The CUR MCS Division Inclusivity Award annually recognizes a member for excellence and sustainable work in broadening access to the mathematical, computational, or statistical sciences. This recognition focuses on the implementation of real-world research projects for undergraduate students, with contributions that have made a significant and positive impact on a national scale or demonstrated strong potential to do so. A desirable contribution aligns with the NSF’s “broader impacts” goal, engaging a wider audience effectively.
Deadline
Application materials are due by March 31, 2025.
Nomination Process
All nomination materials must be submitted as a single combined PDF, with a maximum file size of 16MB. Incomplete applications or those exceeding the file size limit will not be considered.
Application Components
The nomination package must include the following items:
- Nominee’s Curriculum Vitae (C.V.)
- Maximum of 2 pages.
- The C.V. should highlight relevant accomplishments and contributions demonstrating the nominee’s commitment to inclusivity in mathematical, computational, or statistical sciences.
- General Statement of Award Eligibility
- 1-2 pages.
- This letter should address the following:
- Evidence of excellence in broadening participation and access to the mathematical, computational, or statistical sciences.
- A description of the real-world research projects implemented for undergraduate students and their impact.
- Demonstrated or potential positive influence on a national scale, especially regarding broader engagement and inclusivity.
- Letters of Support
- 2 letters from collaborators, colleagues, or community members who can attest to the nominee’s contributions and impact on inclusivity.
- Each letter should not exceed 1 page.
Evaluation Criteria
Nominations will be evaluated based on the following:
- Impact and Sustainability
- Evidence of lasting contributions to broadening access and participation in the mathematical, computational, or statistical sciences.
- Evidence of experience in improving the incorporation of inclusion into undergraduate research through sustainable initiatives and programs.
- A record of impactful projects or initiatives successfully completed and their outcomes.
- Engagement and Broader Impacts
- Alignment with NSF’s broader impacts goal, effectively engaging diverse and underrepresented groups.
- Demonstrated success in fostering an inclusive and supportive research environment.
- Specific examples of initiatives that address societal challenges or provide community benefits through undergraduate research.
- Real-World Research Implementation
- Development and implementation of real-world research projects that provide significant and transformative learning opportunities for undergraduate students.
- Clear evidence of how these projects have inspired students’ passion for learning, researching, and contributing to the community.
- Reflection on how these projects have positively impacted students’ post-graduate success, whether in graduate school or professional careers.
- Alignment with COEUR 2.0 Principles
- Evidence of high-impact academic practices, integrative learning, and collaboration in research activities.
- Use of innovative and inclusive approaches to create meaningful, life-changing experiences for undergraduate students.
- A clear explanation of how the nominee’s diverse knowledge and skills have uniquely enabled them to implement these practices as positive stimuli for students’ growth.
- National Influence
- Demonstrated or potential influence on the community at a national level, fostering a culture of inclusivity and engagement.
- Evidence of initiatives inspiring broader change and being adopted as models for inclusivity and impactful undergraduate research practices.
- Evidence of Success
- Documentation of measurable impacts and success, supported by specific examples described in the letter of application and letters of support.
- Testimonials from colleagues and students highlighting the nominee’s mentoring, teaching, and leadership in promoting inclusion and excellence in undergraduate research.
For questions regarding this award, please reach out to CUR@CUR.org.
Inclusivity Award Recipients
Jonathan Weisbrod (Rowan College at Burlington County)
Jonathan Weisbrod is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC), Life Member of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), and individual member of the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC) and Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR). He currently serves as New Jersey Section Chair of MAA, Secretary of AMATYC, and as a MCS Division Councilor for CUR. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Rowan University in Mathematics and a doctorate in Community College Leadership from New Jersey City University where he studied undergraduate research programs at community college from an equity and inclusion lens.
Jonathan Weisbrod started at RCBC in 2011. Teaching mathematics at all levels from Prealgebra to Differential Equations to special projects in mathematics is his passion at work. Exploring mathematics with non-STEM majors and finding the connection between math and his students’ worlds is particularly gratifying. He lives near campus with his wife and three small children and enjoys gardening, soccer, and home tech toys.
Aside from teaching, he helped develop and has served as co-advisor of the RCBC math club and competition team since 2012 (chartered by the Mu Alpha Theta National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society in 2014) and introduced undergraduate research in mathematics to the college in 2013. He was a Center for Undergraduate Research in Mathematics (CURM) mini-grant recipient in 2019-20 and a Preparation for Industrial Careers in Mathematics (PIC-Math) mini-grant recipient in 2023-24. Investment in undergraduate research is his primary service to the college and profession. He has implemented undergraduate research experiences for students using an apprenticeship model, a full semester CURE, and short-term CUREs at various levels of the community college mathematics curriculum.
Jan Rychtar (Virginia Commonwealth University)
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Dr. Padmanabhan Seshaiyer is a Professor of Mathematical Sciences at George Mason University (GMU). He has served in multiple leadership positions, including the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Director of the STEM Accelerator Program, and Director of the Center for Outreach in Mathematics Professional Learning and Educational Technology at GMU and also as a former Program Director at the NSF. During the last decade, he has initiated and directed a variety of educational programs, including faculty development, graduate and undergraduate research, K-12 outreach, teacher professional development, and enrichment programs to foster the interest of students and teachers in STEM at all levels. Through his work, he continues to promote equitable and inclusive opportunities in math