ASU summer program honored with 2025 Award for Mathematics Programs that Make a Difference
The Joaquin Bustoz Math-Science Honors Program (JBMSHP) at Arizona State University has been honored with the 2025 Award for Mathematics Programs that Make a Difference from the American Mathematical Society (AMS). The award was presented last week at the 2025 Joint Mathematics Meetings in Seattle, the largest gathering of mathematicians in the world.
In 2005, AMS established the Award for Mathematics Programs That Make a Difference to highlight programs that are succeeding and could serve as a model for others. This award recognizes outstanding programs that have successfully addressed the issues of underrepresented groups in mathematics.
Program Coordinator Ciera Duran is an alumna of JBMSHP and accepted the award from AMS President Bryna Kra.
“Receiving this award on behalf of JBMSHP meant a lot to me because I know it truly makes a difference in students' lives. One of my favorite parts of the program is seeing the incredible growth in the students by the end. I know firsthand the impact it can have because it made a lasting difference in my own life,” Duran said.
JBMSHP is part of the Simon A. Levin Mathematical, Computational and Modeling Sciences Center in the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences. It provides college-bound high school students from groups that are historically underrepresented in STEM with a successful university experience and enhances their prospects for future academic success in the mathematical sciences. JBMSHP has an outstanding track record of motivating a new generation of future mathematicians, scientists and engineers to create a statewide community of future scholars in Arizona and beyond.
Thor Eckman is halfway to earning dual bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and chemistry from ASU, and plans to pursue a PhD in mathematics. He attended JBMSHP while in high school and returned to the program this past summer as a staff member. While academics were a focus of the program, college readiness and life skills were also emphasized.
“But the standout memories were the activities, which were a lot of fun and a great break from the academic stress. My favorite was the evening hike we took to the mountain on campus,” Eckman said.
Future doctor Havell Markus was encouraged to apply for JBMSHP by his older brother who was a tutor with the program. He remembers late-night homework sessions with roommates, working together and learning from each other.
“It was such a nourishing and nurturing environment that really helped me understand hard concepts,” Markus said.
He graduated from ASU in 2016 with degrees in mathematics and medicinal biochemistry, and went on to complete his master’s degree in computational biology from the University of Cambridge. He is currently pursuing an MD/PhD at Penn State College of Medicine.
Anyone can learn and become great. Even a little boy from West Phoenix with no money for college. All they need are the tools and support of a wonderful community.
Jairo Gonzales GonzalezCommunity college professor
Jairo Gonzales Gonzalez currently works as a product marketing engineer and a community college professor. He attended JBMSHP for three years from 2011–13 and graduated from ASU with a chemical engineering degree in 2017. He went on to the University of California at Irvine to complete his master’s degree in materials science.
“I loved the feeling of camaraderie that we had at JBMSHP. My favorite memories were the evening volleyball games and the Catan games. I know the program was hard and I struggled, but the gift of hindsight makes me feel like it was a blessing. I became so much stronger academically for it,” Gonzales Gonzalez said.
The Joaquin Bustoz Math-Science Honors Program was established in 1985 by ASU Professor Joaquin Bustoz. To date, it has served over 3,000 students, prioritizing those who are predominately first-generation college-bound, come from low socioeconomic households or represent diverse backgrounds.
“Anyone can learn and become great. Even a little boy from West Phoenix with no money for college. All they need are the tools and support of a wonderful community,” Gonzales Gonzalez said.
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