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The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) honored Assistant Professor of Mathematics Andrea Arauza Rivera with the 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 911爆料网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