Office and People Directory

Melanie Brown

Biography

Dr. Melanie Brown is an Associate Professor of Mathematics and has been teaching at Champlain College since 2013. She is also the Program Director for Mathematics and oversees not only the major in Applied Mathematics and the minor in Mathematics, but also the collection of math courses that meet the needs of each of Champlain’s majors. Originally from Atlanta, GA, she graduated from Converse University with both a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. She then pursued graduate studies in mathematics, earning a Master of Arts in Mathematics from Western Michigan University and a Ph.D. in Mathematical Sciences from the University of Vermont.

While her earliest research interests were in topological graph theory and combinatorial design theory, teaching at Champlain has given her the opportunity to explore applications of mathematics across a variety of disciplines. She is now especially interested in the mathematics of cybersecurity and regularly teaches a course in the mathematics of Cryptography. She also teaches more traditional math courses like Calculus I, Calculus II, and Linear Algebra, but she enjoys infusing each course with examples that demonstrate how the theoretical ideas help solve problems in “the real world.”

In addition to her teaching and administrative roles, Dr. Brown serves her faculty colleagues as the Chair of the Faculty Senate Welfare Committee. She is also a champion for gender diversity in STEAM and advises Champlain’s Womxn in Technology Club and Champlain’s Women in Cybersecurity Student Chapter. Additionally, she is a facilitator with the Champ 101 program.

In her free time, Dr. Brown is an active musician and plays clarinet with several Burlington-area ensembles.

Professional & Scholastic Affiliations

• Mathematical Association of America
• Women in Cybersecurity

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Eric Brown

Biography

Eric Brown has been an online Adjunct Instructor at Champlain College for over 10 years. He is committed to providing students with the precise skills and knowledge required to excel in a professional IT environment.

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Carolyn Brown

Biography

Carolyn was originally a teacher of visual arts, whose journey into instructional design began many years ago while creating experiences to make asynchronous learning more effective and enjoyable for online students. Degrees in design and education technology are foundational to Carolyn’s work, and innovation is the fuel that moves them forward.

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Lexi Brown

Biography

Lexi Brown holds a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies from Harvard University and has over a decade of experience teaching, advising, and mentoring students at all levels. She has taught courses at Mount Holyoke College, Harvard Divinity School, and Brandeis University, and has worked closely with students on research, writing, time management, and independent projects like senior theses. In her work as an executive functioning coach and tutor, Alexis helps students develop strategies to stay organized, motivated, and focused, while connecting their academic work to their personal goals and values. At Champlain College, she enjoys supporting students in building confidence, finding balance, and making meaningful progress toward their academic and life goals.

Hobbies

Traveling, reading, hiking, baking, discovering new bakeries, and eating baked goods

Favorite Local Eateries

My favorite Vermont eateries are Shy Guy Gelato, Maliwan Thai Restaurant, Namaste

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Clinton Bryant

Biography

With a Master’s degree in English from the University of Vermont and a passion for English literature, writing, editing, and publishing, Clinton has spent his career empowering students through inclusive educational practices. He remains committed to supporting students from all academic backgrounds, believing the best way forward is empathetic listening and acknowledgment of everyone’s expertise and experience. This philosophy has guided his work across various educational settings, culminating in his current role as Academic Coach and Peer Tutor Coordinator at Champlain College, where he continues to foster student achievement through personalized support and innovative pedagogical approaches.

Hobbies

Reading, Writing, and playing music!

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James Buck

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Joshua Buck

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Ciaran Buckley

Biography

Originally from Ireland Prof. Buckley lived in Germany for 30 years before coming to Champlain College. He studied Law at Bonn University and was admitted to the German Bar in Düsseldorf. He completed a post graduate degree in Real Estate Economics Immobilienoekoenom ebs at the European Business School. He taught previously at Hampden Sydney College in Virginia.

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Daniel Buckstein

Biography

Originally from the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, Daniel Buckstein holds degrees in Computer Science and in Game Development & Entrepreneurship. He has a keen interest various areas of mathematics, including calculus and linear algebra, which carry over to computer animation algorithms and graphics programming. His other development interests include low-level game engine and tool design, virtual reality, and augmented reality; these have been demonstrated in both industry and academic contexts. His passion for programming intertwines with his passion for teaching and he is always looking for innovative and fun ways to deliver course content.

Recommended Reading, Listening & Viewing

Ray Tracing in One Weekend

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Lindsay Bumps

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Josephine Bunnell

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Frankie Burch

Biography

Frankie Burch currently works as an Area Coordinator in House and Residential Life, where they work with first-year and upper-year students, as well as overseeing the upper-year gender inclusive community. They enjoy supporting students in every aspect of their college experience and can been seen working with their resident advisors (RAs), meeting with students to discuss their needs, working with the Women’s and Gender Center, overseeing the physical condition of the residence halls in their area, teaching Champ101 Courses (a class that introduces students to college and helps them learn to navigate a new environment), collaborating with campus partners, and more!

Frankie grew up near Bar Harbor, Maine and graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington in 2019 with a degree in English Literature and a minor in International & Global Studies. After working as a Resident Advisor throughout their undergraduate experience, Frankie decided to continue working in Student Affairs after graduating. They then accepted a Community Coordinator position with Denison University in central Ohio.

During their time in Ohio, Frankie learned that they loved supporting students in navigating their college experience. While working with students of all grades, Frankie most enjoyed working with first-year students, and found joy in helping these students adjust to college life while finding their authentic selves. Finding that they missed the Northern Woods, they moved back to Maine in 2021, and then took a job with Champlain College.

Frankie loves the beauty of the Green Mountain State, the kindness of their colleagues at Champlain, and the indescribable passion of Champlain students! Frankie is continuing their educational journey and pursuing a graduate degree in English Literature at the University of Vermont.

Favorite local eateries and things to do in Vermont

I love exploring the different mountains and waterways of Vermont! My favorite local eateries are Mr. Mike’s Pizza, Goku Ramen, and Four Quarters Brewing!

Hobbies

Kayaking, Painting, Reading, and Crafting!

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Ariel Burgess

Biography

Ariel K. McKnight Burgess’ interests revolve around how we foster relationships between humans and the more-than-human world that are rooted in care, justice, and mutual responsibility. Through her research on the psychological, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of the climate and ecological crises, Ariel aims to nurture transformational change. With a specialty in climate and ecological psychology, recently she has been thinking a lot about eco-empathy, ecological mourning, and resilience.

At Champlain, Ariel teaches interdisciplinary ecologically-oriented courses where she explores with her students how topics like science, justice, policy, history, art, economics, social change, worldviews, and ethics are interwoven.

Outside of Champlain, Ariel facilitates eco-grief and eco-empathy workshops, and hosts monthly Eco-Resiliency Gatherings, which are always free and open to all who are interested. Ariel is earning a doctorate in ecopsychology with a specialization in climate response and resilience. She holds a bachelor’s in environmental studies and studio art, and a master’s in international environmental policy.

Research

Distinctions & Awards

Publications & Abstracts

Burgess, A. K. McK. expected 2023. “Eco Empathy.” In Ecological Feelings: A Rhetorical Compendium, edited by Joshua Barnett. East Lansing: Michigan State University Press.

Favorite Quote

“The way out is in.”

—Thich Nhat Hanh

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Thomas Burl

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John Burns

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