At the 2025 School of Natural Sciences (SNS) Annual Community Dinner on October 17, two Applied Mathematics faculty were recognized for their contributions to the School.
Prof. Rosemarie Bongers received the "Developing or Improving Academic Programs and Tracks" award, which recognizes a faculty member who has taken the lead in developing academic programming that serves the changing needs of undergraduate students and supports the growth of SNS. The award citation reads as follows: "This faculty member played a vital role in launching and sustaining the Data Science and Computing undergraduate program. She taught the first data science course in the program's and coordinated with academic departments and academic advisors to implement one-on-one faculty advising for DSC majors and has worked with Merced College to support and implement their data science program as a transfer pathway towards UCM."
Prof. Boaz Ilan received the "Partnership with Staff" award, which recognizes a faculty member who has forged a strong working relationship with staff to amplify the research, teaching, or service missions of SNS. The award citation reads as follows: "[Prof. Ilan] was part of the organizing committee for the SIAM Northern and Central California Conference hosted by the Applied Math department and held on the UC Merced campus in October 2024. Beyond his formal responsibilities as part of the organizing committee, he made invaluable contributions to ensuring that every eligible attendee received a travel award. When Applied Mathematics department support staff encountered challenges in maintaining the visibility of these awards among campus stakeholders, he stepped in as a vital liaison connecting award recipients, departmental/SNS support staff, and campus leadership. His advocacy and timely communication ensured that travel awards were processed before the expiration of NSF funding. His collaborative spirit and unwavering support significantly strengthened not only the efforts of the Applied Mathematics department support staff but also fostered broader connections with administrative staff across the School of Natural Sciences. His partnership exemplifies the best of faculty/staff collaboration, and without his involvement, these awards, which encouraged attendees to continue developing relationships with UC Merced, may not have been delivered on time."
Congratulations, Prof. Bongers and Prof. Ilan for your well-deserved recognitions!
