Central College Mathematics Professor Delivers Two Publications

by Mary Pautsch

Pella, IA (10/09/2026) — Russ Goodman, professor of mathematics, has produced two recent publications on the pedagogy of mathematics and data science.

The mathematics and data science journal "Scatterplot" recently featured an article by Goodman about exit polling for the 2024 general election. Goodman's own students surveyed a large sample of voters at the polls, collecting standard information like their political affiliations, gender and age, as well as asking when they chose who to vote for, and if they voted for their preferred candidate, or against an objectionable one. The data was then cleaned and analyzed, with Goodman's article providing a blueprint for colleagues at other institutions to engage in a similar activity.

The goal was to blend mathematics and data science with civic engagement for students, to see how their studies can apply to the real world while building people skills. Goodman is currently working with computer science and political science faculty and students to run a similar interdisciplinary exercise for the 2026 midterm elections.

Goodman has also recently authored a chapter in the volume "Data Science: Plug and Play Modules for the College Classroom." The chapter offers a geospatial data lesson Goodman used with his own students, based on a wisecrack from the late comedian Mitch Hedberg, who once quipped that "La Quinta is Spanish for 'Next to Denny's.'" Students used web scraping and various techniques in data analysis to see how true a statement like that might be. (The general findings in Goodman's classroom were that, yes, there is some credibility to the joke.)

"Both of these publications share how mathematics and data science can be interesting, challenging and applicable to students' lives outside of the classroom," Goodman says. "It's gratifying to showcase my own work while also showing off that our Central students are engaged and highly capable."

Central College of Pella, Iowa, is a private college known for its active student body, academic rigor and athletics success. Ranked the No. 2 Best Value College in Iowa by Niche.com, Central offers a learning environment with supportive educators committed to intellectual engagement, personal growth, career readiness and civic involvement. Founded in 1853 and shaped by its Christian heritage, the college of 1,100 students participates in NCAA Division III athletics. Central is an active part of the Greater Des Moines region and just minutes from Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake.

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Central College Mathematics Professor Delivers Two Publications

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