Notable Achievements

The Southwestern Mathematics and Computer Science Department had a strong involvement at the 105th Annual Meeting of the Texas Section of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), held at Baylor University in Waco on March 27 and 28. Associate Professor of Mathematics John Ross was honored as the recipient of the 2026 Section Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics. Ross also helped organize sessions as a co-leader of Texas NExT, a professional development service that helps early-career mathematics faculty refine their teaching practices. Atkin Junior Professor and Associate Professor of Mathematics Noelle Sawyer gave the closing invited address, titled “Using Loops to Make Good Maps.” Garey Chair and Professor of Mathematics Alison Marr presided over the meeting as the MAA Texas Section Chair. She also sponsored a team of five students in the Math Bowl competition: biochemistry major and math and neuroscience double minor Elizabeth Ayalew ’28, biology and physics double major Linh Nguyen ’29, physics and math double major Brooke Ramey ’27, math major Joshua Rodkey ’29, and biochemistry and math double major CeCe Sullivan ’29. Sullivan also won a book through a raffle. Associate Professor of Mathematics Therese Shelton and Assistant Professor of Instruction of Mathematics Will Tran also attended. Marr and Ross also attended the Meeting of the Texas MAA Executive Committee, over which Marr presided, and the Meeting of Department Liaisons.

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Expertise

Geometry, dynamical systems, marked length spectrum rigidity, and a hint of thermodynamic formalism.

Noelle Sawyer is a Bahamian mathematician. She earned her PhD in Math from Wesleyan University and her BA in Math and History from Vassar College. When she’s not working on math, she’s probably baking, drinking tea, working on an embroidery project or doing crossword puzzles.

She is also strongly invested in spaces that are anti-racist, safe and equitable, especially for mathematicians. She is the cofounder of Black in Math Week and hopes to continue finding community and making connections.

  • Noelle Sawyer is a Bahamian mathematician. She earned her PhD in Math from Wesleyan University and her BA in Math and History from Vassar College. When she’s not working on math, she’s probably baking, drinking tea, working on an embroidery project or doing crossword puzzles.

    She is also strongly invested in spaces that are anti-racist, safe and equitable, especially for mathematicians. She is the cofounder of Black in Math Week and hopes to continue finding community and making connections.


In the News

  • Senior Biochemistry Major to Pursue Passion for Science in Graduate School

    Jihan Schepmann ’24 will attend UT Southwestern this fall to begin organic chemistry Ph.D. program.