Wayne State professor honored for excellence in teaching, undergraduate research 2024
Dr. Fernando Charro, an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics at Wayne State University, has been awarded the 2024 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award for his exceptional contributions to undergraduate research and education.
Since joining Wayne State in 2018, Charro has mentored numerous students through programs like the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program and the Department of Mathematics’ Undergraduate Mathematics Research Seminar. His guidance has helped students delve into advanced topics such as game theory, calculus of variations, and digital image reconstruction. Many of his mentees have presented their work at prominent conferences, including the National Conference on Undergraduate Research and the SIAM Great Lakes Section Meeting.
In 2024, Charro organized the “Mini-Symposium on Undergraduate Research” at the SIAM Great Lakes Section Annual Meeting, offering a platform for Midwest undergraduates to present their research. As faculty advisor for Wayne State’s SIAM Student Chapter, he has emphasized the value of collaborative networks in shaping future mathematicians and scientists.
Charro, who earned his Ph.D. from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in 2009, previously served as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Texas at Austin and held a research position as a Juan de la Cierva scholar at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in Spain.
In addition to his mentorship, Charro teaches a wide range of courses, from introductory calculus and linear algebra to advanced graduate-level analysis. He encourages students to tackle challenging problems and grow through persistence, working to ensure that every student at Wayne State has the opportunity for hands-on learning.
Wayne State officials lauded Charro’s work, noting its impact on elevating the university’s profile in applied mathematics research and undergraduate education.