10 TAMIU Students Receive Mathematics Scholarships

The future for math teachers became brighter with the recent selection of 10 Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) students to receive the Robert Noyce Mathematics Scholarship (TAMIU-NMTSP) funded by a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

TAMIU junior and senior students selected include Dalila Castillo, Rochelle Martínez, Kimberly García, Genaro Villalobos, Esperanza Lara, Luisa Moreno, Gamaliel Fernández, Zuhey Rocha, Julian Flores, and Aime Ramírez. The TAMIU-NMTSP provides scholarships up to $10,000 per year for students to graduate and teach mathematics in grades 7-12 in a public or private school serving students in high-need areas.

Dr. Rohitha Goonatilake, TAMIU professor and principal investigator of the NSF grant, said that the Noyce Scholars participate in a multifaceted program designed to provide components that are highly enriched in mathematics content and pedagogy.

“This will result in highly qualified, field-tested and certified teachers who embark on a mission to serve high-need student populations,” Dr. Goonatilake said.

At least 36 Noyce scholarships will be awarded throughout the grant. Each scholarship supports selected junior and senior students up to two years, effective this year, Goonatilake explained.

At the grant’s announcement last year, Congressman Henry Cuéllar (D-TX28) noted that nine of the 10 fastest growing occupations that require at least a bachelor’s degree would require significant scientific or mathematical training.

TAMIU students continue to rank graduate programs in the top 10 on www.GraduatePrograms.com. The University ranked No. 3 in “Top Mathematics programs for Financial Aid” with a score of 9.645 out of 10 and No. 2 in “Top mathematics Programs for Career Support” with a score of 9.700 out of 10.

For more information, please contact Dr. Goonatilake at 326.2588, e-mail harag@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in the Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center, room 312 E.

University office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu