Tien Chih

Tien Chih is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Oxford College, a unit of Emory University. He previously taught at Newberry College and Montana State University Billings (MSUB) after earning his PhD in Mathematics from the University of Montana (2014). His work bridges pure mathematics and education innovation.

• Education: BA (University of Hawaii at Hilo, 2007), MA (University of Montana, 2009), PhD (University of Montana, 2014)

Research focuses on discrete homotopy theory, particularly ×-homotopy of graphs, and its connections to groupoids and categorical combinatorics. He creates open educational resources (OERs) and EdTech tools for interactive learning, with emphasis on undergraduate research mentorship.

Recent publications explore graph homotopy categories, fundamental groupoids for graphs, and innovative teaching methods like asynchronous inquiry-based learning. His mathematical outreach includes community collaboration and a MAA-funded Math Circle program.

• Scientific awards: CURM funding for undergraduate research, MAA grant for Math Circle

He supervises undergraduate research projects and develops open educational resources to bridge the gap between mathematics' reputation and its accessible content.