Neil Duncan the newest Instructor of the Practice of the Mathematics Department. Read all about him down below!

Q1. What inspired you to pursue mathematics as a field of study?

Math wasn’t always easy for me growing up—especially in middle and high school. When I started college, I originally planned to become an engineer. As I worked through the required college-level math courses, I had some incredible professors who helped me see the beauty in mathematics. I even did an internship with an aerospace engineering company, but I found the work unfulfilling. I realized I truly enjoy teaching and exploring math, so I decided to follow that path instead.

Q2. Where did you go to school, and what was your journey like to get here?

I began my college journey at Southern Utah University, then transferred to Ohio State University with plans to continue in engineering. Eventually, life brought me back to southern Utah, where I completed my degree at Utah Tech. While finishing my math degree, I worked in the tutoring center here, which was a great experience. I’ve really enjoyed my time at Utah Tech—it feels like home.

Q3. What do you enjoy most about teaching math to students?

I love helping students realize that math isn’t as intimidating as it seems. When a problem feels complex, I enjoy guiding them through it step by step, breaking it down into simpler parts. Watching their confidence grow as they begin to understand is incredibly rewarding.

Q4. What’s a common challenge students face in math, and how do you encourage them to overcome it?

Many students come in with gaps in their understanding due to inconsistent experiences with previous math instruction. I focus on identifying those gaps and building on what they already know. Once they see how the pieces fit together, their confidence starts to grow.

Q5. Can you share a memorable moment from your time teaching in the department?

Since joining the department at Utah Tech, I’ve felt incredibly welcomed by my colleagues. It was a little intimidating at first—especially trying to hear Professor Duncan clearly! But I’ve learned to go with the flow and embrace the experience. Even though I’m “just” an instructor, it’s been a warm and supportive environment.

Q6. What’s one piece of advice you would give to students who may be intimidated by math?

Think of math as a puzzle. Every problem is like a little mystery waiting to be solved. If you’re missing a piece, it can feel frustrating—but once you find it, everything starts to make sense. Treating math like a game can make it more engaging and fun to explore.

Q7. How do you see mathematics connecting to everyday life or other fields of study?

Students often ask, “When am I ever going to use this?” In my own life, math has helped me dive into areas like digital finance. I’ve used it to analyze cryptocurrencies, stocks, and price charts. That analytical skill has helped me make smarter financial decisions—and even earn a bit more money!

Q8. What do you find most rewarding about being part of the math department here?

I’ve had the chance to create guided notes, answer keys, and other helpful resources for students. When I taught high school, I was constantly juggling classroom management and lesson prep, so I didn’t have time to build new materials. Here, I get to focus on creating tools that really support student learning—and that’s something I love.

Q9. What advice would you give to a math major?

There are so many career paths for someone with a math background—teaching is just one of them. Businesses across industries need people who can think analytically and solve problems. I encourage students to explore different courses and think of math as a puzzle. Once they build confidence, their curiosity will take them to the next level.

Q10. What’s one fun fact or hobby outside of math that students might be surprised to learn about you?

I used to be a ballroom dance teacher! I even trained other instructors on how to teach their classes. I managed a ballroom dance studio for six years while living in Ohio—it was a big part of my life and a lot of fun.