Cal State East Bay Professor Recognized for Excellence Inside and Outside the Classroom

The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) honored Assistant Professor of Mathematics Andrea Arauza Rivera with the Henry L. Alder Award earlier this year. The award recognizes faculty whose teaching in undergraduate mathematics has made a significant impact outside of the classroom.

Becoming a professor was Arauza Rivera’s goal since she was an undergraduate, motivated by her desire to promote justice and share her love for solving math puzzles. “Math has a reputation as a gatekeeper, and I wanted to have a hand in dismantling that reputation and turning math into something joyful,” she said.

Since joining Cal State East Bay as an assistant math professor in 2018, Arauza Rivera has created two new courses for majors: a graduate course in functional analysis and an undergraduate course in fractal geometry. She has demonstrated commitment to accessibility, equity, flexibility and community in the math department. According to Chair of the Department of Mathematics Julia Olkin, Arauza Rivera thoughtfully considers how math relates to the real world and, “has been a leader in our department’s movement to incorporate inclusive language in our documents and to be equity-minded in the classroom." Her Outcomes Based Grading practice that allows students to demonstrate their understanding of the material is just one example of how Arauza Rivera works to close opportunity gaps. 

Arauza Rivera expressed her admiration for CSUEB undergraduates and said, “More than anything I want my classes to be a place where students have fun tackling challenging puzzles with a community that makes them feel loved and supported.” Her approach has proven successful based on her course evaluations that praise the way her thoughtful instruction leads to growth. 

Olkin said, "Dr. Arauza Rivera epitomizes the perfect example of the consummate teacher, talented mentor, and serious researcher. She puts an incredible amount of effort into her courses, her students and her professional growth." Arauza Rivera mentors freshman and sophomore STEM majors in the Research for Undergraduates on the Mathematics of the Bay Area project and collaborates with both undergraduate and graduate students researching problems in fractal geometry.

Associate Dean of Student Equity & Success Julie Glass, said, “Her generosity in creating and sharing her materials impacts other instructors at CSUEB and beyond. She thinks deeply about her work and holds the community in her heart as she lifts up our students to be their best selves. She is well deserving of the honor of the Alder Award.” 

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the math department at Cal State East Bay,” Arauza Rivera said. “The camaraderie amongst my colleagues, who are exceptional educators, has been a tremendous source of support as I continue to grow and develop as a teacher.”