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2024 Rudy Horne Recipient: Katerina Knyazeva

The Department of Applied Mathematics is thrilled to announce that Katerina Knyazeva has been awarded the 2024 Rudy Horne Memorial Fellowship. This prestigious fellowship was established to support students who, “through their presence in the department, contribute to the diversity of the Department of Applied Mathematics and of the campus, and more generally, of the community of mathematicians.”

The Rudy Horne Memorial Fellowship is a tribute to the values that Dr. Horne championed throughout his life and career. It aims to empower students who embody the spirit of inclusivity and the pursuit of excellence in applied mathematics. This fellowship recognizes individuals who are not only passionate about advancing their field but also deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community—one that flourishes through the contributions of people from all walks of life and a wide range of perspectives.

Katerina, or Kate as she is known to her peers, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to these ideals. Her journey in mathematics has been marked by resilience and determination, overcoming numerous challenges to reach this point. She has consistently shown a strong dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the department, actively participating in initiatives that encourage underrepresented groups to pursue careers in mathematics. Kate’s efforts have already had a profound impact, inspiring her colleagues and contributing to a more welcoming and supportive environment within the department.

Associate Professor and Graduate Program Chair Zachary Kilpatrick is fully confident that Kate is the most deserving recipient of this award. When discussing this year’s candidates, Zack expressed his unequivocal support for Kate, stating, “It’s Kate by a mile. Not only has she cleared incredible hurdles to be here, but she has also committed firmly in the past and will continue to commit in the future to DEI. Kate should get the Rudy Horne.”

The Department of Applied Mathematics congratulates Kate on this well-deserved honor and is excited to see the positive influence she will continue to have on our community. We are confident that her presence in APPM will be instrumental in advancing our collective goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion, enriching both our department and the broader mathematical community.