For over twenty years, we went by names like Doctor Ian and Doctor Peterson, hiding our real names for the sake of privacy. But in this new beginning, we have decided to reveal a little about ourselves, so you can see the real people behind the Doctors. Here are brief bios and comments from each of the current Math Doctors:
Dave Peterson (Doctor Peterson): A former software engineer with degrees in math, I found my experience as a Math Doctor starting in 1998 so stimulating that in 2004 I took a new job teaching math at a community college in order to help the same sorts of people face to face. I have three adult children, and live near Rochester, N.Y. (The names Doctor Dave and Doctor David were already taken when I signed up, so they had to use my last name.) I am the author and instigator of anything on the site that is not attributed to someone else.
Rick Peterson (Doctor Rick): A former software engineer with degrees in physics, I joined my twin brother Doctor Peterson soon after he joined. I later worked as a teacher in a private high school, among other things. I live with my wife near Princeton, N.J.. (The name Doctor Rick, fortunately, was not taken.) Search the archives for the words “twin” and “peterson” to see more about us …
Jacques Willekens (Doctor Jacques): I am an Electronics Engineer. I worked as a Project Manager in a Belgian IT company (and also one year as a math teacher in Algeria). I am now retired.
I have been answering questions on Ask Dr. Math since 2003.
I live in Brussels, Belgium.
Jerold Mathews (Doctor Jerry): Born in Des Moines, Iowa. Graduated with a PhD in mathematics from Iowa State University (Ames, Iowa) . Taught mathematics at Iowa State during most of my working life. Married, retired, and living in Ames.
Doctor Fenton …
Doctor George …
Doctor Greenie …
Doctor Jeremiah …
Doctor Mitteldorf …
Doctor Vogler …
Doctor Wilko …
(By the way, in case you’re wondering: Although some of us do have Ph. D.s, the name “Doctor” comes from the medical theme of Ask Dr. Math. We thought of ourselves as examining and diagnosing patients to see what help they needed; questions came in through the “Triage” page, were answered in the “Operating Room”, and then went to “Post Op” to wait for further replies.)