TIMOTHY MAKI
Staff Writer
Ever heard of supersymmetry? Well don’t worry, because neither have most Pepperdine students. So who should you turn to when you’re troubled with the enigmas of subatomic particle physics or the most perplexing issues of mathematical science? Professor Kevin Iga. This ever-smiling and popular Pepperdine mathematics professor has one of the biggest brains on campus and an even bigger heart.
Kevin Iga was born on Oct. 19, 1970, in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was there that he grew up with his older sister and his parents, who are of Japanese descent. Iga says that his life in Hawaii was ordinary, despite the pictures of the state that many people paint in their minds.
“A lot of people imagine growing up Hawaii as this bizarre other worldly experience, but it’s pretty normal,” he said.
Iga attended Moanalua High School, where he first became interested in mathematics as well as computer science.
“Math was my favorite subject,” Iga said.
And while other students played on the football team or tried out for school plays, Iga found a comfortable niche in the high school computer club. He recalls often hanging out with his buddies in the school’s computer center where he could have fun and play games.
During high school Iga became involved in many community service opportunities. Iga was a member of the Boy Scouts as well as being a part of the local church’s ministries.
Iga pursued his interest in mathematics after graduating from high school. He received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics at MIT and went on to earn his Ph.D. in mathematics at Stanford University.
When Iga left Stanford in 1998 after earning his Ph.D., he didn’t have a clear-cut path planned out for his career.
“I just kind of went along with the ride,” he said. “I knew that I really loved math and wanted to do research in math.”
But Iga was inspired to teach after becoming involved in activities that allowed him to teach high school students.
“My initial focus was doing math research and my second focus was teaching. But it became more clear that I liked teaching to be the focus,” said Iga.
After discussing his plans with his advisor Iga soon sent out applications to over 100 different colleges.
“We eliminated the colleges that neither of us had ever heard of,” Iga said with a chuckle.
Iga was later asked to teach at Pepperdine University, but surprisingly was not familiar with the college.
“I hadn’t heard very much about Pepperdine,” he said.
However, Iga was happy to know that Pepperdine had a Christian background that would allow him to grow both academically and spiritually.
“I was pleased to find out that it was a Christian university because it meant that I can really support what they’re all about, and they would support me in my walk with Christ,” said Iga.
Iga currently teaches classes in probability and linear algebra and calculus as well as a math-based freshman seminar. Many students enjoy the professor because of his laidback nature and are constantly in awe of his intelligence. Freshman guitar major Anastacios Comanescu, who is taking a math course with Iga, agrees.
“He’s easy going and doesn’t take attendance. He’s understanding, and he talks about interesting things. He’s also probably one of the smartest people I’ve ever met, but at the same time he’s very humble,” Comanescu said.
Anonymous students at ratemyprofessor.com have mentioned that Iga is “super smart” and that he’s reminiscent of an “Asian Kermit the Frog.” Students even love his quirks.
“He’s so funny. He’s a bit socially awkward too, but that’s what I like about him,” Comanescu said.
In the fall of 2006 Iga had the opportunity to teach overseas in Pepperdine’s Hong Kong international program. And although he was out of his comfort zone, he believes that it was an amazing experience.
“In Hong Kong you don’t have the Pepperdine bubble like you would at some of the European programs we have,” he said. “I think it’s a really wonderful way to get exposed to a culture.”
Aside from traveling and teaching research has always been a priority in Iga’s life. He has researched several diverse areas of the natural sciences including topology and the supersymmetry theory.
“I like the balance between teaching and research here at Pepperdine,” he said.
Topology is a branch of geometry that focuses on objects whose dimensions remain the same after they have been stretched or compressed. Supersymmetry, on the other hand, is a theory concerning the behavior of subatomic particles in the field of higher energy particle physics.
At the moment Iga is researching with two other mathematicians and physicists in an effort to make general classifications of all possible supersymmetry theories.
“Doing research is kind of like feeling around in a dark room,” he said. “As you answer questions, that raises more questions that in many cases are worthwhile.”
Outside of the classroom Iga is involved in church and music activities. Ever since he came to Pepperdine eight years ago, Iga has attended Malibu Presbyterian Church.
“They have a very good sense of community. Although it’s close to campus, there are people of all ages,” said Iga.
Iga is also a member of the Pepperdine University Concert Choir. He first became interested in music after taking a music theory class at MIT where he was also in the choir. Iga is currently preparing to sing with the concert choir in their annual Masterworks Concert where they will perform Mozart’s Requiem.
Iga considers himself blessed to be able to teach and continue his research at Pepperdine University.
“Pepperdine is one of the places where I can really make a difference,” he said.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of teaching for him has been “seeing the students develop in their knowledge.” But most importantly, Iga is looking toward what his role will be in solving future problems.
“The role of an academic is to ask where we have been as a culture, as a civilization, as a species, and to ask, ‘Where are we headed? What are the problems? What are the possible solutions?’” he said.
With his love of teaching and his kind personality Kevin Iga is using his intelligence to passionately pursue his research goals and inspire students everywhere with the joy of mathematics.
05-18-2007
