Mathguistics®

Dr. Trina Coleman is an educator, scientist, entrepreneur, author and public speaker.  She is one of fewer than 140 known African-American women to receive a Ph.D. in physics in the entire history of this nation, and one of FIVE to specialize in a theoretical concentration.

Dr. Coleman holds a B.A. in Physics from Hampton University in 1987; M.S. in Condensed Matter Physics from Hampton in 1993; and a Ph.D. in Theoretical Nuclear Physics from Hampton in 2001.

Dr. Coleman’s academic background prepared her for the development of the teaching and research methods needed for critical thinking, problem solving and the real life application of these skills. As a result of her unique abilities coupled with professional experience in educational and administrative roles, she has had the opportunity to observe student weaknesses in science and math skills in an educational setting, as well as several approaches to try to bolster improvement in these areas.

These areas drive her passion about the state of the US educational system and the looming problem of fundamental mathematical mastery for a large percentage of K-12 students and beyond, particularly people of color. She is equally passionate regarding the recently trending interest in exposing students of color to more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programs.  The two topics are not mutually exclusive; the common thread is math.

In order to provide a fresh perspective on mathematical comprehension, Dr. Coleman is currently authoring a series of books called Mathguistics®. Mathguistics® is the combination of math and linguistics, the study of language. There are several commonalities between the two areas that will be helpful in understanding math concepts by starting out with the fundamentals of symbols, grammar, punctuation, rules, reading comprehension, and application. These are the same requirements that one must master to learn and be fluent in speaking, reading and writing any language.

Understanding basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus and most importantly, finance will be the focus of the upcoming volumes of Mathguistics®.

Dr. Coleman has taught calculus-based physics at the high school, community college and university level. She was a Director of Central Intelligence Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Physics at Howard University, a lecturer in Physics & Astronomy. She additionally served as the Assistant Provost for Technology at Hampton University. She has also continuously mentored physics students

Dr. Coleman is the founder of Coleman Comprehensive Solutions, LLC, an IT consulting and services company and Mathguistics, LLC. She is the Technical Executive Officer of the National Society of Black Physicists.

Dr. Trina's Math Minute