Students walking through the ground floor of Taylor this semester may have paused in the hallway to read the humorous and frequently updated questions written on the door of faculty resident and Assistant Professor of Mathematics Andreas Malmendier's. Students often answer questions such as "How was your weekend?" in a very tongue-in-cheek manner such as, "I don't know, ask security."  This is just one way the College's newest math professor has been interacting with the student body and making himself at home on the Hill.<br />

Hailing from Aachen, a city in western Germany, Malmendier attended the University of Bonn, majoring in both Math and Physics. He earned a Masters Degree in theoretical physics at the University. Malmendier moved to America to continue his studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a PhD in Mathematics. His first teaching position was at the University of California Santa Barbara, where he taught until his move to the Hill this year.

Malmendier says he already feels at home after only a month at Colby. "It's a really close knit community," said Malmendier, adding that he friendliness of the students and other faculty members have also eased the transition. The mathematics department has provided a "supportive atmosphere" he said, speaking highly of his colleagues and their welcoming attitude. Plus, "the scenery is very similar to Germany," he added.

Malmendier is teaching Multivariable Calculus, Differential Equations and Topology this semester. He is also doing independent research concerning the intersection of mathematics and string theory. "You not only solve mathematical problems, you look at them with different perspectives" Malmendier said. These differing perspectives, he explained, make math such an exciting and dynamic field.

When he isn't in the classroom, students are likely to find Professor Malmendier in the gym; his physique is almost as impressive as his résumé. When he isn't in the gym pumping iron, Malmendier enjoys rock climbing and snowboarding, and plans to pursue these passions while at Colby. "Everyone is so active here," he said, and he is excited to take advantage of the Maine outdoors with the Colby community.

What is Malmendier's favorite part of the surrounding area? "Big G's," he said, barely missing a beat. "My favorite is the Jerry Garcia. It's the perfect roast beef sandwich," he added with a grin. And yes, ladies and gentlemen, he always orders the full sandwich. You can bet he finishes it, too.