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Edward W. Packel > Biographical Sketch

Ed Packel was born and raised in Philadelphia. He received a B.A. from Amherst College in 1963 and a Ph.D. in mathematics from MIT in 1967. After teaching at Reed College for four years, he came to Lake Forest in 1971. He served as chairperson of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department from 1986 through 1995.

Packel's initial research in functional analysis resulted in several research articles and an introductory graduate text. Subsequent research has involved game theory, social choice theory and theoretical computer science. He is also heavily involved in using technology, primarily Mathematica, as a tool for teaching and research in mathematics. His publications include close to forty research articles and five books, the most recent of which is The Mathematics of Games and Gambling, 2nd edition, published in 2006 by the Mathematical Association of America.

Ed Packel has a healthy interest in a variety of games and sports. His fascination with bridge and backgammon is complemented with a long-running monthly applied probability seminar (alias poker game). He has played and coached soccer and was the Lake Forest College soccer coach from 1973 through 1976. More recently, he has been heavily involved in distance running and enjoys the game of golf.