2025 Mathematics Student Award Winners

Uthman Rasaq
Outstanding M.S. Graduate Student Award

Uthman graduated from WKU in December 2024 and is currently a Ph.D. student in Applied Mathematics at Clemson University. Uthman holds a master’s in Computational Mathematics from WKU and a bachelor’s degree (First-Class Honors) from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria. His research investigates uniform exponential stability in finite-difference model reduction for magnetizable piezoelectric beams. Uthman is grateful for guidance from Dr. Ahmet Özkan Özer and support from his family, mentors, and WKU faculty. He is originally from Saki, Nigeria, and aspires to contribute significantly to technological innovation and advancement.

Clare Grosser
Outstanding M.A. Graduate Student Award

Clare will complete the M.A. in Mathematics in Summer 2025 and has excelled in her coursework in the program. In particular, she was a valuable contributor to the discussion boards, a common tool used in her classes, often initiating conversation, responding to other students, and asking important questions. It has been evident that Clare is not just part of the program to obtain a degree, but to advance her own mathematics learning and then apply that learning to improving her teaching of mathematics. Clare enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for mathematics with the next generation. She would like to express her gratitude to her advisor, Dr. Fortune, for the steadfast support throughout the program.

Zoe Brown
Henry M. and Zula G. Yarbrough Award Mathematics Award

Zoe was homeschooled through high school. During this time, she interned with a children’s theatre company where she co-authored and co-directed a short play. It was also during this time that she taught herself to program. Her interest in programming and computers eventually led her to realize her love for mathematics. After high school, Zoe attended Somerset Community College where she earned an associate’s degree in Computer Information Technology. While studying for this degree she realized she missed the challenge of math and decided to change her major after transferring to WKU where she has excelled.

Samuel Blevins
Pauline Lowman Memorial Mathematics Education Award

Sam is a graduating senior at WKU originally from Bardstown who wishes to become a high school math teacher and go back to work with his hometown community’s students. Driving Sam through this path was his love and fascination for mathematics and his passion for helping others gain a better understanding of the subject. Sam hopes that through becoming a high school math teacher, he can bring an impact to his students not only in enabling more student confidence in their own abilities but also allowing them a welcoming space to learn mathematics.

Ellie Copas
Hugh F. and Katherine A. Johnson Mathematics Award

Ellie is a senior at Western Kentucky University studying Mathematics and Science & Math Education. Ellie went into this field to foster a love for mathematics among her students. Her goal is to make math accessible, engaging, and meaningful for all of her future high school students.

Jordan Voyles
Outstanding Middle Grades Mathematics Education Award

Jordan is currently pursuing a degree in Middle Grades Mathematics Education at Western Kentucky University and will be graduating in May. She is currently a student teacher in a 7th-grade math class, where she has loved building close relationships with her students and watching them grow in their understanding of math concepts. Jordan has always enjoyed math and is excited to pursue a career in education, fostering students’ learning and appreciation of math. She values the importance of helping others understand and enjoy math and aims to create a positive, supportive learning environment for her future students.

Brady Cox
Robert C. Bueker Mathematics Award

Brady, is a 19-year-old freshman at WKU. He is from Ohio County and enjoys many hobbies such as playing basketball and football, going to the gym, and playing guitar. Brady also somewhat enjoys math sometimes. He plans on becoming a high school math teacher upon graduation. Brady would also like to be a basketball coach wherever he ends up teaching. Brady has always been a hard-worker and believes this is why he is here today.

Goran Omerdic
Fruit of the Loom Award (Graduate Student)

Goran is a WKU Graduate Student and Data Engineer at Holley Performance Brands. He aspires to work in academia as a professor and mathematician. His hobbies are fly fishing and playing soccer with friends. He is an avid Liverpool Football Club supporter.

Emma Bunch
Fruit of the Loom (Undergraduate Student)

Emma is a senior from Glasgow majoring in mathematics with a concentration in fundamentals of applied mathematics. She is also a JUMP student and Honors in the Major Scholar. She is a member of the Pi Mu Epsilon math honor society, National Society for Leadership and Success, and the WKU Innovation Campus with her startup Curelytics. She is also a Math Ambassador in the Department of Mathematics and Lead Teaching Assistant for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. In the future, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. and become a research mathematician.

Alexis Summers
Pi Mu Epsilon Award

Alexis is a sophomore at Western Kentucky University, majoring in both Mathematics and Science & Math Education. She is a committed student in WKU’s SKyTEACH program, pursuing a certification to teach high school math. Passionate about education, Alexis aims to support her future students by making math both understandable and engaging. She appreciates the opportunities WKU offers, especially in its strong mathematics program, which lays the groundwork for her development as a teacher. Alexis is dedicated to lifelong learning and is excited to help shape the next generation of problem solvers.