My name is Sarah Tymochko. I am an assistant professor in mathematics at College of the Holy Cross. I am also an alumna of the college! I was a math major and computer science minor. I'm thrilled to be back as a faculty member! In 2022, I earned my Ph.D. from Michigan State and then was a postdoc at UCLA. For more about me, click here.
I prefer either Prof. Sarah or Dr. Sarah. You are also welcome to call me Prof. Tymochko or Dr. Tymochko.
In Fall 2025, I am teaching two sections of Calculus 1 (MATH 135).
Expect an engaging, supportive, and structured experience with room for creativity. I incorporate activities, group work, and even the occasional Taylor Swift-themed exam question. You’ll get regular feedback, opportunities to check your understanding, and a professor who genuinely cares about your success.
My classes are interactive, application-driven, and designed to make space for every student to succeed. I frequently use examples from other fields to motivate material and I design assignments to be low-stress and meaningful. I want students to feel comfortable making mistakes, asking questions, and taking ownership of their learning.
My current schedule of teaching and office hours can be found here (link will be added at the beginning of the semester). Office hours are held in my office. If you'd like to meet but can't make my normal office hours, you can make an appointment to meet with me.
My office hours are a great place to ask questions and talk through tricky concepts. Whether you're feeling stuck or just want to check your understanding, I'm here to support you. It's a more relaxed and informal environment than class so please stop by!
Yes! I encourage you to come to office hours even just to say hi. I enjoy getting to know my students and would love to chat and learn a bit about you. I also often have candy or snacks in my office so feel free to stop by to grab a sweet treat.
First, know that you’re not alone—everyone struggles sometimes, and it’s okay to ask for help. Come to office hours, send me an email, or talk to me after class. I’ll do my best to support you, whether that means reviewing material, helping with study strategies, or just figuring out what’s going on. I want you to succeed, and there’s always something we can do to get you back on track. The earlier in the semester you talk to me, the better!
If you would like a letter of recommendation from me, please do the following:
Ask me if I would be willing to write a letter for you (either in person or via email). I need at least two weeks advance notice to write letters. If the letter is due sooner you can still ask and I'll let you know if I'll be able to meet the deadline.
If I'm able to write you a letter, fill out this form.
Email reminders and updates are always appreciated!
Yes! As a warning, based on my career path, I am far more knowledgeable about graduate school and careers in academia than careers in industry but I'm happy to chat regardless. Here is a page on resource related to applying to graduate school.
Research is a chance to explore open-ended questions and apply what you’ve learned in your classes to new problems. It’s often collaborative, sometimes challenging, and usually quite different from coursework. If you’re curious about how math or computing can be used to better understand the world, you might enjoy research. If you've done a final project in a 300-level math class, you've probably done some amount of research already! Please feel free to reach out if you'd like to chat about math research and how to get started.
If you are interested in working with me, I encourage you to reach out to me via email. The easiest way to work with me is through the Weiss Summer Research Program. Applications are due in the spring and research occurs over the summer for about 8 weeks.
Nope! See the following question to get information on what you need to be able to do research with me.
Linear algebra, calculus, and at least one 300-level math class are prerequisites for doing research with me. Depending on the project, classes like ODEs or topology would be useful but are not necessarily required. I work on a range of projects, most of which involve applications, data, and/or mathematical modeling. I'm excited to collaborate with students interested in analytical methods, computational approaches, or a combination of both. I especially value student collaborators who are curious, creative, and enthusiastic.
To learn more about my research, see the research tab or take a look at my publications. You can learn more about topics like Topological Data Analysis (TDA) or Networks more generally using resources on the linked pages. I also encourage you to come talk to me in person!
I approach research mentorship with the same care and support I bring to my teaching. Research is often full of trial and error, and I help students navigate those challenges by normalizing setbacks and celebrating progress. I support students in building skills like mathematical writing, problem-solving, and communication, and I tailor guidance to their individual needs. Whether you're exploring your first research question or preparing for graduate school, I aim to create a collaborative, encouraging environment where you can grow.