Teaching
About my teaching
I have been teaching mathematics courses since 2000 at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Although my research interests lie in algebraic areas, I am constantly looking for the opportunity to teach courses in other branches as well -- combinatorics, graph theory, probability, and statistics, to mention a few. I have taught face-to-face, 100 % online, and in a hybrid style for universities in the US, Canada, India, and China.
I love working with students. If you are an ISU student interested in doing an Honors project, a Master's thesis/project, or an independent study/research in Mathematics, please contact me.
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that mathematics is a beautiful, dynamic, and exciting discipline accessible to students of all backgrounds. I employ a rigorous teaching approach that transforms the subject into an inviting, engaging, and enjoyable experience. Unveiling the joy of mathematical exploration is what sparks a deep passion for continuous learning. Unfortunately, many students, even those with abundant talent, often shy away from mathematics due to perceived complexity or abstractness, leading them to question its relevance. Some even develop a fear of the subject, constructing a formidable wall that obstructs their progress. As a skilled math educator, I motivate students to overcome this barrier. Beyond this seemingly imposing wall awaits a limitless realm of amusement, delight, and the sheer beauty that lies within the world of mathematics.
Courses Taught
I taught the following courses (most of them multiple times) at ISU since 2008.
Applied Calculus, MAT 121
Calculus (I, II, III) , MAT 145, 146, 147
Elementary Linear Algebra, MAT 175
Elementary abstract algebra, MAT 236
Elementary Real Analysis, MAT 247
Discrete Mathematics, MAT 260
Introduction to Undergraduate Research in Mathematics, MAT 268
History of Mathematics, MAT 320
Number Theory, MAT 330
Advanced Abstract Algebra, MAT 336
Advanced Linear algebra, MAT 337
Differential equations (I, II), MAT 340, 341
Advanced Calculus, MAT 345
Advanced Real Analysis, MAT 347
Complex Analysis, MAT 349
Probability and Statistics for Educators, MAT 352
Abstract Algebra I, MAT 407
Topics in Number Theory, MAT 410
Topics in Advanced Mathematics, MAT 411
Independent Studies (various topics in algebra, number theory, and topology at the undergrad. and grad. levels)
Awards for Teaching
Outstanding University Teacher Award, Illinois State University, 2024
Mathematics Ambassador Award, Mathematics Department, Illinois State University, 2023
Outstanding College Teacher Award, College of Arts and Sciences, Illinois State University, 2023
Department Outstanding Teacher Award, Department of Mathematics, Illinois State University, 2022
Teaching Excellence Award, Red Tassel Chapter of Mortar Board, Illinois State University, 2014
Nominated for the University Teaching Initiative Award, Illinois State University, 2012
Department Teaching Initiative Award, Department of Mathematics, Illinois State University, 2011
Teaching Excellence Award, Red Tassel Chapter of Mortar Board, Illinois State University, 2009
ISU News
This ISU news report talks about the story of my MAT 320 (History of Mathematics) course and how the course laid the future career path of a high school student. Here is an excerpt from the report.
“Before taking this course, I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to study after high school. Learning about the diversity of topic areas within mathematics and mathematics’ seemingly limitless applications in MAT 320 firmly convinced me to study mathematics when I attend college next year. The enthusiasm of all of the speakers and especially our professor, Dr. Chebolu, made MAT 320 a truly unforgettable academic experience.” - Katelyn DeKeersgieter.
Talks
In these talks I show how mathematics can be applied to other fields (Astronomy, Music, Art, Navigation, Cryptography). These are all accessible for high school students.
The world of MATH
A presentation for high school students who are interested in STEM
Math and Music
An introduction to the beautiful interplay between math and music.
Cosmic Distance ladder
How do we measures distances in the universe?
Celestial Navigation
How to determine directions, latitude, and longitude?
Cryptographic Protocols - I
Cryptographic Protocols - II
STEAMath
My daughter and I made a YouTube Channel called STEAMath. In this channel, we show the beauty, power, and applicability of mathematics in a fun and engaging manner by bringing in elements from physics, music, art, and recreation. Enjoy our videos and subscribe to our channel.
www.youtube.com/channel/UCLTNy4wBpZoEBiBorga0FBQ/about
This is our latest video on the square root of 2 and its remarkable avatars. According to one mathematician, this is the most wholesome video on the internet!
Check out our channel for more fun videos.
Resources for Students
AIM textbooks: American Institute of Mathematics (AIM) has an excellent collection of free open-source mathematics textbooks.
SAGEMATH: Sagemath is a great open-source software for mathematical computations. You can install the software to work offline. But if you want to do a quick calculation you can use either use sagecell or do computations on the cloud using cocalc.
LaTeX: This is the gold standard for mathematical typesetting. It is best if you can install the software (you will need both backend and frontend). Or, if you want do it online, I recommend overleaf.
Weusemath: Weusemath.org is a great resource for students looking for career paths in mathematics and related fields.
Remarks on writing mathematical proofs by Jack Lee
Creative videos on mathematics by Jan Minac and his wife [video1] [video 2]
Career advice by Terry Tao