Brooks

Dr Malcolm Brooks, a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics at the University of Canberra, received a BH Neumann Award from Professor Neumann at a function at the Atlantic Restaurant, Manuka, Canberra on Friday 16 June 2000.

[Malcolm Brooks bhn]

Dr Malcolm Brooks receives his Award from Professor Neumann.

[Malcolm bhn]

Malcolm's children Alex, Lucy and Ben, Professor Neumann, Malcolm and his wife Mary after Malcolm received the Award.

Citation

Malcolm's Award is a little unusual, because much of his work in mathematics enrichment is of his own initiative, often with little or no resources available. He is the classic dedicated University teacher, winning high ratings from students for the quality of his teaching, availability and attention to detail.

He has a long history of association with programs beyond his call of duty in stimulating the interest in mathematics by secondary students.

Since the inception of UC Maths Day in 1982, Malcolm has been its Director, leading a small but committed group of colleagues to ensure that day is a highlight of the mathematical year in Canberra, drawing school teams from throughout Canberra and the southern regions of New South Wales. Maths Day presents administrative challenges every year, even to the point where the very existence of Maths Day has not always been certain. Malcolm is also active with its Problems Committee.

Malcolm's other significant role has been as Joint Director of the Canberra Mathematics Enrichment Program since 1988, when Mike Newman and Laci Kovacs agreed to an extension of the classes they had been running for many years. In 1988 Canberra received an invitation to run the International Mathematics Tournament of Towns and an elite group was set up to participate and in fact became the first Western city in the event.

Malcolm has been one of the group's most regular teachers also in that time, particularly specialising with the senior group (Years 10 to 12). The group has flourished, with the organisers now having to restrict numbers. Three of the students have been selected in Australia's IMO team and several have been reserves.

Malcolm has for some time been a moderator of the AMC paper, was a member of AMOC's Senior Problems Committee from 1983 to 1990, and has been Assistant Editor of the Australian Mathematical Society Bulletin.

He has been active in the development of University teaching methods, and has earned teaching grants as leader of a team developing multi-media methods.

Peter Taylor

Friday 16 June 2000