College of Education and Behavioral Sciences News

Uthman A. Rasaq, who completed his Master of Science in Mathematics with a concentration in Computational Mathematics in December, is the 2024-2025 recipient of WKU’s John D. Minton Graduate Student Award, WKU’s top graduate student award.

A first-generation and international graduate student from Saki, Oyo State, Nigeria, Rasaq’s research focuses on observer-based output feedback design for a novel magnetizable piezoelectric beam model, complemented by a Finite Difference-based model reduction to ensure fast exponential convergence to equilibrium from any vibrational state of the system.

“I investigate mathematical models to enhance the exponential stability and control mechanisms of these advanced materials, which have significant applications in engineering and technology fields. I firmly believe that my research contributes significantly toward a brighter and more innovative future,” Rasaq said.

Dr. Özkan Özer, Associate Professor in the WKU Department of Mathematics said Rasaq’s scholarship, impactful research, outstanding teaching and leadership contributions exemplify the values of the top graduate award.

“His research in control theory and model reduction for magnetizable piezoelectric systems has resulted in two publications in the prestigious IEEE Proceedings of the 2024 American Control Conference, along with a third manuscript currently under second revision in the Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications (Elsevier),” Dr. Özer said.

“His state-of-the-art observer and feedback control designs contribute meaningful advancements in the mathematical foundations of control and its engineering applications. Three of my current students, along with several Ph.D. students I collaborate with through my Fulbright Research Project in France - which focuses on the control and stabilization of interconnected smart material systems - are actively building on his findings through joint modeling, analysis and simulation efforts.”

“Beyond research, Uthman has excelled in teaching and leadership. As a Supplemental Graduate Assistant, he independently taught Math 116: College Algebra with exceptional instructional effectiveness, becoming the only graduate student to implement a Plus-Delta survey for reflective teaching improvement. His leadership in the SIAM and AMS Student Chapters has significantly enriched the academic community at WKU,” Dr. Özer said.

Rasaq’s influence extends beyond the university; it extends internationally.

“As a role model for aspiring graduate students in Nigeria, he actively promoted WKU’s graduate program, leading to the recruitment of four outstanding Nigerian students in 2024-2025—the largest African cohort in the department’s history. His success has enhanced WKU’s international profile, attracting strong candidates from abroad and fostering academic excellence,” Dr. Özer said.

When Rasaq learned he was awarded the top graduate student honor, he expressed gratitude to all those who helped him on his academic journey.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my parents, my amazing siblings and the entire community of Saki town for their unwavering support and encouragement,” said Rasaq.

“As the saying goes, ‘My heart is over the moon,’ and indeed, that perfectly captures how thrilled and grateful I am to have been selected for the Minton Award. It is truly rewarding to see my work recognized by WKU. I'm deeply thankful for the continued support and encouragement from all faculty members in the mathematics department.”

He is particularly grateful to Dr. Özer, his advisor at WKU, whose guidance and mentorship was invaluable to his time on the Hill.

“Dr. Özer’s impact extends beyond academic guidance; he has consistently supported and ensured the success of every student in his research group. He encourages us to represent WKU proudly at all the conferences we attend, reinforcing our sense of purpose and motivation. He is a truly supportive professor,” Rasaq said.

Rasaq also credits the mathematics department at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, where he received his bachelor's degree, for their foundational support.

Currently working toward his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics at Clemson University, Rasaq hopes to eventually hold a faculty position where he can continue this line of research and mentor graduate students.

The Minton Award, the Graduate School’s top award, is named for Dr. John D. Minton, who was a history professor and WKU’s first graduate dean and served as vice president for Administrative Affairs and as WKU’s fifth president.

Outstanding Graduate Students

In addition to Rasaq, Graduate Studies recognized the following Outstanding Graduate Students:

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences: Rachel Jennings, Ed.S. Program in School Psychology.

College of Health and Human Services: Manly Barksdale, Master of Science in Kinesiology

Gordon Ford College of Business: Kaysten Thomas, Master of Science in Accountancy and Data Analysis

Ogden College of Science & Engineering: Chelsea Howd, Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Psychological Science 

Potter College of Arts & Letters: Michael Rasak, Master of Arts in History

For more information on a graduate degree in Mathematics, visit https://www.wku.edu/math/graduate.

#WKUGrad series: As part of our #WKUGrad series, articles on graduating students are shared in the weeks leading up to Commencement. See all of their stories at https://www.wku.edu/news/articles/index.php?view=default&categoryid=799&multinewsid=187

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