Going Above and Beyond: Student Employees of the Month for November and December

Every month, the Department of Mathematics recognizes student employees that are “exceptional and valuable members” of the department. This is a new program created by the department to recognize the hard work of our student employees. Nominated for going above and beyond in their roles, here are the recipients for November and December’s Student Employees of the Month Award.

Angel E. 

Angel is a student employee and AmeriCorps team lead with the CRR (Center for Recruitment and Retention of Math Teachers), and has been with the department for about 7 months. He is a double major in Optical Engineering and Mathematics and hopes to possibly invest time with the diabetes retinopathy cases for Hispanics, and then in the future teach what he knows about math.

When asked what he enjoys most about his job, Angel shared, “I enjoy the fact that I can assist in the process of being able to further the goals of the CRR. I love that when I go into work, I am a part of something that means more than me. That I am able to be a part of a goal that wants people to benefit in the world of education.”

Angel was nominated by Melissa Gomez, a grant and contract administrator with the CRR. “What makes Angel exceptional is his authentic passion for mathematics and for the mission of CRR,” Melissa shared. “He does not just complete his responsibilities; he believes in the work. He wants others to feel the same excitement about math that he does, and he actively advocates for its impact…Angel’s dedication, initiative, positive attitude, and passion make him an outstanding student employee and a well-deserving recipient of this recognition.”

Fun fact, if you need help with cars, Angel is your guy! 

Aurora W.

Aurora is an Undergraduate Learning Assistant for Math 223 and has been with the department since Fall 2023. She is a Physics major and is planning on going to grad school for astrophysics. Her favorite part of the job is getting to know the students. Fun fact, she also does ballet!

Aurora was nominated by Graduate Teaching Assistant, Samuel Herring and Senior Lecturer, Mariamma Varghese.

“Aurora was a dependable and model ULA,” Sam noted. “Her rapport with the students was unparalleled among her peers. She would always properly guide discussions with students using leading questions in a way that encourages critical examination and doesn't frustrate the students…Aurora's presence in the classroom and behind the scenes dramatically reduced the administrative load of a large section class, and her assistance would be desirable to any instructor.“

Additionally, Mariamma shared, “Three years ago, I had a hardworking and intelligent student who consistently aced all her exams and stood out for her dedication to learning. That student is none other than Aurora. This year, I had the pleasure of having her as a teaching assistant for our vector calculus class, and I was both surprised and extremely happy when she was assigned to us as our ULA. She proved to be just as outstanding in her new role as she had been as a student…She has truly grown into a remarkable role model, and she definitely deserves this award.” 

Chloe G. 

Chloe is an Undergraduate Learning Assistant for Math 263 and has been with the department for 3 semesters. She is majoring in Studio Art but plans to go to medical school to become a reconstructive plastic surgeon. “The part I enjoyed the most about being a ULA is watching students understand the material when you help them,” Chloe shared. “It’s really meaningful knowing you helped make a difference in their learning.”

Chloe was nominated by Assistant Professor of Practice, Jaehui Lim. 

“Math 263 is one of the large lecture courses, and Chloe consistently supports both the instructor and her peers even when there were many tasks for her,” Jaehui noted. “Chloe has already worked for several semesters as a TA for the MATH 263 course. Her way of engaging with students, the tutoring that she does in the MTL building outside of class, her help grading exams (over 300 students' exams!), etc. show that she’s really an outstanding candidate.” 

Fun fact, one time Chloe went to a Stevie Nicks concert and was given an official setlist!

Congratulations to these outstanding students. Thank you Angel, Aurora, and Chloe for all that you do! Your contributions to our department are immeasurable, and the dedication you show in your roles is truly admirable.