Dr. Ryan Moruzzi, Jr

About me:

To start, I am a husband, dad, avid sports fan, and mathematician. I enjoy hanging with my family, being outside, playing/watching sports, and thinking about mathematics! 

As an alumni of Cal Poly Pomona, where I received my Bachelors of Science in Mathematics in 2010, I am excited to be working with the diverse students as an assistant professor at California State University, East Bay. In my educational journey, I have overcome many obstacles and found successes with the help of many mentors, allowing me to pass along a unique viewpoint that resonates with many students. For more about my journey, read "More About Me" below. 

Prior to joining California State University, East Bay, I was a Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow at Ithaca College and completed my PhD work at the University of California, Riverside. Currently, my research interests lie in the broader field of combinatorics, discrete mathematics, and their intersection with linear algebra. Specifically, the Inverse eigenvalue problem of a graph related with Matrix theory,  Zero forcing and variations of zero forcing on graphs, Throttling, and Propagation time of graphs.

As an assistant professor, I am active in forwarding and growing our educational community through actions of equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. Through my experiences both in K-12 and higher education, I see how inequities perpetuate a system of hierarchy and racism in the classroom and community. I strive to be intentional with my actions, working towards breaking down racist traditions that are both visible and invisible in education. I am open to having conversations about such topics, just reach out! 

More About Me

I am first generation college graduate born and raised in Rialto in Southern California. I attended schools in the Rialto Unified School district which include Bemis Elementary, Jehue Middle School, and Rialto High School. While at Jehue Middle School and Rialto High School, I was in the GEAR-UP program (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), which is a "grant program of the U.S. Department of Education that increases the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education" by offering "support services to high-poverty, middle and high schools." This program helped me visit college campuses, along with making me aware that going to college is possible.

While at Cal Poly Pomona, I was part of GEAR-UP as a mentor, going to La Puente High school in the Hacienda Heights-La Puente school district, located about 20 miles east of Los Angeles. I valued my time as a mentor, spending the days inside the classroom working with students, as well as in the after school program aiding students with their work along with providing them with insights I learned from going to college. 

Also while at Cal Poly Pomona, I also worked at a Sylvan Learning center in Rialto, CA teaching K-5 students from schools receiving funds from the NLCB (No Child Left Behind) Act. I worked with students who were below grade level in reading and mathematics, helping them become proficient in the subjects. More so, I would help them realize they can do well in school despite previously struggling, and closing opportunity gaps amongst students. 

Through all my experiences, I am aware of various privileges that are afforded in education. This influences my choices and impacts how I approach aspects of my teaching and research. I always enjoy conversing with others about both, just reach out!