Lutheran North News

Meet a Crusader: Dr. Ruth Gornet

Meet a Crusader: Dr. Ruth Gornet LHSN ’83. Ruth remembers taking computer programming at Lutheran North on an Apple IIe with a six-inch screen. But the ability to make that machine compute numbers fascinated her and directed her toward her future path. She is now passionate about women’s roles in the field of mathematics, and as a professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, Ruth has traveled to Israel, Germany, France, Italy, and Argentina to present her research.
 
Dr. Gornet’s identity is that of a mathematician, scientist, mother, wife, and Christian with the order depending on the moment. Without “overthinking” her identity issue, she sums up the real answer: “The grounding in Christian faith as part of the culture at LHSN helped the entire Gornet family to live like Jesus.” 
 
Dr. Gornet obtained her B.A. in Mathematics (Summa Cum Laude) and a B.S.B.A. in Actuarial Science (Summa Cum Laude) from Drake University in 1987. She continued her education at Washington University in St. Louis, completing her M.A. in 1989. She completed her Ph.D. in Mathematics at Washington University in 1993. Dr. Gornet also completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship with the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute.
 
Dr. Gornet began her teaching career at Texas Tech University in 1994 as an assistant professor. In 1998 she was a visiting professor at the University of Kentucky as part of the National Science Foundation (Professional Opportunities for Women in Research and Education) Program.  She returned to Texas Tech University as an associate professor in 1999. She became a member of the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute in 2001. Dr. Gornet found a home at the University of Texas at Arlington in 2002 and continues her career there.
 
Dr. Gornet is the author of 20 publications in mathematical research. She is active as an editor and reviewer for mathematical publications. Her awards and honors include: Outstanding Honors College Faculty Award, Mathematics Professor of the Year, Phi Beta Kappa at Drake University, American Mathematical Society Life Member, and Association for Women in Mathematics.
 
Dr. Gornet shares that her most important professional accomplishment is the international invitations to Israel, Germany, France, Italy, and Argentina to present her research. She has presented numerous lectures at various colleges and universities across the country. In all of her academic efforts she has demonstrated a passion for women to become a part of the mathematical community in various roles.
 
At LHSN, Dr. Gornet remembers learning computer programming on the Apple IIe, all of her math classes with Dr. Holschen, choirs and musicals with Mr. Marting, dramatic plays with Mr. Hoyer, and just hanging out in the hallways with friends. She also remembers receiving a solid foundation in her Christian faith. 
Back