Ron Buckmire began his professional career in 1994 as a postdoctoral researcher at Occidental College, eventually ascending to the role of Dean of the School of Computer Science and Mathematics at Marist University by 2024. His work bridges the technical demands of computational fluid dynamics with a consistent commitment to institutional leadership and advocacy.
Academic Trajectory
Born in 1968 in Grenville, Grenada, Buckmire moved to the United States in 1969 before spending a formative period in Barbados. He attended the Combermere School prior to returning to the United States in 1986. He earned both his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, completing his doctoral dissertation on transonic aerodynamic flow under the guidance of Julian David Cole and Donald William Schwendeman.
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Buckmire focused his research on numerical solutions for ordinary and partial differential equations, particularly nonstandard finite difference schemes applied to the Liouville–Bratu–Gelfand equation. At Occidental College, he moved from assistant professor to full professor, serving as department chair and later as Associate Dean for Curricular Affairs. His administrative experience includes two stints at the National Science Foundation between 2011 and 2018, where he managed programs in undergraduate education. In 2023, the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics elected him as a Fellow.
Advocacy and Communications
During his studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Buckmire established the Queer Resources Directory in 1991 and presided over the Rensselaer Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual Association. He expanded his outreach through radio, contributing to the national program This Way Out and co-creating Homo Radio. Within the professional mathematics community, he organized LGBT meetups at the Joint Mathematics Meetings, providing the foundation for the group known as Spectra. He currently serves as the first Vice President for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics.
Competitive Interests
Beyond his mathematical pursuits, Buckmire achieved significant success in chess. He held the title of Barbados Junior Champion four times and served as the National Champion on three occasions. By 1997, his standing in the United States reached the level of senior master, placing him among the top 250 players in the country. He is married to Dean Elzinga, a data scientist and former professional opera singer.
Fast facts
- Born: 1968, Grenville, Grenada
- Education: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Current Position: Dean of School of Computer Science and Mathematics, Marist University
- Key Research: Computational fluid dynamics and nonstandard finite difference schemes
- Professional Membership: Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
- Awards: Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (2023)
- Chess Status: Former senior master and top 250 U.S. player
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of Ron Buckmire's mathematical research?
He specializes in applied mathematics, specifically numerical solutions for differential equations and computational fluid dynamics.
What leadership roles has he held outside of academia?
He served as a Program Director and Lead Program Director at the National Science Foundation between 2011 and 2018.
Achievements
- Held posts at Occidental College, National Science Foundation and National Science Foundation
