María Sánchez-Muñiz

Position: Lecturer
Email: msanchezmuniz@ccny.cuny.edu
Office: MR 516
Office hours: Monday 2pm-3pm MR516, Thursday on zoom
Office phone: (212) 650-7309

¡Conóceme! 💫

¡Hola! Don't let that stern professional photo fool you — it only appears when the syllabus goes unread! 😉 In real life, you'll find me with a bright smile and an energetic spirit (it's the Puerto Rican way! 🌺🇵🇷☀️). I proudly hail from the beautiful town of Toa Alta. My academic adventure has been quite the journey: I recently crowned my collection of degrees with a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Before embracing the Minnesota winters, I found my mathematical calling at The City College of New York (CCNY), where I earned both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Mathematics. But here's a plot twist — my academic story actually began with a Bachelor's in Accounting from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. 📚✨

Under the guidance of Dr. Richard McGehee, my dissertation explored the complexities of permafrost thawing through a conceptual model ❄️. My research has evolved to methods in topological data analysis, which I'm currently using to unravel the intricate patterns of El Niño Southern Oscillator phases and detect the onset of the Indian Monsoon. Before this, I collaborated with mathematicians and ecologists at the University of Minnesota to develop models that captured the dynamics between native prairie grasses and invasive species in Minnesota's grassland ecosystems 🌿. This interdisciplinary work combined field data with mathematical modeling to better understand how these complex ecological communities adapt and evolve. My research journey weaves dynamical systems, partial differential equations, mathematical modeling, machine learning, and climate mathematics with modern computational techniques. Think of it as using mathematical superpowers to decode nature's hidden patterns and understand our changing planet! 🌍

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to teach at CCNY, the institution that propelled me to learn mathematics. I welcome you to my course, where we'll delve into the captivating world of mathematics together. 🫶 Having been in your shoes not too long ago, right here in these classrooms, I understand both the challenges and the excitement of discovering mathematics at CCNY. I believe in creating an inclusive learning environment where questions are celebrated, mistakes are valuable learning opportunities, and "aha!" moments are shared with enthusiasm. 🌟

Whether you're a math enthusiast or feeling a bit nervous about the subject, know that my office door is always open (virtually and physically! 🚪). I bring my academic experience and my journey from accounting to climate mathematics, which taught me that mathematical thinking can open unexpected and fascinating doors. Together, we'll build a supportive community where we can explore, challenge ourselves, and yes, even have some fun with mathematics! ✨ Let's make this semester a memorable chapter in your academic story. 📚