National University of Ireland, with early research focused on computational mechanics, including fracture modeling, composite materials, and glaciology. His academic interests over the past 20 years have focused more on community engaged scholarship and outreach, STEM teacher training, active learning enhancements, and alternative assessment strategies in STEM classrooms.
He has held research and teaching positions across the United States and Europe—including appointments at University College Cork, the University of Manchester, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Colorado, the University of Tennessee, George Washington University, and Texas Tech University before joining UM in 2023 as director of the CSL. At Texas Tech, he became a leading figure in STEM outreach, serving as founding director of the STEM Center for Outreach, Research, & Education (STEM CORE). He spearheaded major federally funded initiatives aimed at improving K–12 mathematics teaching, developing future STEM educators, and expanding outreach to underrepresented students. His work is recognized for integrating hands-on, community-based learning with teacher preparation, reflecting a career-long commitment to making mathematics accessible, engaging, and impactful across educational levels.
Education
Ph.D. Applied Math, University College Cork National University of Ireland
M.Sc Computer Science, University College Cork National University of Ireland
B.A. Mathematics, University College Cork National University of Ireland