Brian Hopkins

Brian Hopkins is a Professor of Mathematics at Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Washington and undergraduate degrees (B.S. and B.A.) from the University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on combinatorics, number theory, and discrete mathematics, with notable contributions to partition theory, integer compositions, and combinatorial game theory. He is a 2015 recipient of the prestigious Haimo Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching from the Mathematical Association of America.

Dr. Hopkins has authored over 20 research publications, edited three books, and presented globally. He served as editor of The College Mathematics Journal from 2014–2018 and contributed editorial work to multiple volumes on combinatorics and discrete mathematics education. His teaching philosophy emphasizes active learning strategies, such as group work and project-based learning, reflected in courses like Discrete Mathematics (MA-246) and Modern Algebra (MA-441). He has also engaged in outreach through book reviews on combinatorics and mathematical history, including works on Martin Gardner’s legacy and Euler’s combinatorial contributions.

His research spans topics like Bulgarian solitaire variants, Garden of Eden states in combinatorial models, and enumeration modulo congruences. Beyond academia, he enjoys NYC cultural experiences with his husband and advocates for accessible mathematics education through pedagogical innovations documented in publications like Resources for Teaching Discrete Mathematics.