Baylor Mathematics Recognizes Lance Littlejohn Scholarship Recipients

The Baylor University Department of Mathematics recognized Blanca Radillo-Murguia and Rafael Morales as the 2025 recipients of the Lance Littlejohn Scholarship for Graduate Research in Mathematics during a departmental reception on December 11.

The scholarship, endowed by Jim and Lisa Meyerhoff, honors Dr. Lance Littlejohn for his dedicated service and leadership as chair of the Mathematics Department. Awarded to graduate students who demonstrate strong research potential and academic excellence, the scholarship highlights emerging scholars within the department.

Unlike last year’s inaugural award, which recognized a single recipient, the 2025 scholarship was presented to two graduate students, reflecting the program’s growth and ongoing commitment to supporting advanced mathematical research.

Both recipients reflected on the honor of receiving the scholarship, saying:

Blanca Radillo-Murguia - "I am truly honored to receive the 2025 Lance Littlejohn Scholarship for Graduate Research in Mathematics. This award is very meaningful to me, not only as a celebration of my academic journey as a first-generation student and as a woman in science, but also as a reflection of all the support, guidance, and wisdom I have received from my advisor, Dr. Paul Hagelstein. I extend my gratitude to Jim and Lisa Meyerhoff for making this scholarship possible. And undoubtedly, I would also like to thank Dr. Lance Littlejohn for his support and words of motivation since the beginning of my doctoral studies."

Rafael Morales - "I am sincerely grateful to have been selected as a recipient of the Lance Littlejohn Scholarship for Graduate Research in Mathematics, awarded jointly to my colleague and friend Blanca Radillo and myself. This recognition highlights the value of our work and motivates me to continue pursuing excellence in my academic path. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to Jim and Lisa Meyerhoff for their generosity in establishing this scholarship and for their continued support of graduate research. I am also thankful for Professor Lance Littlejohn’s ongoing dedication and meaningful contributions to the Mathematics Department at Baylor. Above all, I am deeply appreciative of my advisor, Professor Andrei Martínez-Finkelshtein, whose guidance, encouragement, and expertise have been essential to my academic development and personal growth."