Linda Bailey Hayden

Linda Bailey Hayden is a distinguished Professor and Associate Dean of Mathematics and Computer Science at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), where she has made significant contributions to mathematics education and geoscience applications since 1980. Originally from Portsmouth, Virginia, she overcame segregation barriers to pursue her academic career, earning degrees from Virginia State University, University of Cincinnati, Old Dominion University, and American University. At ECSU, she founded the Center of Excellence in Remote Sensing Education and Research to increase minority participation in environmental science.

Dr. Hayden's research interests span mathematics education, applications of mathematics in geoscience, remote sensing technologies, and environmental science. Her work uniquely bridges theoretical mathematics with practical applications in climate science, ice sheet monitoring, water quality assessment, and Antarctic research. She has pioneered educational approaches that connect mathematics with real-world environmental challenges, particularly through NASA-related programs and the GLOBE initiative.

Her publication record reveals a strong focus on mentorship, educational outreach, and interdisciplinary research connecting mathematics with environmental science. The most recent publications demonstrate her ongoing commitment to developing innovative approaches for engaging students in scientific research, particularly through hackathons, remote sensing applications, and climate change education. Her work consistently emphasizes increasing participation of underrepresented groups in STEM fields.

• Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (2003)
• Emerald Honors for Educational Leadership from US Black Engineer magazine
• Mathematically Gifted & Black Black History Month 2017 Honoree
• An Antarctic ice shelf was named after her institution by the Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names

Dr. Hayden has dedicated her career to mentoring minorities and women in STEM fields through various programs including the Nurturing ECSU Research Talent (NERT) initiative, the Home-Institution Support Program, and numerous NASA-funded educational projects. Her grant history reflects strong partnerships with federal agencies to offer interdisciplinary training in remote sensing and environmental science. She has established multiple educational partnerships focused on enhancing undergraduate involvement in research, particularly for underrepresented students.

As founder of the Center of Excellence in Remote Sensing Education and Research at ECSU, she has built a significant infrastructure for geoscience research and education, developing cyberinfrastructure for remote sensing of ice sheets and creating numerous educational programs from middle school through undergraduate levels. Her work has connected ECSU with major research institutions and federal agencies, establishing the university as a hub for remote sensing education in minority-serving institutions.