My Guide To Math Professors At SMC
I have not personally taken some of these professors so take this with a grain of salt. I also will only be mentioning professors I have heard of. Also, this is coming from the perspective of a graduated STEM student (math major).
Herichi
Herichi is a great professor. He is a tough grader however he takes his lectures seriously and he is a very kind person. I would recommend him as a professor but just be ready to expect a heavier work load.
Lai
Arguably the best math professor at SMC. If you have the option or opportunity to attend her class I cannot stress this enough but sign up for her class.
Nestler
GENUINELY THE WORST PROFESSOR!!!! Do not sign up for his class. Everyone you ask INCLUDING counselors will tell you not to enroll in his class. He has a pass rate of approximately 15%. He will grade your assignments based on his expectations examples VERBATIM and will mark it wrong if he sees the slightest thing wrong. He is not someone worth enrolling with and you will question everything in life. I cannot stress this enough. Avoid him like the plague. Everyday I wonder why he still has a job.
Ouelette
Genuinely a very sweet person. Not the best professor. He cares about his job and his students and he is so kind. In light of this, he is more of a C or B tiered professor.
Soleymani
I don't personally enjoy Soleymani as a professor. He has very boring lectures and he is not very personable. He is also a strict grader. There really isnt much more to say about him.
Wang
I thought Wang was a terrible professor UNTIL I stumbled across Nestler. Despite that fact, he is a decent professor. His lectures are great and he is very interesting to listen to in class. HOWEVER he is an extremely harsh grader and very clearly has favorites. He takes pride in failing his students. He very obviously has favorites and if you take advantage of this fact you might end the class okay.
Askarian
I think he is a kind professor however he expects A LOT from his students. He cares about how his students are doing in the class but regardless will be a harsh grader. Lectures are mandatory but he posts all his lectures and notes so you can always rewatch them. Again, kind but very strict.
I hope this helps future/current SMC STEM students and you learn from the experiences of others. It is so important that you look at the grade distribution ESPECIALLY the withdrawal rates. Most importantly, DO NOT TAKE NESTLER. He is a bitter man and is not worth your time. I would also recommend stopping by the STEM program because there are other students there who are paid to give you advice/tutor on courses and professors. Sometimes it's better to talk to other student mentors than counselors because I have found that they are more honest and direct about some of the professors or classes.