Michael Dorff, a professor in the Department of Mathematics at Brigham Young University, has received a prestigious teaching award from the Mathematical Association of America.
The Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Award is given to college and university professors for distinguished teaching of mathematics. According to an MAA release, recipients’ excellence in teaching begins in but is not limited to the classroom.
The MAA cited Dorff’s “most impressive accomplishment” as his work providing research opportunities for undergraduates. He has led a program for a number of years that has brought undergraduate students from across the country to BYU to participate in mathematical research they would otherwise be unable to perform at their respective institutions.
“It’s an extraordinary honor for BYU and the BYU Mathematics Department,” said Dorff, who received $1,000 and a certificate of recognition. He will speak about his accomplishments at the MAA’s meetings in January. “Nobody in Utah has ever received this award. It shows BYU and the BYU Mathematics Department are interested in high-quality, effective teaching. ”
Dorff has made many contributions to the teaching and learning of his mathematics students at BYU and has schooled students outside of the traditional classroom. He has also organized seminars for math majors, minors and prospective majors about career opportunities. The department has reported a 22 percent increase in the number of mathematics majors since Dorff began these seminars.
He also founded the Center for Undergraduate Research in Mathematics, which brings 15 faculty members from various universities to Provo. Dorff teaches his peers how to mentor undergraduates in mathematical research on their own campuses.
One faculty member who attended a CURM workshop received a mini-grant from Dorff’s group that allowed her to start an undergraduate research group at her school, which has benefited her students immensely. “Michael Dorff has touched the lives of 50 students at my institution and will touch the lives of hundreds more,” she said.
For more information, contact Michael Dorff at (801) 422-1752 or visit www.maa.org.
