Georgetown College. Georgetown University.

Dr. Chang's lessons come in handy for Bob Smith's work as a statistical mathematician for the Department of Energy. (Courtesy Bob Smith)

By LiAnna Davis

Dr. Der-Chen Chang played a major role in Bob Smith’s time at Georgetown. The 2004 graduate took seven classes with Dr. Chang, served as a teaching assistant for four more, and worked in the Math Assistance Center that is run by the popular professor.

“I never intended to be a math major, but I found myself looking forward to Dr. Chang's class every day,” says Smith. “I think he has a gift for bringing incredibly difficult mathematical concepts down to levels that his students can understand. I was excited because I could understand the lectures, yet I knew that I was learning extremely difficult material.”

Dr. Chang’s dedication to making sure students understand is something Smith now takes with him in his work as a mathematical statistician for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration, where he focuses on forecasting renewable energy. Smith uses his mathematics skills to analyze value conversions, equations, trend lines, energy supply curve analyses, and economic risk assessments.

“In my career I have discovered a passion for trying to understand the immense problems of climate change. I have presented at several conferences and have risen through the ranks of the Department of Energy. I want to make a meaningful contribution in the area of climate change,” says Smith. “The Jesuit philosophy of being a ‘person for others’ has really stuck with me, and I want to work on this daunting challenge that will affect our future.”

Smith intends to contribute to this work on a deeper level by returning to graduate school to get his Ph.D. in engineering or economics. Still in touch, Dr. Chang has a constant support for Smith in pursuing this goal.

Dr. Chang’s encouragement was also a source of mentoring for Smith. Dr. Chang taught him to have pride in mathematics, a feeling that Smith in turn passed on to the students who came into the Math Assistance Center for help. Dr. Chang’s philosophy of ensuring that every student understands the concepts and nurturing those who need a bit of extra help influenced Smith’s work in the math center, perpetuating a patient and understanding approach to complicated issues in mathematics.

“Dr. Chang’s encouragement and support were unmatched by any member of the Georgetown faculty,” Smith says. “Dr. Chang knew all of our names within two weeks of the class, without ever taking attendance or using seating charts. He’d listen to conversation before and after class to find out people’s names. He was the only professor I’ve ever known to do this. And there were usually 35 to 40 students in his classes. Everyone loved him.”

In addition to his work with Dr. Chang, Smith was the organist at the 10 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. masses while at Georgetown, a reflection of the importance of his Catholic faith in his life. He also continues his dedication to helping others by participating in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

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