About Me
I am an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Christopher Newport University, where I teach all levels of the mathematics curriculum, from foundational courses to the more specialized courses. I especially enjoy teaching our Calculus and programming courses because these provide a holistic introduction to applied and computational mathematics. I study applications of nonlinear and chaotic dynamical systems. This often involves combining dynamical systems theory and mathematical programming in order to examine applications in quantum mechanics, mathematical ecology, neuroscience, and differential topology.
In 2026, I received the Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics from the Mathematical Association of America, recognizing excellence in undergraduate mathematics teaching.
I also enjoy directing student research projects. My work spans research in chaotic dynamical systems, curriculum design, community-engaged learning, and applications of machine learning to undergraduate mathematics. For a detailed overview of research expertise, technical skills, and pedagogical work, see Skills and Experience.
Background
I completed my graduate work at the University of New Hampshire and my undergraduate studies from Washington and Lee University. In between, I also earned masters degrees at NC State and at the University of Virginia. Before all this, I grew up in rural upstate New York.
In my free time, I enjoy running, visiting friends and family, traveling and visiting national parks, hiking and backpacking, and going to the beach.
Recent Publications
- Matthew A. Morena and Kevin M. Short, Cupolets: Theory and Applications, Dynamics, 4(2), pp. 394-424 (2024).
- Matthew A. Morena and Michael D. Smith, The Euclidean Discus Toss, PRIMUS, 33(10), pp. 1071–1090 (2023).
Recent and Upcoming Activities
- MAA MathFest 2026, Boston, MA, August 2026.
- SIAM ED26, Cleveland, OH, June 2026.