About

Rafael Gonzalez is a highly accomplished mathematician and educator with a passion for helping students excel in their academic pursuits. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the Bronx, New York, Rafael has dedicated his career to supporting students in their educational journey and promoting excellence in mathematics.

Rafael's educational background is extensive, reflecting his commitment to learning and professional growth. He holds a Master of Arts in Mathematics from Herbert H. Lehman College, City University of New York (CUNY). Prior to these achievements, Rafael obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Herbert H. Lehman College, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with Departmental Honors. His impressive academic record showcases his strong aptitude for mathematics and his dedication to academic excellence.

With his exceptional knowledge and passion for mathematics, Rafael has made significant contributions to the field of education. Currently, he serves as an Academic Advisor at Lehman College, where he offers guidance and support to students navigating the course selection and registration processes. He has played a crucial role in analyzing and evaluating students' educational progress through academic progress audits. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rafael maintained direct contact with over 1200 students using various online tools, ensuring their academic needs were met.

Rafael's expertise extends beyond academic advising. He has also been involved with the Research Foundation of the City University of New York (RF CUNY) as a Project Coordinator, managing the administration of a National Science Foundation grant called S-STEM at Lehman College. In this role, he oversaw the distribution of scholarships to students majoring in natural sciences and mathematics, providing valuable guidance on course selection and career goals. Rafael also implemented growth mindset workshops and strategies to empower students in their academic pursuits.

Prior to his work with RF CUNY, Rafael served as the Campuses Director for the Pathways to Student STEM Success Program (PTS3) at Lehman College, Bronx Community College, and Hostos Community College. Through this program, he developed a mathematics summer workshop model that utilized artificial intelligence software to improve students' success rates in algebra and calculus. Rafael supervised a team of advisors and collaborated with various advising units to ensure students received comprehensive support and guidance.

In addition to his advisory roles, Rafael is a dedicated educator. He has served as an Adjunct Lecturer of Mathematics at Lehman College since 2017, where he imparts knowledge on various mathematical topics to students. He has taught courses such as differential calculus, integral calculus, statistics, college algebra, trigonometry, and precalculus. His commitment to enhancing student learning led him to explore innovative teaching methods using programs like Excel, Maple, MyMathLab, GeoGebra, and Wolfram Mathematica.

Rafael's leadership abilities and commitment to student success have been recognized in various capacities. As the Vice-President of Internal Affairs for the Student Government Association at Lehman College, he oversaw the allocation of a substantial budget for student clubs and campus programs. He also served on search committees for key positions within the university, demonstrating his dedication to enhancing student life and campus resources.

Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, Rafael is actively involved in organizations and communities related to his field. He co-organizes the Google Development Groups (GDG) Bronx, where he facilitates workshops and presentations on topics such as virtual reality and Google platforms. He is also a founding member of the Xbox Ambassador Program, providing online support to users and troubleshooting issues related to Xbox consoles.

Rafael's skills and interests extend beyond mathematics. He possesses expertise in various programming languages, including SQL, R, Python, Java, and Unity. He is also certified in Bloomberg Market Concepts, and Google Sites Mobile Certification. When Rafael is not teaching, you can find him at the Barclays Center rooting for the Nets, or on Twitch streaming my gameplay for the inexplicable amusement of others.