Brian Mulholland

Associate Teaching Professor, Director of ASCEND Program
Education
Ph.D., University of Notre Dame, 2019
MS, University of Notre Dame, 2015
BA, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, 2013
Research Group
Teaching or Pedagogy
Research Area
Math Pedagogy, Catholic Intellectual Tradition, Digital Technology, Interdisciplinary Crossovers, Survivor
Bio
Short Bio:
Brian Mulholland is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Notre Dame, where he teaches courses ranging from first-year mathematics through multivariable calculus and interdisciplinary courses connecting mathematics with architecture, decision-making, and human behavior. He joined Notre Dame as a mission hire through the support of the DeNicola Center for Ethics and Culture with a particular focus on the integration of teaching, student formation, and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition.
His teaching and scholarship center on active learning, educational technology, interdisciplinary pedagogy, and the formation of students as thoughtful and reflective learners. He is especially interested in helping students see mathematics not simply as a technical subject, but as a deeply human discipline connected to creativity, ethics, beauty, and the pursuit of truth.
Mulholland serves as Director of the ASCEND program, a summer bridge initiative that supports incoming students in their transition to college mathematics through mentorship, community-building, and academic preparation. He also coordinates large multi-section calculus courses and leads initiatives related to online learning, undergraduate academic support, and graduate teacher development.
His recent projects include the development of augmented reality tools for multivariable calculus visualization, innovations in proficiency-based grading and oral assessment, and interdisciplinary teaching collaborations exploring topics such as game theory, decision-making, and the cultural phenomenon of Survivor.
Beyond the classroom, he is passionate about mentoring students, fostering inclusive and collaborative learning communities, and helping students integrate intellectual, personal, and spiritual growth throughout their education.
Scholarship, Talks, & Media
- “From Tribal Council to the Lecture Hall: Why Higher Ed Loves Survivor,” Inside Higher Ed (2026). Featured discussion of interdisciplinary teaching and the use of the television series Survivor in higher education. Inside Higher Ed article
- “Studying Survivor: How Notre Dame Courses Apply Reality TV to Philosophy, Psychology, and Math,” Notre Dame News (2026). Feature on the interdisciplinary course Outwit, Outplay, Outlast: The Dynamics of Survivor, co-taught with Vanessa Chan-Devaere. Notre Dame News article
- “Games of Strategy, Games of Self: What Survivor Reveals About Human Behavior” (2026). Public panel discussion at the University of Notre Dame featuring Xander Hastings exploring game theory, neuroscience, altruism, and decision-making through the lens of Survivor. Panel recording
- “Lecture at St. Vincent College,” sponsored by the Society of Catholic Scientists (2025). Invited lecture and discussion connecting mathematics, education, and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. Society of Catholic Scientists lecture announcement
- “SMC Hosts Michigan Mathematicians,” Southwestern Michigan College (2019). Featured speaker and participant in regional mathematics conference discussions on teaching, pedagogy, and undergraduate mathematics education. Southwestern Michigan College article
Email: bmulholland@nd.edu
Phone: 574-634-1425
Fax: 574-631-6579
Office: 132 Hayes-Healy Center