Celebrating Excellence: Mathematics Annual Spring Luncheon Honors Outstanding Achievements

May 9, 2024

On May 3, 2024, faculty, and staff along with guests, students, and retirees enjoyed the annual spring end-of-semester luncheon. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the semester before final exams and recognize the work of some of mathematics most talented undergraduate and graduate students. We also took this opportunity to celebrate the achievement of students who earned their masters and doctorate degrees.

Undergraduate Award Recipients

Benjamin Waldo - Beth Wilson Award

Alea Brummel - Outstanding Mathematics Major

Jess Rumsey - Outstanding Mathematics Major

Ashlen Bergethon - Outstanding Mathematics Education Major

Graduate Student Award Recipients

Adam Kraus - Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award

Kingsley Michael - Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award

Pedro Takemura - Kingsley Michael - Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award

Graduating M.S. Recipients

William Clark

Kingsley Michael

Aarthi Raghavan

Maricela Ramirez

Kyle Rosengartner

Graduating Ph.D. Recipients and Advisors

Adam Kraus, adviser Brian Simanek

Marcus Laurel, adviser Marius Mitrea

Zhen-Chuan Liu, adviser Tao Mei

Quotes From Some of Our Award Winners

Alea Brummel - Outstanding Mathematics Major

“I am deeply honored to have received this award. The guidance, support, and knowledge imparted to me by the Baylor math department has been instrumental in my academic journey. The professors within the department exemplify exceptional qualities of kindness, helpfulness, and passion, which have profoundly influenced my development as a student and person. Their infectious enthusiasm not only directed my academic pursuits but also led me to pursue a major in mathematics. I am profoundly grateful to every member of the math department for their role in shaping me into the person I am today. As I prepare to depart from Baylor, I carry with me the invaluable lessons and insights gained from my time here, confident that they will serve me well as I embark on the next chapter of my education: attending medical school at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.”

Ashlen Bergethon - Outstanding Mathematics Education Major

“I am so blessed to receive the award for outstanding mathematics education major. I have wanted to be a math teacher since the sixth grade because of my love for math and helping people. Along my education journey, I always enjoyed math class and learning from my math teachers. The Baylor Mathematics Department helped me to grow in my mathematical understanding. I enjoyed learning from my professors and their willingness to help me learn the content. I look forward to teaching high school math this upcoming school year. Thank you to my math professors at Baylor for helping me achieve my dream of being a teacher!”

Adam Kraus - Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award

“I am very grateful to have received the Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor award. I find joy in being able to share my teaching experience and mathematical understanding with students, and to help them learn some of the foundations for a better understanding of mathematics. I am humbled by the opportunity that I have been given to teach here; my time at Baylor University has advanced my mathematical knowledge as well as my ability to clearly communicate mathematical concepts in an easy-to-understand manner. This is a bittersweet time for me, as I am graduating this semester and leaving the Department, however this has been a steppingstone in my path that has allowed me to learn, grow, make friends, and help others do the same. Sic 'em Bears!”

Kingsley Michael - Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award

“I am honored to receive this award. My heartfelt thanks go to my incredible students for their enthusiasm and hard work. I am also incredibly fortunate to have had the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Amy Goodman and Dr. Jonathan Meddaugh whose expertise and support have been invaluable on this journey. I'm excited about the prospect of doing even more teaching and continuing to grow as an educator. Grateful for this opportunity and excited for what lies ahead!”

Pedro Takemura - Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award

"I am deeply honored to have received the Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award this year. While I had some teaching experience back in Brazil during college, it was here at Baylor University where I could really develop my teaching skills. I am immensely grateful to the professors I've had at Baylor, in particular Dr. Marius Mitrea and Dr. Dorina Mitrea, who have been instrumental in shaping me as an instructor. I would also like to express my gratitude to Dr. Brian Simanek, who mentored me during my first year of teaching, and to Dr. Tao Mei, for their invaluable guidance and support. I look forward to continuing to grow as an instructor and contributing to the Baylor community."