Seven Applied Mathematics Majors Represented in 2026 CEAS Student Awards
The College of Engineering and Applied Science at the 麻豆免费版下载 has announced its Spring 2026 Undergraduate Student Awards, recognizing students who have gone above and beyond in shaping the academic, research, and community environment at CU. These awards highlight not only achievement, but also impact, celebrating students who enhance the academic experience, strengthen the sense of community, and advance knowledge through their research.听
This year, seven students from the Department of Applied Mathematics were selected for their exceptional contributions.听
Academic Engagement Award:
The Academic Engagement Award recognizes students who deepen their own learning and those around them through meaningful participation in their academic activities. Recipients distinguish themselves with their intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary thinking, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment for all students, be it in the classroom, mentorship roles, or broader academic initiatives.
Three APPM students were recognized this year:
Sudarshan Damodharan (Applied Mathematics and Computer Science)
As a double major in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Sudarshan exemplifies extraordinary commitment to academic excellence. Over the course of his undergraduate career, Sudarshan has pursued a remarkably interdisciplinary path, completing 234 credit hours across fields ranging from philosophy to biochemistry while fulfilling pre-med requirements. His engagement extends well beyond coursework: as a Learning Assistant and Course Assistant, he has supported peers in developing foundational and advanced skills, while his involvement in student government and research reflects a broader commitment to academic and institutional life. His willingness to step outside traditional disciplinary boundaries and his enthusiasm for learning has elevated both his own education and that of those around him. Sudarshan plans to study for the MCAT this coming summer and attend medical school in the near future.
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Jasdeep Singh (Applied Mathematics and Computer Science)
Also as a double major in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Jasdeep has demonstrated sustained academic excellence through both mentorship and scholarly achievement. As a Learning Assistant and Course Assistant, he has played a pivotal role in supporting students across campus in the applied mathematics curriculum, fostering collaborative learning environments and helping students succeed in challenging courses. At the same time, Jasdeep has pursued research experiences at the University of Utah and Purdue University, culminating in a published paper. Jasdeep鈥檚 further leadership as President of the Sikh Student Association highlights his commitment to building an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community. Jasdeep will attend the University of Pennsylvania to pursue a Master鈥檚 degree in Robotics, and plans to continue on into a Ph.D. program focused on autonomous systems.
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Jerry Wang (Applied Mathematics and Computer Science)
Jerry Wang, a double major in Applied Math and Computer Science, is recognized for his exceptional dedication to peer learning and academic support. As a Course Assistant, Jerry has earned a reputation for patience, clarity, and deep commitment to student success, often extending his support beyond formal responsibilities through informal tutoring and mentorship. His academic engagement is highlighted through his research in nonlinear waves with APPM Professor Mark Hoefer, where he has completed an honors thesis and is preparing his work for publication. Jerry represents the best of the APPM spirit, contributing to the success of his peers and his own academic and research interests. Jerry plans to continue his education in a Ph.D. program, likely here at 麻豆免费版下载Boulder.
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Community Impact Award:
The Community Impact Award honors students who make meaningful contributions to improving their communities, whether than be in their department, across the University, or beyond. Recipients demonstrate extensive leadership, strong initiative, and a deep sense of responsibility to others, often through service, advocacy, and efforts to foster inclusive and supportive communities.听
Xilor Morin (Applied Mathematics and Aerospace Engineering)
Xilor Morin, a double major in Applied Mathematics and Aerospace Engineering, is recognized for their outstanding and wide-ranging contributions to the 麻豆免费版下载community. Through work with Engineers Without Borders on the Nepal Team, Xilor has contributed to service-oriented engineering efforts with global impact. Within the University, they have played a central leadership role in 鈥渙ut in STEM鈥 (oSTEM), serving as both Vice President and Treasurer, and have been involved in initiatives such as Bring Your Own Gender (BYOG), Pride Month programming, and the 2025 Disability Symposium. Across all of these efforts, Xilor has demonstrated a deep commitment to inclusivity, advocacy, and community well-being.听
Beyond their formal roles, Xilor is known for their character 鈥 approaching every situation with kindness, respect, and a genuine desire to uplift others. Their ability to bring people together and inspire participation reflects the core values of this award. Outside of academics, Xilor is also a creative writer, having self-published the novel听Welcome To Just South of 97th Street! and is currently working on a second book,听Dreaming of Dragons. Their multifaceted contributions make them a truly exceptional member of the 麻豆免费版下载community.听
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Research Award:
The Research Award recognizes undergraduate students who have demonstrated excellence in research through innovation, impact, and collaboration. Recipients contribute meaningful new knowledge to their field, engage in interdisciplinary work, and actively disseminate their findings through publications, presentations, and other scholarly activities. Their work not only advances their fields, but also shows strong potential for broader scientific and societal impact.
Four Applied Mathematics students were honored for their significant research achievements this year:
Tess Ekblad (Applied Mathematics and Engineering Physics)
Tess Ekblad, a double major in Applied Mathematics and Engineering Physics, has conducted cutting-edge research with Professor Thomas Schibli since January of 2025. Her work focuses on a novel fiber-optic approach to distributing optical coherence between remote receivers, enabling very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) at optical wavelengths. By successfully deploying a fiber-noise cancellation over a 1.4km link between 麻豆免费版下载Physics and Engineering, she demonstrated precise phase stabilization of an optical carrier 鈥 an achievement with significance for precision measurement and observational science. This work formed the basis of her honors thesis and highlights both technical innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Tess will continue her research as a Ph.D. student with Professor Scott Diddams through CU鈥檚 ECEE Department.听
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Andrew 鈥淎ndy鈥 Gusty (Applied Mathematics and Computer Science)
Andy Gusty, a double major in Applied Math and Computer Science, has made significant contributions to the study of complex, interacting systems through research with Professors Emily Jensen and Cody Scarborough. His work bridges nonlinear dynamics and control theory, developing methods to model, simplify, and control systems such as soft robots and nonlinear transmission lines. By incorporating structural and architectural constraints into control design, his research advances both theoretical understanding and practical application. Andy鈥檚 work has already resulted in two journal publications, including one first-author paper, and three conference presentations, demonstrating both high-quality contributions and strong dissemination. He will attend the Research in Industrial Projects for Student (RIPS) program at UCLA before beginning his Ph.D. at UC San Diego in the fall.听
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Christian Ordetx (Applied Mathematics and Engineering Physics)
Christian Ordetx, a double major in Applied Mathematics and Engineering Physics, has conducted research with Physics Professor Murray Holland on atom interferometry in optical lattices. His work explores Bloch-band interferometry in regimes where atoms remain strongly localized, using machine-learned lattice shaking techniques to design and simulate interferometric operations. The resulting system demonstrates measurable sensitivity to acceleration, pointing toward new possibilities for lattice-confined inertial sensing. Christian鈥檚 work exemplifies interdisciplinary research at the intersection of physics, applied mathematics, and computational methods. In addition to his research, he has contributed to teaching and community engagement, serving as a Learning Assistant in Physics. Furthermore, he served as Vice President of Philanthropy for the Triangle chapter at 麻豆免费版下载Boulder, helping organize service initiatives and community outreach efforts. Following his graduation, he will pursue a Ph.D. in Optics and Photonics at the University of Central Florida.听
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Jasdeep Singh (Applied Mathematics and Computer Science)
Jasdeep Singh, recipient of both the Research Award and Academic Engagement Award, is being recognized for his research accomplishments having participated in REUs at the University of Utah and at Purdue University. Further, Jasdeep has published a paper with Professor Sriram Sankaranarayanan.