Activity Workbook with Real-World Applications for College Algebra

Gisela Acosta holds a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Ed.D. with majors in Curriculum, Music, and Mathematics from the University of Puerto Rico. Her doctorate degree dissertation in Mathematics Curriculum and perfect GPA earned her the UPR President’s Award for Academic Excellence. Dr. Acosta has received numerous awards for Excellency as a Mathematics Professor, and as Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the Inter American University of PR. Other awards include the NISOD Excellence in Learning Leadership Award, Distinguished Educator by the Phi Delta Kappa Honorary Society of Education, Excellency as Project Director for Title II and Title III Grants, Department of Education Special award for outstanding leadership as Consultant for the Development and Implementation of “Centers for Research in Mathematics Education,” and many other recognitions.

Dr. Acosta’s career as a Math Professor includes 21 years at the Inter American University of PR, and Valencia College, in Orlando, FL, where she has been a math professor since 1996. She has taught a wide variety of mathematics courses, from the developmental levels to advanced calculus and other advanced math courses. She has presented numerous workshops and conferences on mathematics and authored and co-authored other math publications. Dr. Acosta dedicates this second edition to Luis, her loving husband in Heaven (1944-2020).

Margie Fernandez-Karwowski earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Applied Mathematics from the University of Akron and University of Central Florida, respectively. Her career in the teaching profession encompasses 20 years as a tutor, teacher, and professor at the high school, college, and university levels. Professor Karwowski’s career began at the Pre-Algebra level when she fi rst entered college. With hard work, effort, devotion, and motivated by challenge, she set her mind to pursue a career in the field of mathematics.

In 1983, fresh out of high school, Professor Karwowski backpacked throughout Western and Eastern Europe, experiencing other cultures for one month. From 1996 through 1999 she lived in Warsaw, Wiesbaden, and Budapest with her 2 children, which provided her a better appreciation of history and the world around her. These experiences helped the authors realize the need to incorporate a wide variety of subjects and topics into the mathematics classroom, which serves such a diverse student population. While living in Europe, Professor Karwowski participated in fundraisers for local orphanages which included writing a cookbook that featured international cuisine, with funds going to a home for children with AIDS. Professor Karwowski and her husband stay busy with their 5 kids and 2 grandchildren, and continue to volunteer helping the homeless and the elderly.