Scholarship Recipient Experiences Undergraduate Scholarship recipients in the Department of Mathematics
Something Special About Me: "I was born in Venezuela and moved to the United States when I was in 8th grade. I love music and playing instruments."
Camila Chavez (Charles P. Benner Recipient - Fall 2025)
"I have had the best experience as a math major at UH. One of the greatest things about it has been the faculty since they have all been incredibly supportive and approachable. Thanks to this amazing department I regained my passion for math! My favorite class has been MATH 4362: Theory of Differential Equations and Nonlinear Dynamics with Dr. Jaramillo. My favorite Non-Math related class has been BIOL 3306: Evolutionary Biology with Dr. Zufall & Dr. Frankino. I plan on pursuing a PhD in Evolutionary Biology. I hope to combine mathematical modeling and experimental approaches in order to understand adaptation and how populations evolve."
Something Special About Me: "I want to open a coffee shop one day, despite not liking to drink coffee"
Jonathan M. Falou (Math Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient - Fall 2025)
"I have only been a math major for a little over a year, but compared to my previous major, computer science, I already enjoy it much more. I prefer thinking about abstract ideas more than learning about concrete objects (my favorite computer science classes were data structures and algorithms), and the math program allows me to spend most of my time doing just that. The best thing about the program here is the diverse backgrounds and teaching styles of the professors; every professor is a new and enjoyable learning experience. Thus far my favorite classes have been Programming and Data Structures, Algorithms and Data Structures, General Chemistry I & II, Intermediate Analysis, and Probability. I will enroll in a PhD program in mathematics after graduation. After my PhD, I want to work as an industrial mathematician for a while before retiring from that to a university teaching position."
Something Special About Me: "In my free time, I like to cook and occasionally will try a new recipe from a different culture. I also enjoy stories, whether they’re from people’s experiences or from the realm of fiction."
Emily Hong (Blanche B. Grover Recipient - Fall 2025)
"I didn’t come to university knowing what to major in but choosing to major in math is something I don’t regret. I’ve had an affinity for math ever since I was a child, and while I don’t think I’m the most passionate person, I still find math to be a beautiful subject to study. In a world of uncertainty, there is a certain comfort in having to abide by the strict rules that govern the world of math. During my time here, I’ve had the honor of being taught by amazing professors who genuinely care about their students. Their passion is what inspires me to be curious when learning. I’ve also met fellow math majors who have been very kind. So, while math is great, the people are greater. While I don’t have a favorite math class, I am fond of the calculus courses. As for non-math courses, I’ve definitely enjoyed the introduction courses of philosophy and Buddhism. These two courses have influenced my world view and provide topics of contemplation even to this day. After graduating, I plan to take a break before diving into the job market. Ideally, I’ll get a job as a data analyst in the field of healthcare. If that doesn’t work out, I’ll return to higher education to get a master’s degree."
Something Special About Me: "I love making abstract math feel tangible for not only myself but others too. Whether I'm working on research problems or helping a classmate through a tough proof/ problem, I enjoy finding clear ways to explain complex ideas and seeing that moment when it finally 'clicks'."
Silmi Prasala (Blanche B. Grover Recipient - Fall 2025)
"My experience has been incredibly supportive and challenging in a good way. UH's math community is welcoming, professors are sweet and helpful, and there are lots of chances to do real math like research opportunities, clubs, study groups, etc. I especially appreciate how the department encourages undergraduates to try and research and present their work. For my math related classes I loved abstract algebra, linear algebra, and differential equations. For my non-math related classes I loved Physical Geology and Philosophy. I plan to pursue graduate studies in Mathematics specifically Statistics and Data Science. I hope to continue doing research and contributing to the math community."
Something Special About Me: "As much as I enjoy pushing myself academically, I also enjoy staying physically active through exercise and skateboarding, expressing myself creatively and artistically with music composition, and engaging with my community through direct action and mutual aid. I encourage everyone to diversify their interests and reap the benefits of being multifaceted in their talents."
Juan Ignacio Sanchez (Charles P. Benner Recipient - Fall 2025)
"I’ve had an amazing experience at UH. There are many talented math professors and students here. They have motivated me to work harder at my studies and provide a benchmark for my progress in learning and understanding mathematics. I’ve also enjoyed the diversity on campus and the organizations that I’ve been able to interact with like Students for Justice in Palestine, The Society of Physics Students, and Pi Mu Epsilon. The Real Analysis senior sequence with Dr. Nicol was a wild ride. I was doing my best to keep up while not really knowing where we were headed until it all came together in the second semester as we did a deep dive into functional analysis. I also enjoyed Differential Geometry since it tickled parts of my brain that don’t get regular exercise. I have a good time whenever prime numbers are involved, so Abstract Algebra was a blast too. At 33 years old, I’m somehow still on track to be the first person in my family to graduate from college. I would love to raise the bar and continue on to graduate school. I’ve dreamed of getting a PhD in math for about a decade now, and I’m finally knocking on the door of that achievement.
Something Special About Me: "I studied abroad in the Galápagos islands for a month."
Courtney C. White (Charles P. Benner Recipient - Fall 2025)
"My experience as a math major/the best things about it: My favorite part about mathematics at UH is the undergraduate community. Attending Pi Mu Epsilon and Cougar Mathletics meetings really helped me come out of my shell as an underclassman, and I am happy to give back to that community through my role as president of Pi Mu Epsilon now. I can confidently say that I feel at home in the mathematics department. Another highlight of my experience in mathematics at UH was being awarded the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship to conduct a mathematical biology research project. I learned so much about the mathematics research process from such talented people, and we hope to have a publication out soon. In mathematics: linear algebra, transitions to advanced mathematics, and complex analysis. Outside of mathematics: Evolutionary biology and biology of social behavior. I am very interested in the intersection between mathematics and other fields (particularly biology), so I am aiming for a role as a data analyst after graduation. I also hope to travel more, adopt a cat, and go to lots of concerts."