Crista Coles, assistant professor of mathematics, has been selected as the first recipient of the A.L. Hook Emerging Scholar Professorship in Science and Mathematics at Elon University. The professorship supports the development of chemistry, mathematics and physics faculty in their scholarly pursuits and promotes collaborative work between faculty and students who are involved in undergraduate research. Coles will receive an annual salary supplement, supporting funds for travel, research materials and student travel and research. Coles will hold the rotating professorship for a three-year term.
The Hook Professorship was created as a result of a gift by the Class of 1939 to honor Dr. Alonzo L. Hook, a member of the math and physics faculty for more than 50 years.
Coles joined the Elon faculty in 2000. She earned a doctorate and a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati and a bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College.