PRIME Zweng Awardees
Four PRIME Students Recognized with Dr. Marilyn Zweng Endowed Graduate Student Award in Mathematics Education.
The Program in Mathematics Education (PRIME) at Michigan State University is proud to announce the recipients of the prestigious Dr. Marilyn Zweng Endowed Graduate Student Award: Ahmad Wachidul Kohar, Claire Lambert, Miguel Rodriguez Mejia, and Sasha Rudow. Each of these exceptional students is committed to enhancing mathematics education through innovative practices and community engagement.
Ahmad, Miguel, and Sasha are all in their second year of the PRIME (Program in Mathematics Education) doctoral program, while Claire, a third-year student, is currently at the comprehensive exams stage. The Zweng Fellowship recognizes graduate students who actively contribute to improving mathematics teaching and learning, and who have outlined impactful plans for their ambassadorial work in the upcoming year.
Dr. Marilyn Zweng, a prominent figure in mathematics education, established this
endowment to support fellowships for PRIME students. A graduate of Michigan State
University, she earned her PhD from the University of Wisconsin and served as a professor
and department head at the University of Iowa. Known for her innovative teaching methods,
Dr. Zweng created the television show "Mathematics with Marilyn" to promote math literacy.
She passed away in August 2019, leaving behind a legacy as a philanthropist and advocate
for mathematics education.
The fellowship recipients were selected based on their dedication and service to mathematics education, their work as ambassadors of mathematics education, and their proposed mathematics education research and service.
Ahmad Wachidul Kohar expressed his passion for collaborating with teachers to enhance students' numeracy skills. He stated, “Being an ambassador of mathematics education embodies a deep-seated passion and unwavering commitment to advocating for the significance and applicability of mathematics in our society.” Ahmad’s work focuses on integrating real-life contexts into mathematical lessons, fostering a deeper understanding of numerical concepts.
Claire Lambert emphasized the role of her teaching philosophies in addressing social inequities through mathematics. She said, “My aim is to create lessons that reveal inequities in our world through mathematics, demonstrating to my students that math can be powerful when leveraged as a tool for social change.” Claire’s approach has allowed her students to connect their personal experiences with broader societal issues, enhancing their engagement with mathematics.
Miguel Rodriguez Mejia is poised to embark on his practicum project, which he views as a critical step in his research journey. He aims to make mathematics and statistics more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, focusing on creating safe spaces in the classroom. “I want to explore ways to respect students' identities and foster positive feelings toward academic achievement,” Miguel shared.
Sasha Rudow plans to utilize the fellowship to present her research on equitable inquiry-based learning at various conferences. She noted, “The Marilyn Zweng Endowed Fellowship will not only support me in my research journey but also as a mathematics ambassador.” Her work aims to enhance teacher authority and student agency in the learning process.
The contributions of Ahmad, Claire, Miguel, and Sasha reflect a commitment to advancing mathematics education and supporting diverse learning communities. PRIME looks forward to witnessing their continued impact in the field.
As the recipients embark on their respective projects, the legacy of Dr. Marilyn Zweng continues to inspire the next generation of mathematics educators at MSU.
