Annual Graduate Student Awards: Bartlett, Galileo, and More

The Department of Mathematics is pleased to announce several graduate awards this Spring, decided by the Graduate Committee. 

Each year the College of Science Galileo Circle awards scholarships to graduate students who demonstrate exceptional potential in multiple fields including mathematics. This year, 4 math graduate students were selected to receive this award. 

Marcel Hudiani, a 4th year graduate student studying probability theory, also received the College of Science Scholar Award. Before Marcel became a graduate student, he was an engineer at a tech company for several years. He decided to study math at the University of Arizona because he wanted to be good at problem solving. “My favorite part about the Math department is the library on the 4th floor, especially the printer,” Marcel shared, “I also like the undergraduate tutoring on the 2nd floor of the math building. I used to go there and talk to professors and postdocs all the time when I was an undergraduate.” When asked about what these awards mean to him, Marcel answered “this award means a lot to me since all the studying I did up to this point came to fruition and is recognized”. 

Parneet Gill, who just finished her second year in the mathematics graduate program was also named a Galileo Scholar. Her current research interests lie in various fields, however, she is most passionate about mathematical physics. Parneet is finishing up her math graduate requirements and hopes to start research soon! “This reward is very meaningful to me as it provides me with the support for my academic journey and aids in my pursuit of inspiring women in math,” Parneet shared when asked what this honor means for her academic career.

John Park, also named a Galileo scholar, is a 5th year Mathematics PhD student interested in dimension reduction for community detection. He chose the University of Arizona Department of Mathematics because of its focus on interdisciplinary studies and enjoys how everyone's door is open. “Students and professors alike are always willing to help you with a math question or just chat about the day,” John shared. When asked what this award means for him he noted, “It reminds me that the community is dedicated to supporting the work I am passionate about.” 

Henrik Morseth, whose work leverages real analysis to solve pressing, real-world problems, was also named a Galileo Scholar. This summer he plans to use cutting edge agent-based machine learning to study complex biological systems. “My dream is to continue down the path of collaborative research at a think tank or national lab,” Henrik shared, “Performing research on interdisciplinary teams is a greatly rewarding challenge. It is beautiful how good ideas come from nothing when differently-minded people work together.” His favorite thing about the Department of Mathematics is the collaborative and encouraging culture. He chose UofA Math for the variety of interesting research in applied analysis, size and “warm” climate of Tucson, and overall competitiveness of the program in national rankings. When asked what this award means to him, he shared that “Becoming a recipient of this award reaffirms my value as a mathematical researcher. This award directly supports my continued studies and encourages me to continue along this path.”

Finally, Davis Hayes was also named a Galileo Scholar. 

Math graduate students received a few other awards and honors as well. 

Samuel Herring was awarded the College of Science TA/Mentor Award as well as the GA Teaching Award for all College of Science. Recipients of these awards are outstanding graduate students whose teaching or mentoring goes above and beyond what is required. They receive positive evaluations or other feedback from students, willingness to help junior graduate students, and much more. 

Becca Jarnutowski received the annual Bartlett Fellowship. This fellowship is awarded to a graduate student who best embodies the spirit, drive, and work ethic of Daniel Bartlett. This fellowship is made possible by the generous support of Daniel's parents. This fellowship honors Daniel Bartlett, a graduate student in the Mathematics PhD program who passed away suddenly in 2006. It is awarded to a graduate student who best embodies the spirit, drive, and work ethic of Daniel Bartlett. This fellowship, as well as the annual Daniel Bartlett memorial lecture is made possible by the generous support of Daniel's parents.

Finally, Bhargav Kale received a College of Science Service Award. The award is given to outstanding graduate students for their attention to broader impacts and involvement in activities outside of academic responsibilities that benefit the department, university and the larger community.

“We had excellent candidates this year and the decisions were very difficult,” remarked Associate Head of the Graduate Program Dave Glickenstein in his announcement, “Please join me in congratulating our exceptional graduate students!”